Brief Summary
This video explores the differences in sound and playability between guitars of varying price points, ranging from $200 to $200,000. The host, Brandon Acker, is joined by expert luthier Marshall Beray to test out these instruments and discuss the factors that contribute to their quality and value. The video highlights the importance of playability, resonance, and overtones in determining a guitar's overall sound and feel. It also emphasizes that while expensive guitars offer superior sound and playability, a good guitar at any price point can still be a valuable tool for making music.
- Playability, resonance, and overtones are key factors in determining a guitar's quality.
- Even inexpensive guitars can be valuable tools for making music.
- Expensive guitars offer superior sound and playability, but a good guitar at any price point can still be a valuable tool for making music.
Intro
Brandon Acker and expert luthier Marshall Beray are in Marshall's showroom to test out guitars of different price points, ranging from $200 to $200,000. They aim to determine if the price difference is reflected in the sound and playability of the instruments. Marshall explains that the video is inspired by comments from their previous video about a $275,000 guitar, where viewers questioned the audible differences between guitars at various price points.
$200 Guitar
The first guitar tested is a $200 C by Corda C1, a laminate-top guitar built for durability. While it's a reasonable starting point for beginners, it lacks resonance and has a "dead" sound. The neck is also too flat, causing buzzing. Despite its affordability, the guitar struggles to produce a rich and vibrant sound.
$2,000 Guitar
The second guitar is a $2,000 Francisco Flato, a Japanese-made guitar with a solid spruce top and laminated sides and back. It offers a significant improvement in sound quality compared to the $200 guitar, with more resonance and a wider range of tone colors. While the action is a bit high, it's still considered a good instrument for students and even some professional gigs.
$20,000 Guitar
The third guitar is a $20,000 Art Brune 37 Hower copy, built by Marshall's father. It features Brazilian rosewood sides and back, a bearclaw spruce top, and a beautiful finish. The sound is significantly richer and more complex than the previous guitars, with a noticeable increase in overtones and resonance. The playability is also improved, making it easier to play and express musical ideas.
$200,000 Guitar
The final guitar is a $200,000 1936 Herman Hauser, a vintage instrument with a few minor repairs. It's incredibly light and well-balanced, with a remarkable resonance and clarity. The playability is exceptional, making it feel like the guitar is doing half the work for the player. The overtones are even more pronounced, creating a rich and complex sound that's both beautiful and inspiring.
Comparison #1
Brandon plays a Mozart variation on each guitar, starting with the $200 guitar and progressing to the $200,000 guitar. The difference in sound quality is immediately apparent, with the more expensive guitars producing a richer, more resonant sound with greater clarity and overtones.
Comparison #2
Brandon plays a piece by Barrios on each guitar, further highlighting the differences in sound and playability. The $200,000 guitar shines with its exceptional resonance and clarity, making it a joy to play.
Comparison #3
Brandon plays a piece by Sor on each guitar, showcasing the differences in sustain and overtones. The $200,000 guitar demonstrates a long, beautiful sustain with a rich halo of overtones, while the $200 guitar has a short, "tink" sound with little to no overtones.
