Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Tim Ausburn
Date: 16 Jan 07 - 12:19 AM

I've read most of the postings about Martin guitars and the one by Frank Hamilton explains it the best that I've heard.
I'm 72 and have played guitar for 60 years. I've owned just about every kind of quality guitar going and have played many others that I haven't owned. I've done repairs and set up on hundreds of guitars in the 50 years that I've been in the repair business. I have checked out MANY D-18 and D-28 Martin guitars that had the bridge located wrong. Some were over 1/8 of an ince out, usally short so that the guitar played sharp. I have found this problem in all other makes of guitars also.
I have always advised anyone looking to buy a guitar to travel as far as practical and try as many guitars as they can before deciding on one.
I agree with postings that say that a given guitar will sound different when played by different people.
I have played Taylor guitars, most of their higher priced models at least and most were fairly decent sounding and playing guitars. I just can't get the tone and volume from the Taylor guitars that I'm looking for. Some Santa Cruz guitars are good also but I find things I don't like with every brand I try.
I've found duds in every brand of guitar that I've ever tried. I still believe that overall when you compare same quality guitars from all makers that Martin comes out ahead.
I play a 1951 D-28 Martin that plays in tune all up and down the neck. I have a 2004 HD-28V Martin that sounds great and plays in tune all up and down the neck. I have a 2005 DCME acoustic/electric Martin that has a neck that feels like a Gibson electric. It is really fast. It also plays in tune all over the neck.
I was very upset when Martin started putting the Martin name on their line of cheap guitars. I think they should have kept the Sigma line for low priced guitars.
Anyway these are just my feelings about guitars that I've developed from 60 years of playing and comparing them.
Thanks for your time.
Tim Ausburn

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 13 Jan 07 - 11:45 AM

I wouldn't part with my oo-21 for any money.

But what isn't being said here is that one guitar in the hands of one player will sound different in the hands of another.

Case in point: I have played Big Bill Broonzy's guitar on numerous occasions at the Old Town School. No way am I going to make it sound like Big Bill did it.

OTOH I make my guitar sound the way I play it and others have played it and not sounded the same. Some of them don't like it for themselves which is perfectly understandable.

The guitar is such a personal instrument that to try to standardize it is to miss the boat.

Martin Guitars are expensive because of their long reputation. Nowadays, there are makers who are just as good but it really comes down to the player.

Also, body type has a lot to do with it, size of hands, approach to the instrument....all the personal variables. The discussion here is almost a red-herring.

The guitar that works for you is worth what you pay for it.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 13 Jan 07 - 09:50 AM

Never really liked Martins, always sound a bit metallic to me. Now my 1964 Gibson - that really does have a wonderful, rich tone.........

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Bubblyrat
Date: 12 Jan 07 - 05:48 PM

For many guitar-players, ownership of one of the finest,if not THE finest,guitars in the world is a lifetime goal !! Yes, you can buy cheaper guitars that perform very well,and are satisfying to play, But to paraphrase a recent advertisement for Belgian Lager, a Martin is "reassuringly expensive". Then there is the kudos of owning a Martin, and knowing that people know that you own & use a Martin !!That is priceless, & obviously you don"t want too many others to share that feeling ! And,to be honest, Martin guitars have a tone,and a build quality, and "feel", that just sets them apart from the rest, & naturally,that comes at a price . So I will continue to lend people my Avalon, if they really MUST borrow a guitar, but my Martin   ?? ?NEVER !!!

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,jock whitby
Date: 14 Dec 06 - 06:13 AM

are they?you can buy a dx1 for less than 500 notes.its tone of the best sounding jumbos ive ever owned-not competing with the d28 ecits such a beautifull guitar i darent play it.try the dxi

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Fred Boulton
Date: 10 Dec 06 - 11:45 PM

They're not! For an instrument that is so beautiful, so well-made, such great quality, I don't think they're expensive.

I had a 1964 000-28 for many years and it was a lovely guitar. Always turned people's heads with its clear balanced tones.

I bought a D76 in 1976 and it's been my friend ever since. Once again, people are always amazed at the beautiful balanced sound across all strings and tones.

I'm about to buy a D41, a different creature again.

Not, expensive, just not cheap!

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Ebbie
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 05:34 PM

I have a D35 12-fret slothead Martin. Normally I take it wherever I go locally. However this winter when it's been raining and blowing or snowing I leave it home and use a friend's guitar. It isn't far to Friday Night music -only about 3 blocks - but one of those blocks is up an 84-step staircase.

I've been using my friend's Washburn the last couple of months. My friend used it and liked it until she bought a D28.

The Washburn, imo, is close to being junk, mostly because it never sings. The low E string, for instance, positively thuds. She says, however, that she paid about $400 for it, which surprises me because I thought a Washburn is pretty much a $100 guitar.

Last night another friend brought an extra Martin for me to use, a D35. It's a 14 fret and it doesn't have the sound that my own guitar has but it was a joy to use. Stroke those strings and it talks back to you.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,vyperr
Date: 11 Nov 06 - 07:55 AM

I cant believe I sat here and read all these posts!
The debate can rage from now till the heavens fall, and the fact remains this. We each are individual, with individual needs and tastes. I play, wont say what I play, its pointless, what is most impportant is this, I play for the joy it brings me, the smile, or feeling of peace it may bring another, even if only briefly during that time. I ask you, "Can a price be put on what we feel when we share a gift, be it from an Ibanez Aw-200, a Martin D-35, a Taylor 800....and the list goes on, but, I have made my point.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Midchuck
Date: 30 Oct 06 - 06:19 PM

...Taylors tend to leave the factory as good as it gets...

Yeah, that's the problem.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 30 Oct 06 - 06:01 PM

Martin v Taylor. Who cares. Have any of you guys ever played a Levin?

My point is that we all have our favourites. A martin lover will never agree with a fan of Taylors and vice versa.

One thing is for sure though. Once you get above amateur level instruments, which for Martin is anything less than a D18 or 00018 or 0M18 etc. the quality of all makes starts to really soar. Over here in the UK, if you pay anything under £1200 for a new Martin, you are almost certainly getting less than professional quality and by the time you drop to those costing under a grand, you really ought not to bother because they are pure shite, better to buy Jap-crap plywood rubbish from Yamaha. However, once into the realms of model 28 and above, you really are driving a Rolls Royce.

Another thing that might put off Taylor fans is that a Martin needs at least 3-5 yrs playing in before it reaches its peak tonal quality whereas Taylors tend to leave the factory as good as it gets. So they sound great as soon as you buy them. I prefer to buy something that sounds good new knowing that in a few years it will sound so good it would make angels cry.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: oggie
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 05:39 PM

Once you're past the entry level isn't the sound/feel of any guitar largely a matter of taste? I personally find that Taylors leave me cold, I've tried a number of Avalons, one was gorgeous (to me), my wife hated it. Yesterday I took my Epiphone with me when I went to try some guitars and the salesman's attitude was 'why are you trying to trade up? how much do you want for it 'cos I'll have it!'

Yes I did try another Martin (well sveral in fact)and guess what, didn't like them! So the search for a new guitar goes on but I've learnt one lesson, when you find the guitar that 'speaks' to you BUY IT, don't rely on finding another like it even if it is the same brand and model.

All the best

oggie

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Scoville
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 01:44 PM

I don't see the point of buying a low-end Martin just for the name; I've both heard and played them and wasn't impressed (and definitely wasn't impressed enough to pay the price difference). I can see that it might make a difference in the upper-end guitars, though. Personally, I'd never rule out a guitar based on name prestige/lack of name prestige and I'd never buy a guitar without playing the exact instrument (I'd never mail-order one based on make & model).

I've "met" a few guitars for which I would have given my eye teeth; one was a teeny little 1936 Martin 0-18, one was a friend's big old Fender (the SOB sold it and got a new Taylor that sounded like a fence post; I could have killed him), and the third was a 1960's Guild. They were all great guitars, but then they were all higher-end guitars (at least, much higher end than I could afford/my playing skills would justify).

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,chill, kendall
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 01:38 PM

Per Kendall:

It always gives me pleasure to hand my Taylor to a Martin lover and watch his reaction as he plays it.Instant converts. One well known collector/picker played it and was both amazed and crest fallen. he said, "This sounds as good as my vintage Martin for which I just paid $10,000!"

Sorry, Kendall, but Taylors are the quintessential point-of-sale guitar. They arrive with Elixer strings and easy action, and reward the neophyte player with the sense that they're holding a brilliant instrument. But the sound is trebly and thin, and lacks, well, balls. Taylors are he favored guitar of a lot of folky girls. Nothing intended by that but observation.

Enjoy your Taylor- it probably has opened up in twenty years, as any guitar will. But your "collector/picker" friend sounds like he was stroking you behind the ears back there, buddy. He'll never be buying Taylors for his collection.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Midchuck
Date: 26 Oct 06 - 01:11 PM

Send me the 750 - about what? US$1,250? and I'll buy a D15 and a round trip plane ticket and bring it to you. Come pretty close, anyway.

I decided to research it and find out how far short I was. The results were surprising.

Google says 750 British Pounds = US$1,403.

Elderly Instruments lists $849 as the "minimum advertised price" for a D-15.

The cheapest price I came up with for New York to London round trip was $447.

Looks like I'd have a few bucks left over for Customs and local travel.

Peter

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: oggie
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 04:11 PM

Secret is not to use Royal Mail. I've had fretsaws delivered from the States and my supplier uses Schenkers. They do all the clearances and then dliver and I give them a cheque on the doorstep.

oggie

PS Woodworking tools are 1.7% duty - God knows why the difference.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 11:39 AM

dont forget thats 17.5% VAT of the entire total

including shipping cost and import duty..


then the profiteering bastards at Royal Mail
slap on top of all that

their extortionate 'clearance fee'

while they hold your parcel to ransom
until you pay up the import/VAT tax..


but having said that..


and even though some American instrument sellers,
ask for unreasonable shipping fees and expensive bank transfers etc..

.. i've stll imported in some great guitar bargains from the US..

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Scrump
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 11:38 AM

Although I've never yet owned a Martin (but I do have a Sigma which is amazingly good for what it cost me), I've tried several and my impression is that the cheaper ones are not particularly good value, i.e. you could get something better for that money (at least here in the UK), and I think you are paying more for the name at the lower end, relative to the overall price.

But I thought the mid-higher end ones (say from £1,300 - £1,500 upwards) are very good quality (I think the most expensive one I tried was about £2,500). Unfortunately I can't remember which models they were, but mostly dreadnought size or thereabouts.

But of course they all vary individually. Again it could be argued that for that money or little more you could get something equally good or better, depending on your own preferences.

To sum up, I think yes, you do pay for the name, but at the higher end the 'name' part is less significant than at the lower end. I'd be interested to see if anyone else agrees? That was just my impression, as a non-owner.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: oggie
Date: 25 Oct 06 - 11:18 AM

Yes, I have heard of import duty, 3.2% plus 17.5% VAT so approx 21% of the value of the instrument plus shipping costs. Still seems to be quite a diference at the moment as the dollar is at 1.82.

All the best

oggie

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: number 6
Date: 24 Oct 06 - 10:10 PM

Yeah, currency differences also ... they add the the high price here in Canada also.

sIx

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,UKpickstrum
Date: 24 Oct 06 - 10:04 PM

Ever heard of import duty?

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: oggie
Date: 24 Oct 06 - 12:40 PM

From a UK perspective the problem may partly be that the UK is viewed by many companies (not just in music) as a cash cow which will stand high prices.   Checked on some USA sites and did the conversion and yes, Martins, Gibsons and a whole host of others are considerably cheaper in the States BUT the shops will not ship to the UK as presumably it breaches their agreements with the manufacturer.

oggie

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Oct 06 - 04:42 PM

I played the cheapest Martin they had in the shop, D15 I think, £750, just too much

Send me the 750 - about what? US$1,250? and I'll buy a D15 and a round trip plane ticket and bring it to you. Come pretty close, anyway.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,number 6
Date: 23 Oct 06 - 04:38 PM

Take some advice ... don't waste your money on that D15.

I'd much rather buy a good offshore guitar than that.

sIx

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: oggie
Date: 23 Oct 06 - 04:34 PM

I recently went looking for a new guitar to replace my Epiphone FR25 which I've had for 25+ years. Set myself a budget of £500 and hit the guitar shops of London. I nearly bought one, a Yamaha, nice instrument, good action etc, internal mike not Piezo, then I made a mistake. I played the cheapest Martin they had in the shop, D15 I think, £750, just too much and that was it. I knew if I bought the Yamaha I would always regret not buying the Martin. So now I need some more pennies and a rethink.

All the best

oggie

Subject: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Johnny K
Date: 23 Oct 06 - 12:56 PM

I agree there are many fine new guitars. Bought a Martin D-18GE earlier this year. Why? Because I liked the sound and I liked the name. When I bring it out, there is a mystique and people respond to it both visually and auditorily. Just like my Harley and my Boston Whaler. Are there better guitars, bikes and boats? Maybe, my personal opinion, it is in the eye of the beholder! Along with quality, the name does something for me. Does it make me a better guitar player, biker or boater? Probably not; but it makes me feel good about what I own and adds to the enjoyment of ownership.

Finally, I have never had anyone tell me my Martin sounds like a dud. They like to hear me sing and play. The instrument supports that, the rest is left up to me.

I believe Tony Rice could play any guitar and people would respond positively to his talent. While the rest of us would be scratching our heads and asking. " How did he make that plywood guitar sound like that?"

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 17 Sep 06 - 03:31 PM

I would have to agree with everthing Don said. Luckily there are lots of fine guitar makers to choose from nowadays. Those that want a Martin can find one. Those who don't have plenty of other choices they can make.

Myself - I own a 1967 Martin D-18 and a 2004 Collings OM {among others}. And I can't imagine getting rid of either one of them. And the Martin was cheap. It only cost me $250.00 {back in 1969}. The Collings cost a bit more however.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Don Firth
Date: 17 Sep 06 - 03:19 PM

"How many guitars did you play in your life . . . in order to be able to judge Martins in such an authoritative way?"

Well, quite a few, actually. I got my first Martin in 1954, and I've owned three altogether. Since then, I have played dozens and heard hundreds. At the time, Martin was the guitar. Prices ranged from about $100.00 up to close to $300.00, depending on the model. The quality of any model was excellent, and it was almost possible to buy a Martin sight-unseen and be pretty certain that you were getting a fine instrument. The occasional not-so-good Martin was a rare beast indeed.

But times have changed. During the late Fifties, through the Sixties, and beyond, the demand for good guitars, particularly Martins, has multiplied many times over. Of course, the prices skyrocketed (law of supply and demand), and to meet that demand, Martin increased production and the number of models. And, unfortunately, as all too often happens in circumstances like that, quality began to slide.

For the most part, Martins are still excellent guitars, but as far as buying sight-unseen is concerned, it's definitely not advisable. The ratio of not-so-good Martins to the very good ones has increased markedly, and if you're in the market for a Martin, you really want to try several before you buy.

Are Martin's out of my financial range? No. I currently own three full-sized guitars, two made in Madrid, and one made in Japan. I also have a couple of very nice travel guitars, both made by Sam Radding in San Diego. If I really wanted a Martin, I could sell one of the Spanish-made guitars and use the money to buy two or three Martins.

Are Martins good guitars? Most certainly. But they've become very expensive of late, and the quality is far more spotty than it used to be. Caveat emptor

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,jcmontero
Date: 17 Sep 06 - 12:14 PM

Sorry, I didn't want to be rude, but some questions are ridiculous, indeed.

It's like asking why Ferraris are so expensive.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,jcmontero
Date: 17 Sep 06 - 12:09 PM

"In many cases far from being the best guitars"?

Can you show some example for this sentence?

How many guitars did you play in your life to say in order to be able to judge Martins in such an authoritative way?

What's your criteria of expensive? Do you mean out of your range, maybe? If so, buy an Esteban and be happy!

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: number 6
Date: 26 Aug 06 - 07:53 PM

More info on the D100 here ...

D100

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: number 6
Date: 26 Aug 06 - 07:47 PM

here's the Martin d100 ... garish as hell, but I really wonder how it sounds.

The $100k Martin

sIx

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: 282RA
Date: 26 Aug 06 - 07:31 PM

>>I'm sorry if this has been asked before, but Martin Guitars are, in many cases, far from the best guitars ever made.

The name however appears to make people salivate, lose all sensible judgement, and pay stupid prices?

Can someone tell me why?<<

You think Martins are expensive, try buying a Larrivee.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Charlodius
Date: 26 Aug 06 - 07:21 PM

I have a '40s martin o-17 and a new Taylor 200e. Can't really compare the two straight up, b/c they are so different. The Martin BOOMS for a smaller sized guitar. Great low end. But the Taylor shines on mids and highs, and is generally a more comfortable instrument to play. Love em both, and be glad there are so many cool guitars to play in the world!

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 09:08 PM

Well, I can certainly vouch for the reliability of their warranty. My Martin required a neck reset, possibly after being damaged in a transatlantic flight (not sure exactly when it occurred) and they repaired it, no problem.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Richie
Date: 16 Jul 06 - 08:32 PM

I play folk rock and there was no other choice for me. A Martin is iconic, and the model a D28. Look at the list of greats that have played them over the years. I ws made redundant two years ago, and there was only one thing I was going to do with the final cheque. I bought a brand new D28, and it is beautiful and will only ever get better.

Regardless of what else is said about quality control slipping and the factory banging out a lot more guitars than they ever did, I can only say what my fingers and ears do and hear each time I pick it up. Nothing comes close - well, actually I spent an afternoon playing right through the range, and a D45 is certainly worth every penny of it's retail price!

I haven't read through the whole thread but an answer as to why they cost so much - I think I read that it takes one luthier three working days to bind a D28 - that's 3 days pay for a highly skilled craftsmen. And as said in a post I did read, C.F. Martin certainly use the very finest woods as a starting point.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 01:24 PM

Guest, I'll decide when I "hang it up."

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 01:04 PM

Well I bought mine new about 4 years ago, and it is playing in beautifully. Some people have expressed doubts about the new Martins as opposed to the early ones, and I dare say they're right. Although there may have been some rough ones in the early days, and they haven't lasted the pace, so we can't compare. Martin have made an awful lot of guitars where did they all go?
Now if I can just persuade the staff to regard a Taylor 12 string as a good investment, I'm home and dry.
Giok

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Lucius
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 12:52 PM

"Established 1833 and for decades an American icon Ð Martin guitars are a genuine benchmark by which others are judged."

This quote is from the Martin website. It makes sense to me, as I don't own a Martin, but I can quickly grok the standards that they have established. I would much rather compare my C Fox to any Martin over having it compared with a Sears Silvertone.

Should they be expensive?
Yes, just as any fine guitar is worth paying for.

Are they the best?
No, but they are the benchmark, and even Frederick Martin understands that.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 09 Jul 06 - 11:25 AM

The beauty of any fine guitar is that they each have their own unique sound.

The Martin doesn't sound like any other guitar on the market.

It's all a matter of preference and applicable to the style you are playing.

My Martin 0021 would not sound good in a bluegrass band but I love it for accompanying songs. It also works as an acoustic swing guitar and can keep up with horns.

The Larivees, Taylors, Guild's, Gurions, Gibsons etc. all have their special sound. Some are better quality than others but they have an individuality about them.

You're buying an individual sound.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Wesley S
Date: 08 Jul 06 - 07:44 PM

I've also heard very good things about the Blueridge guitars - and of course I've also heard that their quality is starting to slip. Hard to say - I haven't played one yet. But several people who's opinion I respect - like Stefen Grossman - have said they can be an excellent value. But it's really up to your ears and pocketbook to decide if it's the right guitar for you.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Everardo
Date: 08 Jul 06 - 07:34 PM

I was reading along, and then somebody made a list of Martin Guitar players. I try and make it my business to know what certain pro's play. Smother's Brother's were listed as Martin players. All the times I have seen them play, Tommy has ALWAYS played a Guild. Not that I dislike Martins, by any means. I'd love to own one. A HD-40LSH would be my pick. ONLY 5,000. But, I would also love to own a Gibson J-45 Rosewood, just for something different to play. I began with your regular plywood guitar, something called a Silvertone. A twenty-something dollar guitar from SEARS and Rosycheeks. The next one was not a whole lot better. A Fender 12 string guitar. The Fender Villager. I was in hog heaven, until the damn thing imploded, luckily, the insurance came through. Another body and 30 years later, it did it again. But, I had stopped alowing people to play on it. My next guitar was a nice little classical I bought in Barcelona, Spain. That lasted about twenty years. Through my own fault, I let the wood dry out during the winter, and it made a pop, when I hit the body against the wall. Rosewood body, too. Sounded great. (74-94).
You wouldn't hear me bitch if I had a Taylor either. haha. Right now, I'd settle for a 110 just for shits and grins. Mainly because I don't even own a guitar. My last one was a Gibson J-45 Working Man. That damn guitar blew my hair back, man. Only, I was in need of some bucks, can you dig it? I hated having to part with it. Only $1,200 but the best damn guitar I ever owned. What I wouldn't do to get that one back. Only, because of physical problems I can't work anymore. Yeah, I'd love a Martin D-18, 28, 40 etc. But, I am a guitar player that's never played a gig, only at home, but I still love it. Only thing that I wonder about are these Blueridge Guitars, seems as if they are 1/2 price, they supposidly are made with high end woods. But, a nice one goes for only 799.00? How can that happen? I am talking ebony fretboard, Rosewood B and S, and Sitka top. Perhaps I should buy one of those? Only I am worried about how they are put together. Like someone else very ably noted...you get what you pay for. Good talking to you, everardo.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 09:19 PM

Hang it up, Kendall. Or go practice. Thread's dead.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,dave in boise
Date: 24 Apr 06 - 03:44 PM

I've rarely played a bad Martin. I find them to be very consistant, especailly for they type of music I play. The one thing I find is when playing them in a place like Guitar Center, they aren't cared for. The strings are dead and alot of the times they are under humidified and not set up correctly. Guitars like Taylors come with Elixer strings that tend to stay somewhat fresh for a very long period of time. Martins usually have there own Martin brand strings which I find fowl on any instrument. At the same time I don't like Elixers either. They sound somewhat plain and vanilla.

String up any Martin or Taylor with a DR, John Pearse, D'Addario set of strings and you'll hear what the guitar is capable of.

Martins tend to have a high action at first but that's to accomidate many different types of playing. If you flat pick Bluegrass the last thing you want are buzzing strings because the saddle is to low. Any guitar shop worth their weight will do a rough set up before putting the guitar out on the floor and fine tune to your needs once it's sold.

If you have a bad perception of Martin guitars check out a mom and pop guitar store where they take care of their instruments. I know some people don't care for their sound but alot of the times it's the way that the "music super stores" present the instrument.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Auggie
Date: 28 Feb 06 - 10:43 PM

The book is called Clapton's Guitar : Watching Wayne Henderson Build the Perfect Instrument by Allen St. John.

It's garned a bunch of 5 star reviews, and I'm hoping it's a good read because I have a copy stashed away for my vacation next month.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Anonny Mouse
Date: 28 Feb 06 - 10:13 PM

Any of you fellas hear of a gent named Wayne Henderson? Guess he takes forever to build a git-but what he builds out Martins Martin. Some book or something out on him crafting "the perfect guitar" for Clapton, by Allen St. John. Anyway, I hear tell this Henderson guy is a bit on the eccentric side, but builds one whale of a guitar; and you can't "order" one from him. I'm not sure how one goes about getting a Henderson, but they're pretty well priceless and may take 10 years to get one once you DO order it! Hand carves practically the whole thing. Amazing luthier. The book by St. John is a must-read for anyone serious about the art of building a guitar.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Feb 06 - 04:37 PM

Well, I've said it before...

Martin, like any other business, charges what the market will bear. As long as people will pay those prices for the product they want, that's charged, that's the price you'll see. It's capitalism at work and those who think that is the best system going will always praise the most profitable kid on the block. Hey, if they're the richest, they must be the best, right?

And as soon as yuppies started buying guitars as investments and some pencil-pusher somewhere decided Martins would be THE one to invest in and seal up in a glass case till it appreciated and turned a huge profit at auction, then those became the ones all the money boys bought up.

Doesn't mean Martins aren't excellent instruments which became the standard in certain types of music, but they ARE still a factory product, albeit one with very high standards and quality control. Law of averages means the odd clunker might get through since it takes a few years for a guitar to come into its own, as well as maybe suffering some mistreatment and environment-related problems along the way.

Martin emphasizes a hand-making tradition; they have a long one and people expect them to keep making their machines the same way. Taylor explores innovation and uses new technology (like laser cutters and fine tolerance equipment) to make their instruments. Both approaches are valid and both turn out fine instruments.

Which one you like best comes down to personal opinion, which is very subjective and fairly non-quantifiable, beyond how loudly the enthusiast trumpets his preference from the mountain top. That goes for other makers too. And any of them can turn out a clunker and that one will likely get out into the marketplace somewhere because there was an investment in making it and it's certain someone will buy it because they are paying for the name on it, more than anything.

Still, if I had the big bucks to spend on a guitar, I'd go with a custom-built from a reputable luthier who builds each guitar by hand to specification, not on an assembly line.

Aw hell, if I had the big bucks, I'd buy a few Martins too. And a few Gibsons... and a few Taylors... and a few Guilds... and a few Fyldes... and a few Larrivees... and a few Lowdens.... and a few...

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Maton Gobson
Date: 28 Feb 06 - 03:27 PM

"Martins blow Taylors glow Gibsons are toe.....jam" AHAHAHAHAHA

Hey you know you can get yourself a Gibson now at Walmart????? Oh yeah and Toys Are Us too. What a great American brand. What a joke. Gibsons made these days SUCK WIND. Martin? Yeah they make nice gits but charge you minimally 20% over their worth even after a 45% DISCOUNT. 70's Martins sucked the worst. If you have a 70 anything Martin you got gypped on account they cranked them out like hamsters make hamsters.

Give me a new MARTIN maybe above a 28 level and it MAY sound nice tho I played 4 D28's of which only ONE didn't SUCK! Taylor turns out consistently great gits and those who took a Martin Tour should take another one. All the computerized and robotics are THERE too, so don't be dissin' Taylors or whoever for that. Martin has ROBOTS buffing their gits. Oh yeah hand made. AHAHAHAHAHA. Gibson? You got to be kidding me. Their management is an idiot in a box. They dropped their best USA stores. They sell to Best Buy. Hey yeah they're "FUN" guitars ok if you like paying 500% what theyre worth which is CRAP.

Martins aren't expensive-you can get easily 40% off or more from any Martin dealer. Anyone who pays over that is an idiot. They cant compete with Collings or other hand made gits in the D variety.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 28 Feb 06 - 11:17 AM

I played a friend's Martin the other day...junk.

Lately, I've encountered a few Taylor guitars that did not measure up either. Everyone who plays mine says it is an exceptional instrument, way above most Taylors. I thought they were all alike.

Last Saturday night I played another friends guitar, a Larrivee, and it was a sweet heart; more playable than any Martin I ever played and just as user friendly as my Taylor.

And the debate goes on...

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Tedstera
Date: 28 Feb 06 - 10:48 AM

I have about 25 guitars. Cheap, expensive, all kinds. Gibson, Martin, etc. I think we are living in the golden age of acoustic guitar builders. There are so many excellent ones it boggles the mind, and the ear. Still, some of my faves are old cheap Harmonys and Silvertones, even a 100 dollar Takamine, and of course, my 71 Martin D18S (a cannon, as they say), my Bourgeois, my 35 Gibson HG00, my 35 National O. The thing I like most about old guitars is that they seem to sound old, and you don't have to worry about scratching them if you get drunk. I like that very much. And any half good guitar has virtues, something unique about that guitar. I find some of mine can only be used for certain songs or techniques. But as far as great new guitars, there are too many to mention. I've played all kinds of new guitars at festivals, from friends, and in shops, and there are thousands I would like to own. I can never get enough guitars, and there are too many to chose from. Thanks to all those great luthiers out there!

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 24 Nov 05 - 03:15 PM