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-   -   Comparing Martin MMV to D-28 (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116230)

hector 01-18-2008 01:27 PM

Comparing Martin MMV to D-28
 
I'm looking for a used D-28 and stumbled across this one:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ar-?sku=512096

Any know how this compares to a standard D-28 tone-wise? Something's gotta be missing, since it's about $1,000 less.

Freeman 01-18-2008 01:36 PM

I believe the MMV is a house model that Martin makes for MF - it is not listed on their website nor does Maurys or the Podium have any clips.

I'm going to guess that it is pretty similar to a D-16 in rosewood.

Jim 01-18-2008 01:53 PM

I think Martin sells them to some other big retailers as well.

The MMV is basically a stripped down and lower quality materials version of the D-28. Lower quality woods, tuners, inlays, etc. to bring the price down to the budget price they sell at.

moctzal 01-18-2008 04:15 PM

It's like the D-16R.
Mortise and Tenon neck joint (not a dovetail).

Freeman 01-18-2008 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moctzal (Post 1359890)
It's like the D-16R.
Mortise and Tenon neck joint (not a dovetail).

Which is interesting because it says it is X braced. I thought all the M&T's were A frame (but I guess technically they still have an X)

jwsamuel 01-18-2008 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim (Post 1359743)
The MMV is basically a stripped down and lower quality materials version of the D-28. Lower quality woods, tuners, inlays, etc. to bring the price down to the budget price they sell at.

No, the MMV is NOT a stripped down version of the D-28. It is a higher end version of the D-16R. It has the same bracing pattern and neck joint as the D-16R. The D-28 has a different bracing pattern and different neck joint.

I have played both. The D-28 has more bass but is not as bright. The MMV has more treble and is more even across the full tonal range but without the booming bass of the D-28. I preferred the tone of the MMV but that would depend on whether or not you want the bassy sound or a brighter sound.

Jim

jwsamuel 01-18-2008 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freeman (Post 1359915)
Which is interesting because it says it is X braced. I thought all the M&T's were A frame (but I guess technically they still have an X)

The specs on the GC or MF Web site are wrong. It is not X braced.

Jim

Guitslinger 01-18-2008 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel (Post 1359980)
No, the MMV is NOT a stripped down version of the D-28. It is a higher end version of the D-16R. It has the same bracing pattern and neck joint as the D-16R. The D-28 has a different bracing pattern and different neck joint.

I have played both. The D-28 has more bass but is not as bright. The MMV has more treble and is more even across the full tonal range but without the booming bass of the D-28. I preferred the tone of the MMV but that would depend on whether or not you want the bassy sound or a brighter sound.

The MMV is essentially a D-15 model; it has A-X bracing. The 16 series has hybrid-X bracing which features scalloped braces, and includes two tone bars. The A-X bracing includes one small tone bar, with no scalloping.

I thought I liked the MMV too when I compared one to the other Martin models, including the HD-28. After test driving one for a month, I realized that it was nowhere near the guitar I thought it was. Though the MMV has a lot of bass, it lacks any real complexity in the sound, which is fine if you want to sound like you're playing country blues on a Stella, but for modern guitar work, the A-X bracing does not cut it, and truly puts the D-15 models, along with most, if not all of the custom models made for Musician Friend in the amateur class of instruments.

Guitslinger 01-18-2008 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel (Post 1359981)
The specs on the GC or MF Web site are wrong. It is not X braced.

Actually, it is X-braced, but not hybrid-X braced, nor is it X-scalloped braced, which are the bracing styles used on the D-16 models, and HD/A models respectively.

Chicken 01-18-2008 09:11 PM

I'm hoping it sounds similar to the D16-GT that I've played and liked. I bought a used one from a forum member here, but it hasn't come yet. I'd like to take my D-1 to work, but I'd miss having something a bit boomy to contrast the Taylor 414ce. Maybe I should have played it first, but taking a chance.

jwsamuel 01-18-2008 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitslinger (Post 1360032)
Actually, it is X-braced, but not hybrid-X braced, nor is it X-scalloped braced, which are the bracing styles used on the D-16 models, and HD/A models respectively.

The one I looked at at GC was definitely not X-braced.

Jim

Guitslinger 01-19-2008 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwsamuel (Post 1360139)
The one I looked at at GC was definitely not X-braced.

All Martin guitars have X-bracing of some sort, which makes the description of the MMV correct.



http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/featu...ing/index.html

hector 01-21-2008 06:45 AM

I'm thinking that I want to avoid scalloped bracing. But, which under $1,500 Martin model will have the tone closest to the D-28?

Bigfinger 01-21-2008 06:57 AM

I have a MMV from GC, here is the Spec sheet I got out of them for those who are curious.

Martin GC MMV


Model: Guitar Center (RW FG) Custom 03

Top: Sitka Spruce
Top Braces:
Sitka/1 Style/Non-Scalloped
Pattern:
D1 A-Frame
Bridge Plate:
Maple
Remaining Bracing:
Sitka Spruce

Top and Back Binding: 6/32'' White Boltaron

Rosette: Style 28

Pickguard: I-01 Tortoise, Pattern 1 (D28 Style)

Back: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Back Panel: 2 Pc.

Sides: Solid East Indian Rosewood

Neck: Genuine Mahogany- 10/4 w/ Wings
Neck Shape: Mod Low Oval
Headstock: Solid/6 String No Diamond/Standard Taper
Heelcap: White Boltaron
Nut: White Corian

Headplate: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Tuning Machines: Gotoh Gold w/ Small Knobs

Fingerboard: Black Ebony
Radius: 16"
Actual Scale Length: 25.340" (25.4")
Compensated Scale Length: 25.440"
Width At Nut: 1 11/16"
Width At 12 Fret: 2 1/8"
Frets Clear: 14
Total Frets: 20

Bridge: Black Ebony


I will have to say the MMV's voicing is similar but not as bassy as a 28 but it does give you a lot of bark for your dollar.

I went to the OM28V for the better even tone across the board and the nut width & "V" neck but I really missed the volume I go out of my MMV. Since I put mediums on the OM, its as loud as my MMV - so now the MMV sits idle.

Hope this helps, I don't think you'll be unhappy with your purchase.

Good Luck,

rmyAddison 01-21-2008 07:22 AM

For $1500 you can get a guitar that sounds exactly like a D-28, don't settle for less if that's what you want.........it's called a "used" D-28!

There is nothing wrong with buying used mid/high end guitars, shop carefully, you will get an instrument that is already broken in and save 50%. I buy used and new and prefer used when the guitar is exactly what I'm looking for.

The MMV is not the guitar a D-28 is, period. The price difference is there for a "sound" reason (play on words).


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