Old dry Martin sound for under 4K. Any advice/wisdom appreciated
 

Hi all. I have had a few beautiful acoustics ranging from a Furch to a Sobell/Bown etc. I have come to the conclusion that 3-4K is the sweet spot for me in terms of quality/tone etc.
I have also found the tone I'm looking for. Unfortunately its Tom Bukovak's 1938 Martin 000-18. Here is a short clip-

https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxG3mRtje...BhkxZYoV_gdRWN

Question is- which guitar might get close for under 4K?
Would love to hear people's opinion or suggestions. Especially if you have something you think might fit the bill.
Many thanks
Ben

Ben, Sorry I'm no help in your quest but what a link! thks

Thanks for the link and good luck for your quest !

I'd say: mahogany and spruce, very low action and soft touch... but just to state the obvious :-)

There are a number of modern builders that have aspired to re create that tone and have achieved remarkable results. John Slobod (Circa) is one who comes to mind. Pre-War Guitars has built their company based on their efforts to satisfy those looking for the 30s Martin sound in a modern instrument.

Aye, there's the rub. Can't help you there ;)

There’s an interesting chat going on here about the correct price in the current market for a Pre-War, nice looking guitar too Pre-War Guitar Co 00 *NEW PRIICE* rosewood, herringbone, sunburst, sound clip
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=682473

If you were to play a dozen newer 000-18s some of them might share a vibe but 1 or 2 of them might stand out as exceptional and get you close. Have you tried one or any from the the last 20 years, or the last 5 years?

It’s a numbers game IMHO

Good advice
 

Many thanks for all your words of wisdom. Great stuff.
Spruce/Hog/light touch is great advice. I did have a Braz Santa Cruz OM for a little while and actually preferred spruce to sing over. Sacrilegious I know :)
Pre War Hog OM would be just the ticket, I imagine. May be worth stetching the budget for.
Do please keep em coming.
Happy mothers day to all.
Ben

I went on Martin's Custom build site. Did a 000-18 with the VTS top.
Base Model $ 2,799.00
Top Material $ 434.00
Custom Shop Luthier Services $ 388.00
$ 3,621.00
And that's list.
https://configurator.martinguitar.co...es&bypass=true

or this at Maury's
https://www.maurysmusic.com/inc/sdet...e/34053/203173

A nice idea I'd not considered.
 

I'll look into it, thanks.
Modern Deluxe is interesting. Maybe sounds a little bright but bound to be light. Don't particularly like the thought of all the metal inside. What do you think?

Martin 000-18 Modern Deluxe
I would think the Titanium truss rod and carbon fiber bridge plate would make it lighter. I'd definitely would like to try one.

I've owned the modern deluxe series before. They are very nice guitars. They are not very dry or vintage sounding to my ears. I tried a few times to make them work. They are loud and have nice bass. But the highs are very bright.

Could also look at Baxendale or Overhaul guitars.

Could buy an old dry sounding Martin…
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=677934

I have a Martin OM18 authentic. It’s absolutely great. I’m sure the 000 would be just as good. VTS top and all original style and appointments down to bracing and no adjustable truss rod. They didn’t make many 00018s in this series - never seen one in the UK. ……