#1
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The sensational Martin Super D
Have no idea why they discontinued it. I guess Martin folks are fixed on tradition and maybe a little averse to change. (I speak as a lifelong Martin fanboy.)
Over the years, I’ve owned all of the well-known Martins, up to a recent D 45. Each has been wonderful in its own way. I’m a big fan of the Martin forward-shifted sound, which heightens the bass response in a decidedly pre-war way. The Super D comes in two versions: koa backed and Guatemalan rosewood backed. The koa is akin to milk chocolate and the rosewood to dark. The koa in particular combines that magical forward-shifted bass thump and warmth with milky mids and sweet trebles. But everything delivered with clarity. It’s a Goldilocks Martin. For the sake of Martin lovers who may have been slow to try it (like me), I hope they will de-discontinue it.
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Martin Custom Shop Super D (Sitka/Koa) Martin OM-42 (Sitka/EIR) Gibson 1936 Advanced Jumbo (Red Spruce/EIR) Breedlove Ed Gerhard Exotic (Brazilian/Red Spruce) Brad Goodman J-200 (Engelmann/Quilted Maple) Taylor 326CE 8-string Baritone 1960s Guild M-20 (Nick Drake guitar) |
#2
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I haven't tried one, but I sure like what I hear in peoples demonstrations.
I bit of a bummer that they are discontinuing them.
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Proud member of OFC |
#3
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The ones I’ve played sounded great. There are probably multiple reasons why they didn’t sell well, but sound and build quality weren’t among them. With street prices over $4k, and availability only through Custom Shop Epxpert dealers, Martin was limiting the pool of prospective buyers. While there is a market for guitars that are bigger than a dreadnought—(super) jumbos in particular—Martin has never had much success going up against Gibson, Gretsch or even Taylor. A super-sized dreadnought didn’t seem to be the answer. It will be interesting to see if Martin ever reintroduces the Super D at a different price point in less expensive woods (e.g., mahogany, EIR, etc.). With all the other new models flying around, that seems doubtful.
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#4
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Nope. Tried both versions at Rudy's in NY. Sound was the reason I didn't purchase one.
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#5
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Quote:
Those Rudy's guitars are not a representative sample, unfortunately.
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Martin Custom Shop Super D (Sitka/Koa) Martin OM-42 (Sitka/EIR) Gibson 1936 Advanced Jumbo (Red Spruce/EIR) Breedlove Ed Gerhard Exotic (Brazilian/Red Spruce) Brad Goodman J-200 (Engelmann/Quilted Maple) Taylor 326CE 8-string Baritone 1960s Guild M-20 (Nick Drake guitar) |
#6
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I'm in the didn't like the tone camp too, I thought it maybe a great solution for acoustic only jams but it didn't really have the projection and the tone was just OK .
I tried the Guatemalan version at Music Villa. Very fresh strings and a well humidified and maintained new instrument . ( My first time at Music Villa and my impression was they're a class act) I much preferred the D 28, D18 and authentics I tried that day.
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Steve |