Martin 1937 Authentic D28 vs. other boutique brands

[vaibhav.mittal]

AGF Good folks,

Looks like the Martin Authentic series are in strong demand and liked by players a lot

Is there anyone from the boutique brands - Huss & Dalton, Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz etc. - that may be a better or a strong candidate to compare against these authentic series (preferably with Madagascar Rosewood)?

Would love to hear your thoughts/ feedback or anecdotes, if any !!

Cheers,
V

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by vaibhav.mittal

Is there anyone from the boutique brands - Huss & Dalton, Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz etc. - that may be a better or a strong candidate to compare against these authentic series (preferably with Madagascar Rosewood)?

In my opinion, any of those four brands you named. They all make superb guitars. Just depends on what you like.

[hubcapsc]

I had a Madagasgar Rosewood 1931 Authentic d-28 and I still have
a Kopp Madagasgar Rosewood AJ... both amount to the highest-end
most detailed guitars I've ever had.

We like to play and hear our guitars, but these expertly built guitars
are also jaw dropping to me to just look at... here's a couple of pictures
of the Martin...





Here's my J-35 ...



A few months ago there was a lady on Reverb selling her
Granddaddy's pristine J-35. I'm pretty sure it was a great
J-35, but it was real boring looking...

-Mike

[musicman1951]

I owned one until my shoulder went bad. It was a sweet sounding but powerful guitar. Be warned that some people don't like the graduated thickness of the neck, and if you're a singer/strummer this guitar puts out a lot of sound.

The other brands you mentioned make wonderful guitars as well, so it comes down to which sound you prefer.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by vaibhav.mittal

AGF Good folks,

Looks like the Martin Authentic series are in strong demand and liked by players a lot

Is there anyone from the boutique brands - Huss & Dalton, Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz etc. - that may be a better or a strong candidate to compare against these authentic series (preferably with Madagascar Rosewood)?

Would love to hear your thoughts/ feedback or anecdotes, if any !!

Cheers,
V

Martin Authentics are wonderful guitars. I think they have really upped the game with their Aged versions of select models. The finish is super thin, and playability wise they have a great feel to them — the fretboard edges being rolled as opposed to the typical sharp edge where the neck transitions into the fretboard is a game changer for player comfort.

The other boutiques you mentioned make great guitars and also tap tune/hand voice each top, whereas Martin does not. However, tone is very personal, as is playability. From a playability perspective, I like Santa Cruz the best out of the group of 4 you mentioned. I own two, and they are so responsive and easy to play, but don’t have the power of a typical Martin or Collings. They are more finesse instruments. So it depends what you want.

Good luck!

[LanePeterson]

I am here to spy on this thread. So don't mind me. [emoji102]

[vaibhav.mittal]

Originally Posted by LanePeterson

I am here to spy on this thread. So don't mind me. [emoji102]

Welcome indeed!
Chime in if you find anything exciting

[Tnfiddler]

I’ve got a Martin Reimagined D41 and it’s a GREAT example of the Martin sound. The best-sounding Martin I’ve ever played was a ‘37 D28 Authentic Aged, but I hated the neck on it. I’ve got an Aged Tone Bourgeois Vintage D with torrefied Banjo Killer bracing and it’ll match the ‘37 volume-wise, but it’s a different tone than the Martin. I found out through a recent thread, that my description of tone doesn’t match what a lot say about tone, but the Martin, to me, has a super warm tone and is Loud and my Bourgeois has a very dynamic, brighter sound. Both amazing guitars and if the necks were different, I’d own a ‘37 D28 AA.

[Mr. Jelly]

I am getting D-18 GAS and I have a tendency to go overboard when it comes to my guitars. I am totally confused by everything I have read about the different Authentics their bracing and necks. And, no, I can not go play one without incurring a large travel expense. The confussion has backed me off to looking at a possible recent D-18. Even then the reimagine thing vs a D-18 that is recent makes one question that also. Thanks Martin.

[jklotz]

I recently acquired a Martin ooo-28 Authentic 1937, so not the D28 you are asking about, but maybe this will help. I also own a Huss and dalton TOM-R and a Collings OM2h baked. The Martin is fantastic. It is, in no way, inferior to the other 2. It's the best Martin I've ever played.

In my case, I have 3 different flavors and I really enjoy the variety. It really just boils down to what you are looking for and what your ears and hands tell you is the right direction.

[Draft Guitar]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

I am getting D-18 GAS and I have a tendency to go overboard when it comes to my guitars. I am totally confused by everything I have read about the different Authentics their bracing and necks. And, no, I can not go play one without incurring a large travel expense. The confussion has backed me off to looking at a possible recent D-18. Even then the reimagine thing vs a D-18 that is recent makes one question that also. Thanks Martin.

Make your life simple, get your hands on a D-18 Golden Era. Fantastic guitars.

[SuperB23]

Brands like PreWar Guitar Company seem like their main competition now. I personally have really liked the Santa Cruz Tony Rice Pro Models I've played but they aren't really in the same league as the Martin Authentics. Since the SCGC TR Pros cost about double the money now.

John Slobod of Circa guitars builds one of the best Martin D-28 style guitars I've played.

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Mr. Jelly

I am getting D-18 GAS and I have a tendency to go overboard when it comes to my guitars. I am totally confused by everything I have read about the different Authentics their bracing and necks. And, no, I can not go play one without incurring a large travel expense. The confussion has backed me off to looking at a possible recent D-18. Even then the reimagine thing vs a D-18 that is recent makes one question that also. Thanks Martin.

I stayed away from the Authentics for years because virtually everyone I knew who had played/owned one hated the neck. Most ended up selling the guitar for that reason. But I finally took the plunge when I was offered a very nice price on a mint condition 2019 D-18 Authentic ‘39. And I LOVE it! The neck is very friendly compared to the 28s…maybe because it has a 1 11/16” nut. Sure glad I gave her a try.

[buddyhu]

Originally Posted by Kerbie

In my opinion, any of those four brands you named. They all make superb guitars. Just depends on what you like.

^^This.^^

I tend to prefer Collings, but that is just a personal tendency. I have owned a couple of Bourgeois and own a Santa Cruz. And have owned other fine guitars.

Sometimes I choose a guitar because it has a captivating tone (Goodall, Webber, some Bourgeois), sometimes I choose a guitar for balanced tone and good string to string separation (especially for a finger style guitar, like my Santa Cruz OM), sometimes I choose a guitar for volume (my Collings D2HG is great in a jam), sometimes the playability of a guitar is irresistible. Usually, it is a combination of several factors (especially when I have good guitar, but think I have found a better guitar…meaning the “better” one might be just about as good in two or three areas, but provide particular strength in an area that the “good” guitar might be noticeably weaker).

I don’t usually like Martins that have a significant mid-range scoop, or that are overly thumpy. But I have owned a Martin, and have come very close to buying some others….and the Authentics are strong contenders.

It just depends on the tone, feel, and volume you are seeking.

[Wild Bill Jones]

Well let’s see. I have boutique brands and the Martin 37 aged authentic. They are all different. When I play with others, especially in a bluegrass jam, it’s the Martin. It is powerful in a way none of the others can match. Best sounding D 28 around too. Playing by myself or just with a bass and whatever, I’ll use whatever other guitar I feel like. I love all the guitars own. If I only had one, it would be the Authentic. Note: all disclaimers apply.