Martin "Reimagined" vs Last year model

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by JohnW63

What specs changed with this "reimagined" change ?

Wider neck ( 1-3/4 at the nut instead of 1-11/16)

Different neck shape (modified low oval instead of low profile)

Open Gear tuners instead of closed.

Yellow Aging toner

In general the bracing changed as well. D-35 gets forward shifted instead of standard X brace. Have to go guitar by guitar to see what changed.

[Petty1818]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

Wider neck ( 1-3/4 at the nut instead of 1-11/16)

Different neck shape (modified low oval instead of low profile)

Open Gear tuners instead of closed.

Yellow Aging toner

In general the bracing changed as well. D-35 gets forward shifted instead of standard X brace. Have to go guitar by guitar to see what changed.

I don't mind the yellow aging toner. It's much better than the blonde look of the older Standard models. Plus, I have seen some vintage Martin guitars that have this extremely dark tone to them. I bet the aging toner will look pretty awesome in 40-50 years. It's definitely not something that we stop me from getting one.

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

Wider neck ( 1-3/4 at the nut instead of 1-11/16)

Different neck shape (modified low oval instead of low profile)

Open Gear tuners instead of closed.

Yellow Aging toner
.

Well, you've outlined my three major complaints about the reimagined Martins: wider nuts, cheaper tuners, and a finish that makes it look like your grandfather's guitar. Glad I bought my Martin back when I did, and I doubt I'll ever buy another.

[JohnW63]

I think a very slightly wider neck is probably a good thing, based on the trends of so many wanting a 1-3/4" nut.

The neck shape could go either way. I am not that picky about them, so that's not an issue with me.

Open backed tuners are not my thing. For as much money as a new Martin is, I would want nice closed back ones.

A pre-aged look ? Nope. In my mind, a guitar should looked aged, when it IS aged, not right out of the box. I don't liked relic'd ones either. It all smacks of looks over substance.

The whole thing about forward shifted bracing vs standard or just how MUCH scalloping on the bracing... I doubt 90% would ever know, but it's catch phrases that must sell some guitars.

Originally Posted by bufflehead

Well, you've outlined my three major complaints about the reimagined Martins: wider nuts, cheaper tuners, and a finish that makes it look like your grandfather's guitar. Glad I bought my Martin back when I did, and I doubt I'll ever buy another.

Several models are now using Schaller GrandTunes (and some Waverly I believe) which are more expensive than the tuners those models used previously. Not to say that you or anyone else should prefer open backed tuners, but these are not cheaper.

[Jaden]

I have yet to try the new models but I’m happy to see the black pickguard gone as well as the change to open gear tuners