Who Makes Martins Better than Martin?
 

This was mentioned in another thread, but I'd like some opinions. Specifically who makes a better D-28 or HD-35 type of dreadnought?

By better, I mean more consistent sound from guitar to guitar, and better quality in build. I am specifically interested in spruce / EIR tonewoods. I like the sound of that combination. Cost is secondary, but given an HD-35 MAP is $3229 or thereabouts, I'd like the answers to be in the $3000-4000K range. I'm not looking to spend $6K+ on a new guitar. I'm also not looking for a dread that sounds like a Taylor. I'm looking for a dread that sounds more like what the a good Martin D-28 or D-35 sounds like. Flat picking or strumming would be the main style of play.

And, yes, I know I can just buy a Martin. Just wanting to open up my options for consideration.

Answers will be Collings, Huss & Dalton, Santa Cruz

Define "better."

There are some small shop operations like Collings and the Santa Cruz Guitar Company that make guitars directly inspired by Martins. Huss and Dalton does much the same thing. But as finely crafted as their guitars are, there's no guarantee that they'll be "better" than the Martin models that inspired them. And because those smaller firms can't achieve the same economies of scale that a larger outfit like Martin can, you'll usually pay significantly more for their guitars than you generally will for the equivalent Martins.

Hope that makes sense.


Wade Hampton Miller

I'm curious that Collings is on the list. A recent thread compared Collings to Santa Cruz and the general feeling was Collings had more of a modern, almost Taylor kind of sound to them. The consensus was they are superb guitars, but just different in sound than Martins.

Can you define what you mean by "better"? Doing somight help get you get more meaningful responses

This is bound to get heated... But, IMO, there's quite a few small builders. Among more recognizable names, SCGC, Collings, Bourgeois, H&D, etc.

"Better" is really a relative term obviously but I feel that if you want a high-end instrument within the general Martin style, there's offerings I personally like better once you get past 3k range or so. Just my feelings. Many will disagree. Nothing will satisfy them like I Martin made guitar. That's OK. We can all respect each other's opinions. Keep in mind, I'm not talking about who makes the most accurate clone here.

I've played numerous guitars from both makers and I've yet to come across a dud from Huss and Dalton. Can't say the same about Martin, unless we're talking about the ones that come from the custom shop - Authentics and Golden Eras. Now we're comparing the top of the line Martins to the H&D's, both of which are incredible and priced accordingly.

Of course this is all subjective, but I would venture a guess that the educated ear would be able to hear the differences.

Are you asking who makes a good rosewood dread?

Are you asking who else makes a rosewood dread that sounds like a Martin?

Are you asking who makes a good rosewood dread that is easier to play for your style of playing, whatever that may be?

What are you asking?

The answer is no one...that would be impossible, as only Martin makes Martins. Someone may build a guitar you like better, maybe even one that is Martin-esque in construction, and similar in voice; but, that doesn't make it a better Martin, only a good "fill in brand here". Maybe the question should be, who makes a great Martin copy?

That's missing the point though. No one will ask "what tastes more like a lemon than a lemon". That's just turning it into a trick question. There is such thing as a "Martin-style" guitar, and many feel that others have done that style better than the originator. Nor is it unreasonable to say there's builders who have made a "better Strat" than Fender.

Martin Custom

Superior! :D

First you'll get the "nobody makes a better Martin than Martin" guys.

Then you got the "insert boutique $4,000 brands" guys.

Then you got the "insert name of obscure independent luthier whose guitars are the best I've ever played and he lives in my town and you should try his guitars" guys.

Then you got the "argue over the definition of what is a Martin" guys.

Then you got the "I will never buy another Martin again after insert random bad experience" guys.

Then you got the 11+ pages of arguing and the thread is closed for having veered too much off topic from original question.

That's a bit cynical for 23 posts, isn't it? ;)

What are you going to be like when you've got a couple thousand on the clock?! :eek:

Maton tried. But they left out the r. And even if they hadn't they'd still have spelled it wrong.

Don't have an answer for you, but welcome to the forum. :)

That was a bit cynical though spot on. I'm guessing that he/she has spent an awful long time lurking here on the site and have seen this type of topic follow the exact roadmap that they posted. I'll gladly follow them over their next 500 posts if they are even half as insightful and entertaining as #23. ��

Taylor makes the best Martins I've ever played.

Oh god someone is going to get triggered here soon. [emoji24][emoji24]

From past conversations on this, it always starts out that "X" brand makes a better Martin than Martin and ends up with the point being made that "X" brand has it's own voice and didn't copy Martin at all. :confused: :confused: :confused:


As far as I know, only Martin&Co. and some factories in China make Martin guitars.
........Mike

Well, I didn't miss the point...I simply disagree with the premise of the question. A "Martin-style" guitar is a modification, using the original as a model, and therefore not a Martin at all. As for "better"...that is completely subjective, and really no different than why some like Taylors more than Martins, or Martins more than Gibsons. As for models, you can't in fairness compare a mid-level Martin to a Santa Cruz, because SCGC doesn't make a comparable model. So if you're looking at Collings or Santa Cruz or Huss & Dalton, then you need to compare them to Authentics or Custom Shop Martins. And many would say that if you make that (fair) comparison, no one makes a better Martin than Martin.

I'm gonna need some sun screen?:D

I just made the popcorn!

...Carry on.

We have a winner here.

Well, I hope you can respect that some of us don't have a problem with the premise and have an opinion. Topics like this are bound to ruffle feathers, especially with the brand-loyalty that Martin has. The best we can do is respect that we all have opinions and preferences. I've purchased Martin-style guitars that I thought were better than the Martin version, but I totally respect that some people would not make that same choice, and might think my guitar was too heavy in overtones, or not heavy enough in the bass. Doesn't make them wrong or me right. Just means we have opinions about which is the superior Martin STYLE guitar.

Just watched Verlon Thompson on u tube playing a Bourgeois. I was surprised that it was not a D-18. Sounded very Martin ish jt

Who Makes Martins Better than Martin?
No one.
But Martin did try to make a better Gibson than Gibson.:)

http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/...psmooxg2wy.jpg

I edited my OP to define "better".

"Better" is very hard to quantify since everyone's hearing and taste differs. Also which Martin is being discussed? Pre or post war for example? Too many variables to get accurate response imho.

Sent from my SM-J320W8 using Tapatalk

If you want the Martin sound, especially that of a D35, arguably their bassiest and boomiest model, steer CLEAR of Collings. While they are cosmetically "modeled" after vintage Martin guitars, their sound is no where near that of what you're looking for. Bill Collings would (and has) said so himself.

Huss and Dalton's split the difference to my ear.

My advice would be to buy a real good Martin from guitar Center's used section. My suggestion for you would be an HD28V. There is zero risk as they have a wonderful return policy. If you don't like it, then return it and try again. Life is good.