I have gone a little Martin Crazy! 2 D-41's, D-28, M-36

[mightymole]

So as the title says I have gone a little crazy on Martin's lately. I certainly appreciate the Martin sound and all are very playable. I thought I would give a little observation on my collection. I certainly don't deserve any of these guitars as far as playing ability goes. I don't gig but it sure has been a fun hobby. I have bought and sold enough guitars that I have been able to make it a hobby that doesn't take money from the family, and in fact adds a little back from time to time. I will probably end up selling one of the D-41's just because I need to downsize to free up guitar funds for the future. However I think all four have great attributes, and way more pluses than minuses. So here goes.

M-36: 2018 My 1st Martin purchase more than a year ago. I like it better than the others that I played in the shop at the time. Great jack of trades guitar, and master of many in my opinion. It actually has a deeper tone than the D-28. I think it is because of the balanced tone. It has more midrange as well as a little more rounded highs. If I am ever forced to sell my Martin's due to finances or health this would probably be the last to go. I don't play bluegrass at least outside the home so this covers the bases for me.

D-28: 2014 I traded my last high dollar piece of electric modeling gear guitar for this. I haven't played electric for a couple of years so time move stuff along. This guitar is the driest of the four, has more cut, and probably the loudest. To my ears this guitar has some D-18 characteristics. I traded an electric guitar previously for a D-18 special with a Adirondack top. That guitar was surprisingly bright and super dry. Great articulation but not my cup of tea, so I sold it. This D-28 is a nice compromise of more bass, as well as a little more overtones.

D-41 2023 Natural top is one I purchased locally a few months ago.
a gentleman in my area has more disposable income than me and often buys new guitars plays them for a short while and moves them along at a substantial discount. So it was in my price range. What a fantastic guitar. I love the overtones, it sounds like I am listening to a studio recording when I play it. Almost has a natural chorus and compression effect. Beautiful sounding highs and a little brighter than the other D-41 I will discuss in a minute. This plays amazing. The tech he takes his guitars to for set up is a genius. To bad the tech is at Music Villa in Bozeman which is 6 hours away. I would use him for my other guitars. I think the bass response will develop more over time as it gets played more. I am really smitten with this guitar.

D-41 2020 Sunburst top is one I acquired just a few days ago. I had no intention of purchasing another guitar let alone a D-41. However the gentleman who I bought the Natural top from was selling this. He gave me a very generous trade value on a 12 fret Taylor 512ce that I was just not gelling with so this became doable. For sure there is much more overlap than differences between the 2 D-41's, however there are some differences. This has a little more traditional Martin boom and bass response. Same beautiful overtones but with a deeper resonance. Plays exactly the same, as it was set up by the same tech. I am just amazed by how wonderful both these Martin's sound.
I know that sunbursts on Martin's are a little polarizing around here. Some really like them many don't. However I will give the same tired response as others may say. It looks better in person. More browns than what shows up in photos.
So there you have it. Thanks for reading, and now I need to play more.

[Wade Hampton]

Nice guitar collection! I’m envious.


Wade Hampton Miller

[abn556]

Nice collection. You are more brand loyal than I am. I have bought 3 new acoustics in the last 2 years, but bought 3 different brands. A Martin, Gibson Custom Shop, and a Larrivee. I also traded for a 1963 Gibson LG-0, so really 4 acoustics.

I have also bought 2 Gibson SGs since 2021 and a Henry Amplification SRT+ amp.

I remember saying in 2004 that I would never buy another guitar or amp….

[Kh1967]

Very nice Martins. Enjoy!

[Tube Sound]

That is very cool. So what will the next one be?

[birdsong]

I love my old ('94) D-41.

It's become a little harder for me to play (my age and some medical stuff). Every time I think of selling it, I go spend a few moments with it, and then I know I'm not ready to sell..

You have some nice ones.

[musicman1951]

Wow, that's a great collection. Enjoy every note.

[llew]

Very nice...those will cover a lot of ground! Congrats and enjoy!

[CharlieBman]

Nice looking little family!

[soups]

Lovely collection!

[MartinD12-20]

Impressive collection.

Here's hoping those beautiful instruments do not develop any of the binding problems that newer Martins have been experiencing lately.

[mightymole]

Thanks for the compliments. They are more than I deserve for sure! Hopefully I will continue enjoying the wonderful world of guitars, and perhaps improve?