Backup for my D28

63telemaster · #1 08-20-2018, 02:50 AM

On our last fly away, after watching the baggage handlers throw our guitars onto the baggage truck I decided I don't want to fly with my trusty D28 again.

Ideally I'm looking for a lower range Martin or Martin inspired dreadnought that is happy with medium strings and has the same build quality. For instance, my son's Recording King dread is ok but just doesn't have the same sturdy feeling or the stability of my D28.

I don't want or need electronics as I use a soundhole pickup and will transfer this into the backup guitar.

My budget is up to £500 maximum and I live in the UK. Just looking for some ideas to start me off on the search please.

Paddy1951 · #2 08-20-2018, 03:38 AM

The baggage monkeys are capable of destroying anything. I have seen instruments housed in Calton cases severely damaged. Better that you do not check your instrument.

The folding neck backpack style guitars might be your best bet. Then you can take your instrument on board. They do seem difficult to find, however.

Good luck to you.

Monsum · #3 08-20-2018, 04:21 AM

I had a Martin D-28 and was looking for something similar but cheaper and ended up buying a Sigma DR-28. They have a good built quality and sound.
They come with 12s strings though but you can try Sigmas out and see how they feel, may not be that different from dreadnoughts with heavy gauge strings.

And they look stunning too:

Ozark · #4 08-20-2018, 05:10 AM

Look for a used Martin MMV. They sounds great.

JayBee1404 · #5 08-20-2018, 05:40 AM

https://www.hobgoblin.com/local/sale...porary-guitar/

Neil K Walk · #6 08-20-2018, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ozark

Look for a used Martin MMV. They sounds great.

I concur. They're more like a D-15 under the hood but still have that signature bass. My only concern is that they're still solid wood and the neck joint is still mostly wood on wood; the bolts on the old MT neck joints are just for "setting" the neck, not truly reinforcing the joint.

At the risk of wandering off-topic and steering you away from a Martin, but what you're looking for seems to justify looking for a guitar with at least part-laminate construction. I can relate; I've been tempted by Taylor's DLX offerings in the 200 series, which is laminated rosewood under a full gloss like they used to do back in the 1970s. The closest analog from Martin would be either the DRS1 from the Road series or the DX1RAE from the X series. Looking for a used Martin, I'd have recommended the old laminated DR or DM but I don't know if there are many out there anymore.

mikealpine · #7 08-20-2018, 06:58 AM

Check out the Eastman dreads. They may work well, if they are in that price range.

Static · #8 08-20-2018, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikealpine

Check out the Eastman dreads. They may work well, if they are in that price range.

Agreed, also, Blueridge might be worth checking out too. I think I recall people on forums saying they see a lot of Blueridges turning up at bluegrass jams nowadays, for those that don't like taking their d28's.

rokdog49 · #9 08-20-2018, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

https://www.hobgoblin.com/local/sale...porary-guitar/

That's what I would buy. Eastman's don't sound like Martin's to me.
They are a great option though.

63telemaster · #10 08-20-2018, 08:46 AM

Thanks for the suggestions, some good info for me to work on there.

The lower range Martins seem a good option as I imagine the build quality will be up to taking 13s. I'll have to get around to playing a few and see what pops up on the used market.

My DiMarzio Black Angel soundhole pickup will be providing most of the sonic palette so it does leave a few options open for me. The danger is of course that if I get something too nice I'll be back to square one.

vindibona1 · #11 08-20-2018, 08:52 AM

I say start checking the used market and play everything you can get your hands on. You may be surprised at what you find and how cheap you can find it. Alvarez Yairis come on the market every now and again for about $500USD which is very under-priced for what they are.

But back to the used market... On occasion I come across gems that blow everything else out of the water.

Earl49 · #12 08-20-2018, 10:08 AM

Seagull S6 is my go-to for travel purposes. Mine has been on dozens of flights to gigs and guitar camps, and on vacation. Good sound and construction and easily replaced from Craigslist for about $300 just about any time. Mine is pretty nice, and I would regret it being destroyed by the airlines professional baggage maulers, but that would be better than losing a good Taylor or Martin guitar.

My other strategy is to use an SKB i-Series flight case for the guitar, taking my clothes in a gig bag. When I get to the destination, the big square flight case stays in the hotel, and the guitar moves around in the gig bag.

Nyghthawk · #13 08-20-2018, 10:37 AM

Blueridge BR-160. Will give you about 85% of the D-28 sound for about your price range.

Winch2017 · #14 08-20-2018, 11:08 AM

My main guitar is a D-28. Recently bought a D-15M as backup. Very happy camper.

hotroad · #15 08-20-2018, 11:14 AM

My main guitar is a HD-28 and I would never take it flying. So, today, just today, you can find a traveler guitar on Musicians Friend Stupid Deal of the Day for cheap. I suggest you take a good look at that since its built strong.
I might add that some of the laminate guitars are much stronger than the wood guitars. All laminate is what I would go for and some are very nice.