Expensive vs Affordable Acoustic Guitar

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I appreciate the honesty coming from a singer-songwriter who was not being sponsored, but who realistically has different expectations of those two guitars. They sound DIFFERENT. That's super helpful. I can see many people being encouraged to either really appreciate what they own, or are not intimidated to write and record because their guitar isnt a $3500.00 model. I love these " inside the life of a musician" type videos. You're talking to two different audiences at once and both are incredibly meaningful and helpful.

As soon as Mary started singing, I forgot that there were 2 different guitars.

Brilliant playing, singing, songwriting, story telling, and editing. Seems there’s no limit to what you do well.

“Six Thousand Miles” is brilliant. I kind of heard those two guitars as complimentary, not competitive, in that tune, a woody thump in the Orangewood and a kind of crystalline yet smokey bourbon refinement from the Martin. Fantastic!

Loved your song. Loved your honest comparison. I've been playing guitar "unprofessionally" for 64 years. I veered into medicine instead of music for a profession. At 74 I'm retiring from medicine and veering back into music - primarily guitar. I've purchased high end and inexpensive guitars over the years. I still play both. I learned to play on a chunk of wood with strings but my second guitar let me "feel" the music reverbrating through the guitars body into my body. That emotional link inspired me to continue. I doubt you could have written your marvelous new song on the orangewood ( You'll tell me if you think I'm wrong) but I absolutely see it's terrific value as a beginner guitar and later as a travel ax. Like people, every guitar has it's own personality. Search for one(s) that compliment yours.

Bought a lefty Orangewood about a year ago. About 200 USD. Solid, no frills, sounds darn good.

I am totally impressed with "6000 miles" The Martin definitely has a brighter sound But, the cheaper one sounds good for the money. Thanks for the demonstration, Mary.

Cool video, Mary! I had seen the vid in 2019 too and it's nice to revisit the Orangewood and compare it to your Martin. I love OM models and the warm cosy sound of Mahogany 🤗. Your Martin is clearly more resonant and fuller sounding, but I listen with pleasure to you playing the Orangewood, too 😊👍. Have a nice rest of your day 😘

Nothing wrong with the Orangewood, especially for that affordable price! I have owned my OM-28V since new in 2002. I can hear the differences. The Martin has a fuller sound with warmth and deeper lows. I was expecting the Orangewood to have the warmth because of the mahogany, but I was wrong. It's a good comparison, due to similar body style and size. Great video!

Your videos are so well made Mary! The editing, the sound and the video quality are all top notch. Not to mention your amazing guitar skills. Cannot wait to hear the new album. Great work Mary 👏

Amazing timing in your playing Mary, very professional level video, song and comparison. You keep getting better in leaps and bounds, thanks for all you do 😻

Beautifully made video Mary thank you. First off, great comparison, rhe little orangewood sounded fantastic as did the Martin as expected. Secondly really nice song thanks 😊

I bought the Orangewood Mahogany because that's what you're using in the beginning guitar class I purchased from you. I love the guitar and your class! Thanks Mary!

The Orangewood sounds really good, the Martin sounds better. But not $3500 worth better! If I was comparing these looking to buy one or the other, the Orangewood wins hands down! I had a similar experience comparing a Washburn acoustic to a Taylor. I ended up buying the Washburn. Actually TWO Washburn guitars, a 6 string and a 12 string, for less than the price of one Taylor 6 string. That was around 20 years ago and I still own and play both of the Washburn guitars!

Using a mahogany top on a more cheaply made guitar is honestly a bit of a genius move. The natural compression of the hardwood balances a sound that could otherwise be warped by cut corners in other places,- not saying that is the case here, but the results speak for themselves. I'm impressed, and it looks gorgeous.

Lovely song. Much appreciated. For me, the Martin is brighter, livelier. It competes with your voice for attention. The Orangewood has a more blended, harmonious, 'melted into the background' sound. If I had a superb voice, I would probably prefer the cheaper guitar. If I was a less serious singer and the focus was on my guitar work, then the Martin would be for choice.

Nice guitars, great playing ! Both guitars projected your tone well, and the mic is capturing it great.

Wow Mary! Just freakin' WOW! I've seen every video your name is on and that was the best performance(s), of the best song, you've ever shared. It's brilliant. This song will be a huge hit. I'd love to hear these two recordings complete and can't wait to hear everything else you do with it. 6000 Miles is my new favorite song.

Marvelous playing. A really nice objective comparison and advice on the guitars. Love how your mastery of the separate styles of voice enhances your songs. Great stuff.