Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Big Mick
Date: 07 Nov 05 - 03:12 PM

Spaw is the least of your worries ..........he, he, he

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 07 Nov 05 - 09:41 PM

Martins rule.
Gibson's are cool.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 07 Nov 05 - 10:20 PM

just got a new CD from an old friend who played pro bluegrass for many years, had a beautiful old Martin D 28, swore by Martins and all, but on this CD he is playing his new Santa Cruz. It really kicks ass.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Wesley S
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 01:31 PM

Tony Rice seems to do pretty well with a Santa Cruz...

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 02:21 PM

I think that Martin guitars are so expensive for one key reason: The people who run Martin are an old-time outfit, with old-time values, and they have very high ideals. It is their genuine wish to give all other guitar companies out there a decent chance to sell their instruments to a public that is very concerned about price. Accordingly, Martin deliberately overprices their guitars just to give the other guys a fair chance! This is incredibly compassionate on their part, and it shows what terrific people they are.

With this in mind, I recently bought another Martin anyway. ;-) It's great. Just couldn't resist it. Mind you, I was really tempted to buy a cruddy-sounding Fender acoustic with "banana neck" for 1/5 of the price, not to mention an old laminated thick-as-a-brick and wellnigh indestructible Kent for 1/10 of the price. Then there was a Seagull that sounded pretty good, but it looked like something the Schmengy Brothers would play at a polka show. Yup, it was a tough decision! The Martin D-28H won out by a hair.

The thing is, I'm a little worried that Martin & Co. are just too nice to the other mainstream guitar makers, and I'm afraid they'd go out of business if someone didn't buy their stuff, so I do. Hell, I'm a nice guy too, eh?

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 04:19 PM

LH, you are a piece of work LOL

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: number 6
Date: 08 Nov 05 - 04:25 PM

LH .... didn't you sell a D-28 (that you owned) last year? You were all set on buying a guitar made by a local luthier.

sIx

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 11:38 AM

Seems to me that Martin has simply kept up with the times. My brother bought a new D-18 for $150.00. That was in 1957.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Wesley S
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 12:47 PM

My 1967 D-18 was used. I recall that I paid 225.00 for it in 1969.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: number 6
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 03:58 PM

I wish someone, just someone would deliver us the answer as to why Martin Guitars are so expensive .... just to put this thread away for good.

sIx

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: Wesley S
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 04:39 PM

The definitive answer is - They are NOT expensive if you like them.

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 04:46 PM

Compared to other top quality guitars such as Santa Cruz, Taylor Collings they are not expensive. Reminds me of the story of the oats. I used to quote this one whenever someone wantewd me to drive many miles and perform for peanuts. When they complained about the price, I gave them this"
"If you want top quality oats, they come at a premium price.
However, if you are willing to settle for those that have gone through the horse, they are much cheaper."

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: number 6
Date: 09 Nov 05 - 09:38 PM

OK then .... that's the answer. Martin Guitars are not expensive. End of story. End of thread.

Thankyou very much Wesley and Kendall.

sIx

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 07:50 AM

"One gets what one pays for."

Subject: RE: Why are Martin Guitars so expensive?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Nov 05 - 10:28 PM

We had a party this evening, my brother came over and we wanted to make music. I was unable to get my Taylor away from him, so I broke out Jacqui's Martin. This piece of shit is only a year or so old, and already the friggin' neck is pulling away from the body. I knew we should have bought a Taylor.

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

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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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,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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: GUEST,UKpickstrum
Date: 24 Oct 06 - 10:04 PM

Ever heard of import duty?

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: 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: 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: 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..