#1
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Tone: Collings vs. Bourgeois vs. Martin
Generally speaking, what are the differences between small-bodied Collings & Bourgeois guitars, versus the Martin products? I know most Collings guitars have a brighter, more “balanced” tone than a Martin…but is that true of the Dana Bourgeois models as well?
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#2
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Tone: Collings vs. Bourgeois vs. Martin
Over the years, I have found Collings guitars to be the most consistent of the three makers. One of the nicest 00s that I have played was a Bourgeois - Italian spruce and Pau Ferro. Warm and full but with great note separation. I find they each have their own tonal signature, as it were, so it just comes down to playing them and see what your ears and hands like best.
I would, generally, say that Martin probably is the “darkest” sounding of the three. Not in a bad way, just that deeper warmth that they can have, even in the small bodies. Best, Jayne |
#3
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But, from a pure consistency of tone, Collings seems to deliver much more often to my ear. All three can build incredible guitars, but if I am buying site unseen/unplayed, my vote would be for the Collings.
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Hope. Love. Music. Collings|Bourgeois |
#4
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However, I have never played Authentic series of Martin. The priciest I have tried I still the HD-28 I bought in a heartbeat. |
#5
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But I will also add, in my experience with the smaller guitar variants, Bourgeois has a tad less volume than the other two. These days I tend toward the Bourgeois tone. I currently have a Bourgeois DB signature 00 (rosewood) that lacks nothing at all in terms of warmth and complexity of tone over any of the OMs I've played. That said, I have loved guitars from all three of these makers and could have lived with any one of them permanently -- it is only my curious nature that kept me brand hopping to see what's out there. |
#6
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Martin is Martin, although I have to say that my 000-42 Marquis is incredibly balanced with plenty of power. It sounds like a Martin, but not like a dread.
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Keith Martin 000-42 Marquis Taylor Classical Alvarez 12 String Gibson ES345s Fender P-Bass Gibson tenor banjo |
#7
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The Martins always have that Martin rumble going on and no midrange to speak of. My Santa Cruz and Collings 00s are better balanced and so the mids come out more with less Martin bass rumble. My Collings is a traditional so it has more mids and less of the typical Collings sound.
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Waterloo WL-S, K & K mini Waterloo WL-S Deluxe, K & K mini Iris OG, 12 fret, slot head, K & K mini Follow The Yellow Brick Road |
#8
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An OM is considered "small body" to me, so take this for what it's worth.
Bourgeois is a lot closer to the Martin sound than Collings. Bourgeois guitars also tend to emphasize the lower mids at the expense of a snappy high end like a Martin would have. Collings meanwhile have a "hot" midrange and very strong highs at the expense of the lower registers. I've heard other people say this is actually what 'balanced' means, but for someone whose ears are tuned to the Martin/Gibson vintage voicing, it means "lacks bass" and it's noticeable. If you want warmth and vintage voicing, it's Martin. If you want volume and clarity it's Collings. If you want to split the difference at the expense of high end snap, go Bourgeois.
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Merrill | Martin | Collings | Gibson For Sale: 2023 Collings D2H 1 3/4 Nut, Adi Bracing, NTB -- $4100 shipped |
#9
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2004 Collings OM42BaaaA 2019 Martin 37' D28AA 2020 Collings D1ATS 2021 Martin 39' D18AA 2015 Duff F5 2008 Kimble A5 AO Tele 60's LPB Vintage Fender Twin |
#10
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I currently have a Vintage Heirloom Custom D and even that has the same differences as a nice rosewood Martin D. I mean… it’s an amazing guitar, but the fundamental construction differences in tone are still there. Nick |