Burst or Plain?

[DrMickMach]

Buying a Martin 000-15m in a short while.

I know this all subjective, but what are people's thoughts on the tobacco burst model?

It's $200 extra for a purely cosmetic feature, but I've not been able to see one 'in the flesh' as it were, only pics on the net.

I've been saving for this purchase for some time and won't be buying another guitar for even longer, so I'm a bit torn between saving a couple of sweet Franklins or just getting something a little fancier than the plain hog (tho I do like the plain look as well.)

As I said, I know this all purely subjective, but feel free to weigh in one and all

https://ibb.co/gXgAW7

[Pitar]

I don't like burst of any kind but I wouldn't otherwise call a non-burst finish "plain". I understand the context but it sure sounds like it's rating burst over non-burst. Now, if you'll excuse me I must get to the shop to supervise the placement of racing stripes on my Bentley.

[Nctom]

Although I generally like mahogany tops natural, like my Waterloo WL-12mh, I have owned the natural 00- and 000-15 and found them plain. I think the burst finish adds something to the guitars.

Now about the matte finish....

[Placida]

I'm mostly a natural top guy especially when it's a mahogany top. Guitars just look better to me with the natural top. However something like that Taylor Mini with the nicely done edge burst somebody posted on here yesterday - now I could live with that pretty easily.

[AcousticWoody]

Plain. I have sold every Burst topped guitar I have owned. Just personal preference.

[Methos1979]

It depends on the burst. Generally, I hate tobacco sunburst on regular spruce top guitars - I just don't like that drastic transition from very light to very dark. Then I saw the Ambertone and fell in love with that.

Now, since all-hog guitars are already dark in color then certain burst finishes look really nice since the transition is not drastic. I love the Santa Cruz 1929 edge burst finishes - gorgeous!

[Methos1979]

I just Googled the 000-15m burst - very similar to the SC 1929 edge burst. I love it. If it was me I'd totally spring for the extra $200. I voted burst.

[TBman]

I voted for "un-bursted" cause (in my best Crocodile Dundee voice) that's not a burst, this is a burst (or this!).

[Wade Hampton]

I think that subtle top shading makes the guitar look elegant. Whether it’s worth it to you as the buyer, I can’t answer, but I sure like it.


whm

[DrMickMach]

Not unexpectedly, the verdict is split almost exactly 50/50 both on the comments and the poll I put up hah!

Ah decisions, decisions

What might sway me is I am only a few dollars short of affording the 'plain' look, so I could get it in a week or two, instead of a month or two. But I also have no reason to get it sooner apart from just 'I want it now!'

I must admit, I first saw the 000-15m a few years ago before they brought out the burst, and I just loved the simplicity of it. Weirdly, it's 'plainness' made it stand out for me from other guitars. I do agree with Methos tho that because it's mahogany, the burst is a subtle transition and a bit more understated, which I also like.

Thanks all for the comments so far.

[Methos1979]

I bought a Santa Cruz 1929 00 all-hog plain finish guitar. About a week later I saw the exact same guitar here in the AGF classifieds but with the burst finish. I bought it immediately and sold the plain one!

Here's why:

[AZLiberty]

I hate dark, opaque bursts, but the subtle edge burst on the 15 series is IMHO quite attractive.

[Sponserv]

Burst is my choice

[DrMickMach]

Ooh that is nice, I love that richness in the wood the burst has brought to it.

[jaybones]

Voted plain, but I could live with that burst.

Not sure if I'd want to spend the extra 2 bills though...