All walnut Martin 00 12-fret

JDB123 · #1 03-05-2023, 03:19 PM

Howdy y'all. Saw these nicely figured all walnut Martin 00 12-fretters were part of a special order at Manchester Music Mill recently.

Having never seen/heard/played an all walnut instrument in person I wanted to ask for AGF's collective thoughts and opinions.

I've read that walnut-topped guitars can be tricky beasts in that the material doesn't provide as much movement/vibration energy transfer as other more traditional top materials.

Let me know what y'all think. All walnut guitar and walnut top opinions welcomed!

Wade Hampton · #2 03-05-2023, 03:36 PM

What you get with a walnut top is a sweet tone but not much volume or projection. I’ve played a bunch of all-walnut instruments, both Martin guitars (a half dozen or so) and mountain dulcimers (countless,) and the sweet simple tone and low volume has been constant with all of them.

In other words, an all-walnut Martin is not going to be a versatile instrument, but it might have just the tone you’re looking for.

Hope that makes sense.

Wade Hampton Miller

SalFromChatham · #3 03-05-2023, 04:04 PM

I’m really drawn to their 000….

Stevien · #4 03-05-2023, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

What you get with a walnut top is a sweet tone but not much volume or projection. I’ve played a bunch of all-walnut instruments, both Martin guitars (a half dozen or so) and mountain dulcimers (countless,) and the sweet simple tone and low volume has been constant with all of them.

In other words, an all-walnut Martin is not going to be a versatile instrument, but it might have just the tone you’re looking for.

Hope that makes sense.

Wade Hampton Miller

I would agree with what Wade said. I would add though, that due to the above, they would probably make excellent recording guitars.
Steve

llew · #5 03-05-2023, 06:56 PM

Never played an all walnut guitar but that Martin 00 is a fine looking guitar!

mrjop1975 · #6 03-05-2023, 07:23 PM

OK, so I have one of these, and truthfully, it is not for me. It is on my short list of to let go of because frankly, it is sitting in the case because it isn't super versatile if I say wanted to do go from say a Carter Family song to maybe something faster. Some may like it, some may not. It is nicely made etc. and is quite a looker, but for me anyways, it just does not have the tone/sound I desire.

JDB123 · #7 03-05-2023, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjop1975

OK, so I have one of these, and truthfully, it is not for me. It is on my short list of to let go of because frankly, it is sitting in the case because it isn't super versatile if I say wanted to do go from say a Carter Family song to maybe something faster. Some may like it, some may not. It is nicely made etc. and is quite a looker, but for me anyways, it just does not have the tone/sound I desire.

Bummer! I saw they had 3 or 4 NOS (or "returned") specimens so I figured something might have been off. They're gorgeous guitars but the all walnut/walnut top thing seems to not be everyone's flavor.

JDB123 · #8 03-05-2023, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

What you get with a walnut top is a sweet tone but not much volume or projection. I’ve played a bunch of all-walnut instruments, both Martin guitars (a half dozen or so) and mountain dulcimers (countless,) and the sweet simple tone and low volume has been constant with all of them.

In other words, an all-walnut Martin is not going to be a versatile instrument, but it might have just the tone you’re looking for.

Hope that makes sense.

Wade Hampton Miller

It sure does, thanks for the wise words, Wade.

FingahPickah · #9 03-06-2023, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

What you get with a walnut top is a sweet tone but not much volume or projection. I’ve played a bunch of all-walnut instruments, both Martin guitars (a half dozen or so) and mountain dulcimers (countless,) and the sweet simple tone and low volume has been constant with all of them.

In other words, an all-walnut Martin is not going to be a versatile instrument, but it might have just the tone you’re looking for.

Hope that makes sense.

Wade Hampton Miller

You're right on the mark. I have played that same model (perhaps even that same guitar pictured) at the Music Mill in NH. Low volume and projection but a sweet, mellow tone.

They also have a 000 14 fret with more volume and projection but again mellow compared to a similar sitka top model. https://manchestermusicmill.com/mart...-satin-w-case/

motzman13 · #10 03-06-2023, 03:29 PM

I just bought one of these and it was exactly what I was looking for. I think it has great projection compared to other similar sized guitars I have played. If I need projection to play with a group the D-35 I have covers the bill. I wanted more of a coach guitar for around the house and this guitar is perfect. Some of the appointments on it like the tuners and non slotted headstock with an ebony faceplate are really cool touches. It was shipped and setup perfectly from the shop. My first time buying from them and the experience was awesome.

JDB123 · #11 03-06-2023, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjop1975

OK, so I have one of these, and truthfully, it is not for me. It is on my short list of to let go of because frankly, it is sitting in the case because it isn't super versatile if I say wanted to do go from say a Carter Family song to maybe something faster. Some may like it, some may not. It is nicely made etc. and is quite a looker, but for me anyways, it just does not have the tone/sound I desire.

Quote:

Originally Posted by motzman13

I just bought one of these and it was exactly what I was looking for. I think it has great projection compared to other similar sized guitars I have played. If I need projection to play with a group the D-35 I have covers the bill. I wanted more of a coach guitar for around the house and this guitar is perfect. Some of the appointments on it like the tuners and non slotted headstock with an ebony faceplate are really cool touches. It was shipped and setup perfectly from the shop. My first time buying from them and the experience was awesome.

How do these things respond to a flatpick? Since it's a little quieter/warmer. I play almost exclusively with a pick and am not a strummer or fingerstylist.

jimmy bookout · #12 03-06-2023, 09:09 PM

Count me in the "just say NO to hardwood tops".
I have never heard one I thought sounded great, they tend to be quiet and simplistic, IMO.
There IS a reason that acoustic guitars have had softwood tops forever...

mrjop1975 · #13 03-07-2023, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDB123

How do these things respond to a flatpick? Since it's a little quieter/warmer. I play almost exclusively with a pick and am not a strummer or fingerstylist.

I do strumming in addition to the Carter scratch and some fingerstyle, so when I use a pick when strumming, it sounds muted. It could also be I have a 30 year old Gibson that is way opened up sound wise that I am unfairly comparing it to.

JDB123 · #14 03-25-2023, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjop1975

OK, so I have one of these, and truthfully, it is not for me. It is on my short list of to let go of because frankly, it is sitting in the case

Shoot me a PM if you're thinking of moving yours along!

Jamolay · #15 03-25-2023, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjop1975

OK, so I have one of these, and truthfully, it is not for me. It is on my short list of to let go of because frankly, it is sitting in the case because it isn't super versatile if I say wanted to do go from say a Carter Family song to maybe something faster. Some may like it, some may not. It is nicely made etc. and is quite a looker, but for me anyways, it just does not have the tone/sound I desire.

I would have interest in this guitar as well, if you decide to sell and if the prior poster decides against.