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#1
09-29-2003, 02:36 PM
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Has anyone played one of these "new material" Martin guitars ?
Martin now makes a couple of models with a Graphite top , and some models
(the "X" series") which uses a sort of wood/composite laminate, if I understand well. These guitars are quite affordable and I wonder if someone has tried them or own one. How do they sound ? Gerardo 1000 Taylor 314 Rainsong WS1100 
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#2
09-29-2003, 03:24 PM
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The X series guitars are made primarily of a proprietary material Martin calls High Pressure Laminate, or HPL. I'm told it's very much like Formica. Some X models have an HPL top, a few have a solid spruce top, and a couple have the aluminum top. I don't remember hearing about a graphite top, but it wouldn't surprise me. They recently introduced the LXM, or Little Martin, which is all HPL and poised to compete with the Baby.
The necks on the X series are made of Stratabond, which looks like a pressed wood product that's laminated sort of like a butcher block. The fretboards and bridges are Micarta, but I think all the braces are wood. These are the only Martins that come without cases included in the price. This is Martin's entry level line, the least expensive in plain clothes, not so much with the painted, aluminum, or graphite tops. The HPL and wood-top models are decent for the money, but by the time you add a hard case, you're pretty close to the price of a 15 or Road (M) series, which some Martin fans prefer anyway.
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Chris We all do better when we all do better.
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#3
09-29-2003, 05:55 PM
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The aluminum-topped wonder sounds like, well, an inexpensive, aluminum-topped guitar.
Bob
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"It is said, 'Go not to the elves for counsel for they will say both no and yes.' " Frodo Baggins to Gildor Inglorion, The Fellowship of the Ring THE MUSICIAN'S ROOM (my website)
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#4
09-29-2003, 09:26 PM
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They look pretty cool, but I wasn't impressed with the tone. It was better than, say, a cheaper Fender acoustic, but not worth the price. I would rather get a Rainsong if I needed a composite guitar.
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Shaun ----------------------------------------- 2003 314CE 2001 Gibson Les Paul 2000 Gibson Explorer 2000 Fender Stratocaster USA Std.
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#7
09-30-2003, 02:46 PM
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Quote:
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SHERMAN YL KUEK Malaysia
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#8
09-30-2003, 03:04 PM
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I played one of the faux koa looking dreds the other day. I was surprized at how good it sounded. I mean it's not like real wood axe, but at the same time it sounded pretty thick. I wouldn't mind having one for a beater. It should be kind of impervious to humidity and temp changes.
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We don't quit playing because we grow old. We grow old because we quit playing. Taylor 355CE; Martin Veteran's Model; Martin Grand Old Opry; Martin DX1; 1976 Gretch Super Axe; 1991 C&L ASAT Clasic; 1993 Fender Strat; PRS CU24; Schecter C-1 Classic; 1970's Schecter Genesis; 1981 G&L Bass; Ovation acoustic bass; My first Silvertone elec. from 1965
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