Dread Shootout! Which One Do You Prefer? (Guitars Revealed!)

[woodenstrings]

1
3
2

2 was least fav, muted..

[Basalt Beach]

Each have their own unique voice, however I selected #3. Looking forward to when you share the reveal!

[Mr. Paul]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

They all sounded like the same guitar.

With Goodallboy on this.

[ManyMartinMan]

Originally Posted by RalphH

Wait, is it a trick question? Same dred, 3 different mic placements??

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

They all sounded like the same guitar.

He's said they are all different. I agree they sound extremely similar with #2 & #3 sounding near identical. I believe that's a function of using the same recording set up for all 3. Just like many of Tony Polecastro's guitars begin to sound similar when he's doing comparisons of 2 or 3 guitars back to back. The influence of a recording set up that imparts its own color to the overall result, makes the results of all three sound like that recording set up. If you record a $100,000 guitar with a digital pocket recorder it won't sound much, if any, better than the $100 guitar using that same recorder.

[RalphH]

Originally Posted by brencat

We are only several hours away from the reveal. Gets your votes in, folks!

how did you manage to put 'only' and 'several hours' together in a sentence?

[ziapack]

I'm saying 1,3,2 as well. All three are close, but #1 had an edge of clarity and tone in the mid range I liked best.

[DenverSteve]

Liking, or not liking, any of the recordings has nothing to do with liking any of the guitars used in the recordings. What we are doing is ranking recordings not speculating on guitars used. In the end, regardless of the guitars used in the recordings, what you're doing here is ranking the recordings as you prefer them - not guitars - even though many will try to say "see, I knew I liked the XXX in recording 1,2 or 3. Even though I've listened through my studio amp/headphone system and I hear the characteristic differences between the instruments, any one of them could be almost any make/model. Although, I did distinctly hear one to be a Taylor.

[jaymarsch]

Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan

He's said they are all different. I agree they sound extremely similar with #2 & #3 sounding near identical. I believe that's a function of using the same recording set up for all 3. Just like many of Tony Polecastro's guitars begin to sound similar when he's doing comparisons of 2 or 3 guitars back to back. The influence of a recording set up that imparts its own color to the overall result, makes the results of all three sound like that recording set up. If you record a $100,000 guitar with a digital pocket recorder it won't sound much, if any, better than the $100 guitar using that same recorder.

So true. I would love to hear these three in person.

Best,
Jayne

[brencat]

11/10 Update: The results are in and the guitars are now revealed below. The OP has been updated with additional comments about each dread. My vote was cast for the D-18 Authentic 1937...

Thanks again to everyone who listened and voted!


Guitar #1 (50 votes) - 2005 Martin D-28 Marquis (Adi/EIR).

Guitar #2 (9 votes) - 2008 Martin D-18 Authentic 1937 (Adi/Hog).

Guitar #3 (23 votes) - 2012 Santa Cruz D/PW (Sitka/EIR).

[RalphH]

No way! Ok, I need to get over the 19th century looks of a Martin and actually play one.

[CASD57]

Voted for 3 in order 3-1-2

I guess I'm a Rosewood guy... The Hog sounded muffied..like it was overbuilt or thick finish...

Who would guess

[brencat]

I also want to mention a view posters who made some great observations about the recordings:

Originally Posted by Haasome

They all sound nice, but I’ll be the contrarian. I liked the subtle nuance and balance I’m hearing more of in recording #2 the most.

Paul knows a great guitar when he hears one!

Originally Posted by dennyman

I kept coming back to 3. And I would primarily use them as follows: 3 for recording, 1 for playing a solo gig and 2 for anything else. Thanks for this post!

This post was particularly astute. #3 for recording. Clearly Denny picked up on the Santa Cruz's enhanced mids and less booming bass. Well done!

Originally Posted by jasbo49

I found 1 a little raw, 2 straight-on mellow, and 3 to be just right.

And I'd agree with lots of people here that 2 sound like a hog.

Correct on all points

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

I have a different take on this. Yes #1 sounded powerful and full of overtones but kept crashing into each other on this piece of music. #2 was dry and mellow sounding. #3 was less loud and less busy then #1 but still had that #1 rosewood sound.

For this piece of music I preferred #2, then #3 then #1. #1 was an excellent sounding guitar and playing a different piece could easily be my favorite.

And another great post. Exactly how I ranked them for this particular piece and for the same reasons.

[StringMeUp]

Originally Posted by brencat

11/10 Update: The results are in and the guitars are now revealed below. The OP has been updated with additional comments about each dread. My vote was cast for the D-18 Authentic 1937...

Thanks again to everyone who listened and voted!


Guitar #1 (50 votes) - 2005 Martin D-28 Marquis (Adi/EIR).

Guitar #2 (9 votes) - 2008 Martin D-18 Authentic 1937 (Adi/Hog).

Guitar #3 (23 votes) - 2012 Santa Cruz D/PW (Sitka/EIR).

Hey, I was close! 😂🤣😅 That was fun. Thanks for the post!!

[BrunoBlack]

One thing that probably means nothing — I’m a big fan of BC picks and always use 40, 45 or 50s. But I almost always prefer 40s with mahogany guitars because I find 50s take a little too much “off” for my playing style & taste. Just IMO...

[jaymarsch]

Thanks for the clips and the reveal. Nice collection of guitars you have there.

Best,
Jayne