Whew... long thread.

Some Martin ramblings....

I have a '34 Martin Tenor that is a sweet thing. Needs to be played more though. I just can't get used to that CGDA tuning.

I recently did my 'search' for a nice acoustic. Tried the Martins, everything up to the Eric Clapton model and the only ones that i REALLY liked were the HD-28 and the Clapton. Some of the lower end ones are nice and I think i'd choose the D-3R over similarly priced Taylors. But, i wound up with a Taylor 710LTD.

My uncle took his '63 D-28 in for repairs. didn't have proof of ownership. but he is the original owner. they did about $1500 in repairs for nothing. were very nice. except when he wanted to get a gig bag, almost wouldn't let him take it home... It's a beautiful guitar but he insists on putting those heavy strings on it.

I find that Martins have too fat a neck for my taste. Which is why i like Taylors. OTOH I've heard complaints that the thin necked Taylors tend to warp.

I live about 20 minutes from the factory and did the tour a few weeks ago. It's an assembly line. the better model guitars get more attention, but the same people who work on the D-45's work on the DM's.

I think they got A LOT of flack for their quality dip in the 70's. Their good line is still good, but i think their lower line is hit or miss.

Like any company, you hear good stories and horror stories. At some point i'd like to have a really nice Martin, but for now, i'll stick to my Taylor.

Ta Ta Tony