Guitar purchase -- should I return??

[mkitman]

I think that you should return it & take up the violin...





Just kidding; sorry, I couldn't help myself! (Oh, & I hope that whatever you decide works out for you!)

Originally Posted by JoshMing

I LOVE the sound and size of it ....if the Martin is considered a bad purchase I'd appreciate any feedback

I don't see how it's a "bad purchase" if you "LOVE the sound and size." But if the psychological effect of knowing it's HPL prevents you from enjoying it, then return it. But play the heck out of the next one before you commit, or risk buyer's remorse again.

[L20A]

If the Dred size will work for you, I would think about keeping the guitar.
I have played this model and I like it.
Martin also makes the same guitar in an OM size.
I actually like that one better than I do the Dred size.

One good problem that you face is that there are a lot of very nice guitars in the price range that you have given.
If you want to stay American built, you could also look at some Taylor guitars.
If you don't mine the sound of an all mahogany guitar,a 15 series Martin may be a good fit for you.

If you don't mind looking at import guitars, things really open up.
Yamaha, Guild, Eastman, Blueridge and Recording King all make very good guitars within your price range.

Now you see why so many of us own several or more guitars.
Good luck in your search.

[merlin666]

I checked out some pictures and it looks like cheap 70s furniture - return!

As mentioned above, many great options new or used in this price segment.

[lapetrarca]

Hi and welcome.

Just went through pretty much the same scenario myself. I had around a $750 to $1000 budget and I had my mind set on either a Martin or Taylor in that price range.

Turns out all the Martins in that price range are HPL (formica). I'm not opposed to that, I've had Ovations before but, I wanted all wood in that price range.

That left me with Taylor. I picked up a 114e with layered (plywood) Rosewood back and sides instead of the Sapele and it fell right in my price range. Very happy with it and it's all wood.

Money well spent IMO.

[stephenT]

I LOVE the sound and size of it

Yes, by all means, return it for an unknown.

(insert head smacking image).

[Dirty Bill]

I have the Martin OMCXAE, Black.I love this guitar,sounds good plays good. OM= Orchestra model,so it's a little smaller and also more comfortable than a D model.

My opinion would be to keep it,and buy yourself an all wood guitar. The materials of the lam guitar also hold up better to the weather.

I also have a D-35.

[magazine]

For that kind of money you can get a solid wood guitar. I got a new solid wood recording king for $239 at musicians friend. They still have them the last time I checked.

[Lone Bear]

If you're second guessing your purchase already, I would return it. Those thoughts are going to eat at you for as long as you own it. The worst case scenario is that you let one get away that you wish you'd kept. That hurts too but at least it doesn't cost you money.

[Steadfastly]

Some people don't like those guitars because of the HPL. I have owned some Godin guitars, the maker of Seagull, S & P and others and while they are very good guitars, I like the Martin sound best. I have played their line of HPL guitars and they sound like a Martin. If you like the Martin sound, keep it and forget about it not being solid wood on the back and sides.

[The Bard Rocks]

To the OP - you mentioned that you liked it for it's size and sound, which is great and a reason to keep it, but then you go on to mention that it bothers your right shoulder. Don't expect that to get any better.

If you do decide to replace it, do yourself a favor and look at some tighter-waisted models (jumbos, OMs, etc) and see if they feel more comfortable.

[AZLiberty]

First of all I would say that I actually really like the guitar the OP bought.

Even though the back sides are made of Formica, I think it's a great sounding guitar. My problem is, it's simply overpriced for what it is.

Most of the X-series martins sell for $200 less than the GPCX2AE. What is special about this one that makes it worth the extra?

The GPCX2AE sells for $699 (MAP), and doesn't even come with a case. For another $60 you can buy either a 000RS1 or GPRS1. These are made in the same Martin factory, but are all solid wood, and come with a decent hard case.

I would return it and pay the extra 60 bucks for the GPRS1.

[JoshMing]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to go back next week and play around a bit more, but it does sound nice and yet, the look may bug me over time. Love the top but the back and sides are just strange looking. I will keep checking, and will look into that other all wood Martin just to see how it compares in sound. Some of the ones I played sounded "tinney" but the saleswoman said it was "bright"--she is a fingerstyle guitarist btw and did not pressure me in any way to buy the one I decided on--I just want to make sure. I agree with the commenter who said there WILL be another one if I stick with it, but this one needs to get me through the next few years. This forum is wonderful thank you!

[yell03]

I would not stress about the laminate back and sides, if it sounds and plays great who cares.

I recently bought a Yamaha A1M, I found out it has laminate sides and back, but it was a great guitar, so I bought it.

With the humidity swings around here it will be more forgiving than wood to climate changes which is a positive.

If it is something that will bother you and you can't put out of your mind, then return it.

[baw3]

I can vouch for the Yamaha A1M too. It is really a great guitar. And it is in your budget.