I Hated These Maple Guitars — Then I Played Them ★ Acoustic Tuesday 282

Today, I'm excited to share two beautiful guitars that, on paper, I hated. Seriously. But sure enough, I bought them. So what changed my mind? Why are they two of my favorite guitars now?

This episode is dedicated to judging a book by its cover, and why you shouldn't do it. Here's the skinny: I spent most of my career as a guitarist convinced that maple was not the tonewood for me. I avoided it like the plague. And then I discovered a guitar that turned this aversion completely on its head.

It was a custom Martin OM with a maple body back and sides. This guitar is a true work of art, with its maple tonewoods and beautiful finish. I'll be demonstrating its sound and feel, as well as discussing the process of how this guitar entering my arsenal.

Next up is the Huss & Dalton L13 Crossroads Deluxe. This guitar is simply stunning, with a solid Adirondack spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides. I'll be giving you an in-depth review of its tone, playability, and overall craftsmanship.

As always, I'll be providing plenty of tips and techniques along the way, so whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out, there's something for everyone in this episode. So sit back, relax, and join me as we explore the world of acoustic guitar!

Submit your guitarsenal at the link below!

Featured in this episode...

#acousticguitar
00:00 - Intro
02:31 - Guitar 1: Huss & Dalton
08:50 - Guitar 2: Martin custom OM
21:15 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 1
27:35 - How TAC Impacts Guitar Journey
34:17 - TAC Guitar Lick Challenge
39:37 - Acoustic Guitar News pt. 2

[bigtruckbrad]

I got a Guild maple jumbo 12 string right before Thanksgiving and I really like it. A jumbo body in maple is a great thing.

[chicagomusicexchange]

Thank you for the mention!! Showroom Sweep will be a continuing series, stay tuned for more!!

[dharmaofdog]

Wow. Firstly, I think ANY Guitar that Tony played would respond in a beautiful way BUT I must say, that Martin was truly Special to hear. I was NEVER a Fan of Maple but that Guitar has changed my Mind. Not only does it sound Celestial, something about that gorgeous head stock against the Ebony is aesthetically Dreamy!

[ZacCostilla]

That maple Martin, wow!

I love the Hogs! Show us you all-mahogany guitars.

[VictorMatsunaga]

The low end on that martin reminds me of the sound texture of a piano key, that's just marvelous.

[aluminati]

Wow, that Martin sounded incredible! Great video series you started. As a Rickenbacker owner I love everything maple by default.

[BobDorfman]

Suggestion for future episode theme: 00 sized guitars. Dreads and 000/OM guitars have been industry staples for a long time. Smaller body guitars seem to be carving a larger niche in the market these days, maybe because “baby-boomers” like me are finding the smaller body guitars more comfortable to play.

[jackhargreaves]

Your playing on the Martin is so beautiful I got all teary…

[Michael-bmhi]

Maple b&s-guitars are special and I love the sound. J-185 is probably the best sing- and songwriter guitar around and also plays the blues. I would put maple especially over mahagony which I sometimes don't understand the hype about. What a lot of people call 'warm' I would call 'tendency to being boomy'. Rosewood has the tendency of being 'bell'-like and some of my rw-guitars simply don't stop ringing. Some people love that and speak of a great build ("sustain never ends"). I find this sometimes too much of a reverb effect. My maple guitars don't show either effect. That is what like about them.

[texhaines]

Maple Back & Sides: to me, if done correctly, clear, loud bass that just gets better with age. I have a couple and love them in open G and open D. Thanks for the stories, Tony

[BobDorfman]

I loved your main topic today. Every guitar has a role to play.

[rudolphpyatt]

Wonderful sounds from that maple Martin. I love the clarity.

[williamechols]

Hi Tony. After several months of subscribing Acoustic Tuesday I jumped in TAC last week. What caught my eye was the demo of the multi tool and had to learn how to do that. It looked kinda hard at first but once into the challenge I got it under my fingers. I’m looking forward to learning more, thank you.

[firecrackerheart]

Dang, Tony. Martin would be silly NOT to create a signature Polecastro OM Maple/European Alpine Spruce model after the sheer adoration you showed, along with the classy looks of the instrument; and more importantly, the super intriguing and amazing tone of that guitar. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the sound of the custom Polecastro-Martin—and like you, am completely surprised at that fact. I'm hearing overtones and sustain and complexities of what I am used to hearing out of Dalbergia family tonewoods. Best Acoustic Tuesday yet. Gracias!

[luukvandervaart]

Thx dude, I'm on the hunt for my first premium guitar and this helps understanding what I'd want atm

[sammaynard]

I was weary of Maple as well!- how crazy, Maple/Spruce combo is classic!, violins, cellos, archtops!...I have a nice Gibson J-185 that sounds like nothing else in my stables, like a hi-fi speaker. I must have more Maple!

[johnwashburn]

Just when I thought I was finished buying guitars, you pull me back in. I have no maples.
I really love the tone of your H&D, but the tuxedo is a killer! I would probably take the Huss & Dalton simply because of the unique sound.

[danielmorrow]

Excellent video Tony! In 2019 I had luthier Don Rust of Ursa Illinois build me an all maple OM 45 style 6 string. It has all the attributes of the Martin. It’s an amazing guitar but I hadn’t been playing it much and actually considered selling it-not now. Your video inspired me to get it out and play the h—- of it, thanks.

[acousticsong-guitarco]

That Martin rings, what a sustain and projection. Very articulate as well.

[williamknell]

That Martin has a peculiar voice. In a really beautiful way. It has a sort of vowel sound dynamic that follows the attack.
Gorgeous guitar with such a special sound. I would have never guessed! Wild.