OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...

Subject: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: GUEST,saulgoldie
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 09:53 AM

I have heard about Martins and read some of the threads about them. I have not decided to get one yet, but I have also not decided NOT to. I am planning to tour the Martin factory soon, and I am open to getting totally bitten by the bug. But what other really fine guitars do some of us use?

Right now, I have a Yamaha 450FG (I think that's what it is), a Guild JF30, and an Alvarez Yari. I like each of them when I pick them up, but I am wondering if I am missing out on something. I am still trying to decide if one of them is the "it" for me, or whether I will buy a Martin or even some other higher end box. I am open to selling these all off and spending some serious cash for the right box.

What're y'all playing, and what should I 'spect to pay for one of doze?

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Wesley S
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 10:46 AM

Three to four thousand should buy you a superior guitar. I have a Collings OMHG that I love. Collings, Santa Cruz, Lowden, Froggy Bottoms, Huss and Dalton, the list is endless.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: GLoux
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 10:51 AM

I think your Yamaha is pretty much a Martin knock-off, so you're probably "ripe" for a Martin. I played a '70s Martin D-28 for twenty years and decided the Dreadnought size body was too big for me and the lack of mid-range was too limiting for some types of music.

I now play a Collings slot-head 12-fret 000 as my primary guitar, and I couldn't be happier with it. It was built like Martin used to build that model in the late 1920s-early 1930s. At the time I ordered it (1995), Martin wasn't even offering that model, but since then, Collings has had the effect of making Martin realize that they should reintroduce some of the old models, which is great.

-Greg

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Wesley S
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 11:02 AM

Yup - If you want an old Martin - buy a new Collings.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Midchuck
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 11:08 AM

A respectful amendment:

If you want an old Martin that has as much power all across its range as an old Martin has in the bass, and is as rugged as an old Guild - buy a new Collings.

Peter.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 11:48 AM

Buy whatever takes YOUR fancy Saulgoldie. One guy will say "So-and-so guitars are the best" and the next guy will say "No, they're crap". Try a lot of different ones and pick the one that suits your ear, eye and wallet. No one else can tell you what you like, and geetars (like all musical instruments I guess) are a VERY personal thing. One man's meat...........
S:0)

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: GLoux
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 12:02 PM

Agreed. I'll also suggest, saulgoldie, that you look at older Mudcat threads where you'll find tons of opinions that verify what Strollin' Johnny is sayin'. Type "Guitars" into the Filter field at the top of the Forum window, set the Age: to "All" and Refresh...

-Greg

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Little Hawk
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 01:00 PM

Collings are great. Some Martins are great. There are any number of great guitars out there. Just find the one you like the best, and that's the one for you.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: PennyBlack
Date: 10 Nov 05 - 01:58 PM

ignore the name on the guitars - play all you can until you find one that's sounds like you want, and you feel comfortable playing, then check the price tag and if you can afford it, Buy It.

ahhh the start of G.A.S.

enjoy

PB

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: GUEST,leftydee
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 11:19 AM

Take this for whatever it's worth. I've always been a guy that loves Martin Guitars. I own 5 of them. They are absolutely terrific instruments that play and sound great. That being said, I'll tell you to look at Seagull Guitars before you make any decisions. These are great guitars. They sound better than most of the expensive guitars around ( including most Martins) and are very inexpensive. It's hard to find a model over $600. I've been gigging them for a couple of years and am completely satisfied.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: kendall
Date: 11 Nov 05 - 12:40 PM

If price is a factor, go Larrivee.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 05:20 AM

Yep, I'm with Kendall there - heard (and tried) some very nice Larrivees. They start priced quite moderate, and go up to fairly expensive, but the quality seems to be there all the way through the range.

But, at the risk of getting repetitious and boring, it's your call - try lots of different makes and get the one that floats your personal boat...........
S:0)

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: van lingle
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 05:46 AM

Saul, I play a Huss & Dalton TDR (Traditional Rosewood Dreadnaught), a Collings OM1A (Adirondack top), a Froggy Bottom F (also adirondack) and a L27F Lowden (Cedar). Except for the Lowden which was purchased new about 20 years ago and ran $750 these instruments all run in the 2,200 to 2500 range. I love them all dearly and play them all with the Collings getting a bit more attention at home because it's a bit smaller. Got to say also an adirondack top really seems to add some pop and clarity.
When you go shopping you might want to take one or more your instruments along for comparison's sake to see if some of these high end jobs are really that different. Keep your ears open and enjoy the experience. And as for Martins I played a 00028H 12 fret last summer that was awesome but they're not the only game in town anymore. Good luck, vl

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: van lingle
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 06:35 AM

I should add that the H&D, Collings and Froggy purchased nowadays would run about 3K and up.

Subject: RE: OK, Martins. Yeah sure, but...
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 12 Nov 05 - 06:49 AM

...so one shouldn't consider those Applause and Esquire models in the Argos catalogue???
**BG**

RtS
(sticking to washboard & kazoo)