What do you all HONESTLY think of Martin guitars?

[6L6]

I'm a big fan of Martin guitars at the higher end (D-18 and above). While I'm NOT a fan of their re-imagined series (neck shape and 1 3/4" nut are "no-go's" for me), their guitars made before the change certainly draw me in.

The folks who build the guitars for Martin can truly be proud of their product.

[Kaydee]

I just dont like them,sorry,I don’t like them aesthetically,and I have not ,to date found one I like the sound of.
I am acutely aware that the way we,as individuals,hear sounds is incredibly diverse and discussions around tone are interesting but ultimately pointless,as it depends on our preferences and hearing can be heavily influenced by our age.
That being said I just don’t like the sound of the 5 Martins I have tried.
For the money I can think of at least 3 luthier built guitars I would much rather own,which look much nicer ,sound better and would in my humble opinion be far more desireable (to me)
No criticism of Martins intended ,I have no axe to grind,I just wouldn’t put a Martin on my list of “guitars I would like to own”
Sorry
All the best

[JHey!]

To each their own, obviously. I think they’re cool and iconic. I love the look of my OM-21. I love the playability and the sound, too. Oh, and it’s got an intoxicating smell. I can’t really think of anything I don’t like about it. The action was a bit high when I got it, but a proper setup fixed that. I’d definitely buy or trade for another a Martin. But I like other builders/styles, too.

[mawmow]

Well, in my mind, Mr Martin invented Mrs Guitar in America. That's it.

My first solid wood was a Taylor 510.
Then I moved away from any big city and the local dealer had no Martin...
So I ordered a brand new Martin D-35 :
I discovered quite soon the narrower nut width was not for me.
By the way, it had a strong glue odor !

Over the years, I bought and sold a bunch of used dream (for me !) guitars.
I am now well aware of guitar specs I am more comfortable with and own
guitars, almost all orchestra type, from many builders, and I love my
Martin OOO-18, Gibson L-OO TV, Taylor 322, Martin OODB, Taylor 412ce,
Larrivees L-03koa and OM-09, Eastman AC-122ce, Seagull Performer CW QIT
and Godin 5th Avenue to name these.

So, to me, Martin marked the history, but other builders are also worth to be named.

[nightchef]

All I know is that the Martin I just bought (HD-28) is the most beautiful-sounding guitar I've ever heard. The tone just explodes out of it. It's the most money I've ever spent on an instrument, and I feel like I got every penny's worth.

[Photojeep]

When I finally became aware of BRANDS of guitars instead of just their shapes, Gibson was the one I wanted. Before I finally bought my Gibson J15, I had tried almost every Martin hanging on the wall at one of my local Guitar Centers.

I didn't like the sound of any of them.

Of course I paid no attention whatsoever to the condition of their strings, I just knew I couldn't figure out what all the fuss was about. I loved the way they looked but their sound was, "Meh"

Then, about 2-3 years ago, a friend in my church choir asked me to play his brand new Custom Shop Martin Dread (still don't know which one it was) and I fell in love. I started looking for an affordable but great sounding Martin (I know, that's a bit of an oxymoron) and found a DRS2 that sounded incredible.

Now I own 2 Martins.

A (too) long story to say, I HONESTLY love Martin guitars!

Best,
PJ

[BrunoBlack]

Iconic and most often a pretty good value for the money. I’ve enjoyed many over the years.

[M Sarad]

Having played OM 45s, a 28, and 18s from 1930 to 33, i haven't found anything I like better.
I haven't played more than a few Martins from this century.

[Kaydee]

I live in the UK,I suspect that may affect my allegiances.I have been lucky enough to try many guitars,some very expensive ( £8,000 to £15,000) not that I could ever afford one of these,or even that I am worthy of one. My current acoustic is a modest tanglewood worth around £850,which I chose after a day in the guitar shop,playing taylors ,martins ,seagulls,non of which suited my ear and many of which cost 4 to 5 times the price of my Tanglewood.
I have played a baranik,bashkin,and a beautiful Taran guitar which would be my choice if money was no object,but for now I will live with the Tanglewood,retirement in 6 months means more time to become worthy and a few quid to spend on something a bit special.I have just discovered Turnstone guitars which are stunning,not tried one yet but hopefully I can find a way to try one out.
best wishes

[Rosewood99]

Were you worried that we were going to give you a DISHONEST answer?

[nightchef]

Originally Posted by paulzoom

Were you worried that we were going to give you a DISHONEST answer?

Yeah, that struck me funny too. I mean, if there’s one group of people I’ve encountered in this world who are never shy about voicing their opinions, it’s guitar players. (Well, OK, and Boston sports fans.)

[MidfieldGeneral]

Got a Martin OM28 and I love it. I loved the D28 but regret selling it but it was too big for me. I love their quality and sound and finish. I sold my Eastman dreadnought as I never liked it, can’t say why.

[mpaul73]

For me Martin is the standard. I have played a D-18, HD-28 and now own a 000-28EC which is a wonderful guitar. Plus Martins smell better than any other guitar!

[TOPDOGJIM]

There ok.....

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by mpaul73

For me Martin is the standard. I have played a D-18, HD-28 and now own a 000-28EC which is a wonderful guitar. Plus Martins smell better than any other guitar!

Mmmm........ That's probably not a good sign. The more seasoned the woods are the less they should smell, and the less they are susceptible to movement or cracks.