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FDP Forum / FDP Unplugged - Acoustic Instruments / What Martin should I be looking at?
(This message was last edited by 6L6 at 02:47 PM, Jul 6th, 2012)
(This message was last edited by Jim Bob at 11:34 AM, Jun 11th, 2012)
(This message was last edited by Dadical at 05:55 PM, Jun 11th, 2012)
FDP Forum / FDP Unplugged - Acoustic Instruments / What Martin should I be looking at?
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walshb
Contributing Member
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Manchester, TN
12,423 Mustangs passed and countingJun 10th, 2012 11:55 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I'm considering the purchase of a Martin acoustic/elec, mostly for playing bluegrass but I may use it occasionally at church, where I would have to plug in.
I want real wood, no richlite etc and some good natural sounding electronics (which they probably all have?). Playability might be a factor because I'm mainly an electric player so a big wide neck might not be for me. (I don't know anything about the different Martin neck profiles.) Looking for suggestions. Pricing in the $1500 - $3000 range?
Dadical
Contributing Member
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I am not a complete
idiot - I have several pieces missing!Jun 10th, 2012 12:45 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Get a Dreadnaught of whichever variety feels and sounds best to you. The D35 was targeted to bluegrass rhythm playing for pure power and balanced, unobtrusive tone that can fall in with just about anybody.
Some of the special edition vintage design stuff has either a wider neck, V-neck profile, or both. Don't discount the V-neck before you try it. A V-neck in the narrower (standard) width could be just what the Dr. ordered for an electric player switching to acoustic. The acoustic requires more demanding fret hand work and the V-neck is very supportive.
Happy Hunting!
walshb
Contributing Member
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Manchester, TN
12,423 Mustangs passed and countingJun 10th, 2012 01:20 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Thanks Dadical! Really appreciate the info and looking forward to meeting you at the ATL Jam.
littleuch
Contributing Member
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Michigan
T-boned and puncturedJun 10th, 2012 01:46 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I spent a day loitering at Elderly Music last week with the intent of checking various Martins, especially the M-36. They were out of the M-36, I didn't buy a Martin and am now more confused than I was to begin with :-/
walshb
Contributing Member
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Manchester, TN
12,423 Mustangs passed and countingJun 10th, 2012 01:56 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Oh, great! lol
I figured I would go through the confusion stage also, that's why I'm trying to narrow it down by asking here first. :)
telegib
CanadaJun 10th, 2012 07:56 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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HD 28
6L6
Contributing Member
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Lago, CA
Kick the tires, Light the fires! Jun 10th, 2012 11:51 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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HD-28 or HD-28V.
For Martin acoustics I prefer the Highlander iP-2 pup system. There are also many Martin owners who like the K & K Mini pup as well.
I would also recommend you look at a good Guild D-50.
6
amphead4
Cincinnati, USAJun 11th, 2012 07:11 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Like my D18V but haven't compared it to any other models. Recently discontinued but can be found new for around $2500 and $1600 used. I plan to install a K & K mini in mine so I can play it at church.
Powerful with medium strings and the modified V feels great. I can easily swap between it and my C neck strat with no difficulty.
budg
Contributing Member
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ohio
Home of the Goodyear blimpJun 11th, 2012 07:34 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I just bought a d35 and think either that,a d28,a d18 or a hd version of either might be the ticket.D35 is a well balanced guitar.You can do rhythm or lead work on it. On the used market a older d1 might be worth looking at.Great playing and nice sounding guitar for about 5-600 used.Solid mahoghany back and solid top .Nice warm tone.
Jim Bob
AmericaJun 11th, 2012 11:34 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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There are only 3 models of Martins that you should consider - all of the others are distractions. The three are the D-18, D-28, and D-35. The old standard is the D-28. Models below the 18 series all have corners cut in one or more ways to make them affordable to budget minded buyers. If you are looking for a real, all solid wood (no parts made from plastic, carboard, plywood, formica, masonite, etc.) traditional sounding acoustic made from traditional acoustic guitar woods, you should pass them by. The 40 to 45 series are for those who have money to burn and are willing to pay for more decorations and essentially are D-28s with nicer looking appointments and slightly higher graded woods of the same kind that are on the 28s. Worth it if you can afford it, but the high price eliminates most buyers.
geetar37
Contributing Member
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Cincinnati, OH
NOTHING is easy.Jun 11th, 2012 12:03 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I went on a similar journey recently. Thought I wanted a Martin but also wanted electronics. Was only interested in the solid wood/flagship models. The electronics thing becomes a problem. Aside from additional money (you don't want to skimp) to add electronics, you then have to think about altering the guitar. Not dramatically, but still...
Realized there were other guitar manufacturers who also knew how how to make darn good guitars. Shopped around and here is what I ended up with. Couldn't be happier. My advice is not to get tunnel vision. Plenty of great manufacturers out there.
willie
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Walton County, GA.
Half a century of guitar and amp serviceJun 11th, 2012 02:07 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I was sold on the HD-28V until I saw and played the J-40...nothing compares to the sound and response... and even as a predominately electric style player, found it to be quite comfortable and easy to play.
willie
musicmenders.com
walshb
Contributing Member
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Manchester, TN
12,423 Mustangs passed and countingJun 11th, 2012 03:47 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I had a really nice Takamine at one time, and stupidly sold it because it wasn't getting enough playtime. But now that I'm getting older and leaning more towards bluegrass, I've decided I really "need" a Martin. I hope to get some time soon to play a few and see which ones feel more comfortable.
I can get a new D35 for $300 less than the going price, but I haven't played one yet so I'm reluctant to place the order. It's really tempting me though!
Thanks everyone for your input! This has really helped me a lot, and I now have a better idea what to look for.
telegib
CanadaJun 11th, 2012 05:31 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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I can promise you that the D35 will far surpass the Takamine.
Mountie
Contributing Member
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Apple Town, NS
.....Oh, well.......Jun 11th, 2012 05:35 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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The best-sounding acoustic I ever played was a D-35. J-40's are really nice too, in a slightly smaller body.
Try a bunch before you pull the trigger.
Dadical
Contributing Member
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I am not a complete
idiot - I have several pieces missing!Jun 11th, 2012 05:51 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Now you're making me re-think the Atlanta jam. I was planning on a minimalist trip to fit one guitar and no amp into the car. Now I'm wondering if I should drive the Explorer to bring a couple items for you to try out.
Edit to add: Just noticed Manchester in the tag line. I'll be in Nashville next week. Light's on.
BraindeadJer
Contributing Member
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Pura Vida
All riff, no raff.Jun 11th, 2012 07:24 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Another vote for the M-36. I am biased though because I bought one almost 13 months ago, but every time I play it I'm even more convinced I made the right choice - and I was in the market for a D28 or 35. Electronics wise I installed the K&K mini and it amplifies the natural sound. No preamp or sliders to tweak. It always sounds LIKE a Martin and to me it's one less thing to have to worry about. I wish my amped strats, tele and LP were as easy to always pick up and play and have the perfect sound without having to twiddle something.
walshb
Contributing Member
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Manchester, TN
12,423 Mustangs passed and countingJun 11th, 2012 07:38 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Dadical you've got mail.
amphead4
Cincinnati, USAJun 12th, 2012 08:20 AM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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walshb, just drive to Nashville and go to Gruhn's.
willie
Contributing Member
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Walton County, GA.
Half a century of guitar and amp serviceJun 12th, 2012 12:05 PM Edit Profile Print Topic Search
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Not exactly an economy store...but selection is hard to beat. :-)
willie
musicmenders.com
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