Who Makes Martins Better than Martin?

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

Originally Posted by AHill

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?

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

[Napman41]

Originally Posted by ewalling

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?!

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. ��

[Song]

Taylor makes the best Martins I've ever played.

[Robtaylor]

Originally Posted by We Walk in Song

Taylor makes the best Martins I've ever played.

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

[00-28]

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.


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

[drplayer]

Originally Posted by Bowie

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.

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.

[llew]

I'm gonna need some sun screen?

[simpl man]

I just made the popcorn!

...Carry on.

[ahorsewithnonam]

Originally Posted by drplayer

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?

We have a winner here.

[Bowie]

Originally Posted by drplayer

Well, I didn't miss the point because I don't think there is a point...I simply disagree with the premise of the question.

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.

[jtwine]

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

[Brucebubs]

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

[AHill]

Originally Posted by lodi_55

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

I edited my OP to define "better".

[mechanic1908]

"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

[yukonkornelius]

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.