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FDP Forum / FDP Unplugged - Acoustic Instruments / How do you pick a Martin with SO many choices?
(This message was last edited by Greg at 10:55 AM, Jan 15th, 2012)
(This message was last edited by Greg at 08:34 PM, Feb 15th, 2012)
FDP Forum / FDP Unplugged - Acoustic Instruments / How do you pick a Martin with SO many choices?
Greg
Highland CA
Close to CoronaJan 15th, 2012 10:09 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Love my Taylor 414ce. Play almost exclusively these days solo fingerstyle arrangements with lots of alternate tunings and capo usage. Thinking it would be nice to have two good quality steel string guitars to alternate between tunings.
For variety I'm considering a Martin (why not?). Went onto their website and was overwhelmed with the various models they make. Wow! Some of the guitar stores in my area stock Martins but nowhere near what is listed on the website. Makes me think if I pick one off the rack that I would miss out on something far better that's listed online.
Would like to leave one guitar in DADGAD and the other for everything else. Specifically want one with electronics, single cutaway, fingerstyle (not strumming), hopefully 2k or less. Of course if there's a model for a little more money that is superior it would be good to know. Music wise think Ed Gerhard, Laurence Juber and Will Ackerman type stuff.
Does any single Martin fit those specs that really stands out for my purposes? Lots of experienced, accomplished and knowledgeable Martin fans around here, what would you do?
Thanks!
Doc B
Contributing Member
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San DiegoJan 15th, 2012 01:53 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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You sound to me like the person Martin is building the new Perfrming Artist series for. They have been getting great reviews and come in a broad range of prices, depending on materials and appointments.
6L6
Contributing Member
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Lago, CA
Kick the tires, Light the fires! Jan 15th, 2012 01:55 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Well...
I'd give FDP'er BingK a call and ask him to tell you about Guild acoustics.
I have three nice Martins and five Guilds in my stash. If one brand or the other had to go it would be the Martins.
6
Jake The Loafer
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B'ham, Alabama
"Uhh Yahwww, I'll Get Around To It"Jan 15th, 2012 02:24 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I'm w/ you 6! What is this new ARCOS series I see on the Guild site?
Peace,
Jake
Greg
Highland CA
Close to CoronaJan 15th, 2012 02:37 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Never met a Guild I didn't like. Hadn't considered the option, thanks for reminding me. Don't remember any of the local stores around here carrying them though. Will have to check it out. Going to their website right now, hope it's not as confusing as the Martin site.
Vic Vega
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Massachusetts
Happy to be at the top of the food chainJan 15th, 2012 06:49 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Do yourself a big favor and look at Gibsons also. They are making outstanding acoustics these days.
RussB
Contributing Member
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Connecticut
a little out of tuneJan 15th, 2012 07:23 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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So, in order to navigate all the Martin choices, you should also look at Gibson and Guild...that aught to narrow it all down :)
Dadical
Contributing Member
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I am not a complete
idiot - I have several pieces missing!Jan 15th, 2012 07:52 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Buying a real good guitar is serious business. I suggest you start by playing a few Martins in different body sizes and neck widths just to learn how they feel. Trim levels, tone woods, electronics and ultimately deciding on "the one" can come later. It doesn't matter if the most beautiful looking and sounding D28 in CA falls in your lap if it doesn't feel just right for your style.
A friend who does a lot of fingerpicking played Martins up and down the line and wound up with a mahogany 00-15. He could afford any Martin, but that one matched his ear and felt just right.
6L6
Contributing Member
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Lago, CA
Kick the tires, Light the fires! Jan 17th, 2012 08:43 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I've owned a lot of acoustic guitars since I bought my first in 1964.
Of all these, the Guilds are always the most enjoyable for me to play. And out of those Guilds, my '74 D-40 is my all-time fav.
I recently watched a wonderful '75 D-40 on eBay that couldn't even generate a bid of $850. That my friend is INSANITY!!! But... it's all in the buyer's favor.
Go Guild.
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BraindeadJer
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Pura Vida
All riff, no raff.Jan 17th, 2012 07:24 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Be sure to try an m-36 or m-38 if you want a non-dread body style.
MLC
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It's not just good..
...it's good enough.Jan 18th, 2012 11:17 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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With ANY acoustic, I really believe in the "play before you pay" concept. True for an electric as well, but I think it's essential for an acoustic.
When I decided that I wanted a "really nice acoustic and probably a Martin", I limited my selection process to only those I could get my hands on.
BbendFender
Contributing Member
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Texas
Throw in a pick and you've got a deal!Feb 9th, 2012 08:26 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Martin guitars! Buy one that plays good, sounds good and feels good (to your wallet).
amphead4
Cincinnati, USAFeb 10th, 2012 09:06 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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In 1997 my brother was talking to a picker in Nashville (where he lives) who told him to go down to a certain store and buy a new D18V. It was a no brainer at the price offered, according to the guy.
So my brother did just that without considering any other model, Martin or otherwise.
Last year he decided he would rather have the cash and put it up for sale. I bought it from him for $100 less than he paid 14 years ago. I didn't consider any other model, Martin or otherwise. I probably paid around market for it, a fair price.
Ignorance is bliss and we both have been very happy with that guitar. If I shopped around, I might find something to replace it with but it's so nice, I never shop around. I expect one of my kids will inherit it from me.
I know this doesn't help the OP pick which model but the point is, someone knew what to buy and two others followed that advice and have been very happy with the results. So find someone you trust and go for it.
telegib
CanadaFeb 15th, 2012 07:27 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I just love the Martin Dreadnought tone especially the HD models. They sound clear fat and punchy whether you are strumming over the soundhole or near the bridge.
They could have dead strings but still have tonal character. Beyond that it would be pride of ownership and brand reputation.
Greg
Highland CA
Close to CoronaFeb 15th, 2012 08:32 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Didn't end up getting a Martin, got a cedar-mahogany Takamine instead (see my other thread).
Like it better than the Martins in the price range.
telegib
CanadaFeb 16th, 2012 03:23 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Glad you found your guitar. If brand preference isn't the deal and the tone is what you want that is all that matters.
For me it has been Martin for most of my life. And for many years I have bought Yamaha, Takamine, played the familiy Gibson J200, Taylor, etc. I never even found playing Martins at the store anything special. But not until I bought my Martin HD28 was I totally satisfied with my tone.
I would have normally bought about 3 acoustics by now trying to find the ultimate one but since I have owned my Martin over the past few years I have no desire to buy another. Peace at last LOL!
hushnel
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Southern Florida,
A Friend of Bill W.Mar 6th, 2012 06:01 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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"A friend who does a lot of fingerpicking played Martins up and down the line and wound up with a mahogany 00-15. He could afford any Martin, but that one matched his ear and felt just right"
That little sucker ambushed me, couldn't sleep until I owned it, I did hear a D-18 hanging on the wall at Jon 's that came close, guess I like mahogany.
Jim Bob
AmericaMar 14th, 2012 02:55 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Ummm. . . . Martin only makes two models, the D-18 which is mahogany with Sitka top, and the D-28 which is rosewood with a Sitka top. Everything else is just a distraction.
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