Question on next martin or Gibson purchase

[jgottsman11]

So I've recently gotten into the acoustic game heavily and am slowly wanting to part with more and more electrics to fund an acoustic. In preparation of getting my next guitar (which I will likely give myself until winter to really search around) I was wondering your opinions on a next possible addition for me.

I currently have a lot of smaller bodied guitars in the acoustic section. A '49 Gibson LG-3, a '43 Gibson LG-2, '41 Martin 0-17, a koa and hog GS mini, and a martin lx1e with an epiphone aj hanging around. So you can see my preference in body size.

I was thinking at looking at a newer 00-28 custom Martin, an older 000-18, a 30's Gibson L00, or a 30s-40s Martin 0-18.

Any suggestions on martins to look for would be appreciated as I'm not as well versed with the models. Something custom shop or with nice appointments in a small body style would be excellent.

[jgottsman11]

Anyone have any insight?

[vindibona1]

I wish I (or anyone) could help. You seem to know a lot already. But a guitar is an individual musical instrument. You have to go play a bunch until you find what you're looking for. It often isn't what you think it is.

I also know what you say your "preferred body size" is, but are you sure? I would have sworn that a Gibson SJ-200 would be too big for me. When I recently played a couple it was extremely comfortable, in spite of my preconceived notion about it.

As I stated above... Go play a bunch of guitars and enjoy the journey. With the number of guitars you have you don't have to be in any particular hurry. JMO.

[Mike777]

When you find it, you will know it. Look at them all.

[Mr Fingers]

My personal favorites, if you can find a good one and pay for it, are 40's Martin 00 and 000-18s. Julian Lage, who can play anything, has been using a vintage 000-18 (not 28). The good ones have full bass, balanced tone, singing highs, and wonderful overtones, without any of the excess, booming bass and harsh treble you sometimes find in dreads and other larger-bodied guitars. This is all personal preference, but for what it's worth, I think these are among the best-performing guitars ever made.

[tippy5]

I agree that a 000-18 with decent lows is a joy. They have overtones and super fat highs. They also have an open sound that is compressed enough to not show slight mistakes. The only thing they might lack is someone who wants infinite headroom with a walloping right hand.

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by jgottsman11

...I was thinking at looking at a newer 00-28 custom Martin, an older 000-18, a 30's Gibson L00, or a 30s-40s Martin 0-18.

Any suggestions on martins to look for would be appreciated as I'm not as well versed with the models. Something custom shop or with nice appointments in a small body style would be excellent.

From the above selection my favorite would be the 00-28, depending on what custom options it has, they can be quite versatile. You may also want to look at custom 0-28's, or 0-21's if you thinking Rosewood/Spruce, and don't overlook Martins awesome 12-fret guitars.

Have fun!

[Jackdaw9516]

Vintage guitars are cool. If I had endless amounts of wealth I'd buy them for the novelty.

But why not buy something being built that has similar tone but is also structurally sound? Vintage guitars generally come with the headache of fixes and repairs.

My suggestion? Buy a nice waterloo or Gibson? Maybe a Santa Cruz. Or bourgeois.

[gregsguitars]

Been a big fan of narrow bodied guitars for some time..LG2, 00018 are my favorites , LOO seems to mud out to quickly, ladder braced isn't my bracing of choice either, so a good vintage LG or 00018 X braced would be my recommendation...As far as vintage guitars coming with headaches ...pffft that's all I own, you couldn't give me a "new" guitar and yes I know many builders, they make great guitars ,but they all lack something........age..

[jgottsman11]

Thanks for the replies. I played a few good examples today. Martin 00-28, 0-18, 00-18, 000-18, and custom shop 000-18. The regular old 2015 000-18 sounded incredible compared the rest. Even the custom shop with figured sapele side and back didnt compare to the 2200~ basically brand new 000-18. I think I'll look around for some more 000-18's and maybe a nice custom shop one with some nice wood on the sides and back.

[ohYew812]

Originally Posted by Ted @ LA Guitar Sales

From the above selection my favorite would be the 00-28, depending on what custom options it has, they can be quite versatile. You may also want to look at custom 0-28's, or 0-21's if you thinking Rosewood/Spruce, and don't overlook Martins awesome 12-fret guitars.
Have fun!

IMO... This ^^ !

Originally Posted by Jackdaw9516

But why not buy something being built that has similar tone but is also structurally sound? Vintage guitars generally come with the headache of fixes and repairs.

Agree. To me vintage = nightmare/money pit. Unless it's an amp. They tend to be fine forever.

[Swamp Yankee]

Plus two on the 12 frets - both Martin and Taylor have some beauties from which to choose