I love my guitar, but it's not a Martin, and I wish it was.

[llew]

Congrats on your new (to you) Martin! The custom version from Ted @ LAGS is nicer with the wider string spacing IMO. Enjoy! By the way...that binding separation issue is an easy fix. Happened at the waist on my D-28. Just glue and tape from Stew-Mac or maybe big rubber bands?

[bufflehead]

Congrats on the NGD. I've got you beat since I'm a two-Martin guy, one being an 000-15M. Love it. I think the two guitars now in your stable will complement each other nicely, especially with the new one being all-mahogany.

[dnf777]

Congrats! And just a thought...if youre going to pay to repair the binding, might consider replacing with a dark stained wood. Truly one of a kind ,and never separate

[cc132]

I just got back from dropping it off at the tech I use. He strongly recommended cutting a new nut as part of the setup, as the action was too low in the first few frets and I was likely going to have significant buzzing with the existing nut after lowering the saddle.

The price quoted for repairing the binding was a good bit higher than I expected and would have taken the job from a few days to two weeks, so I declined to have that addressed for now. I might order some low-viscosity glue and give it a go myself.

All told, the trip to the tech did put a slight damper on my new guitar day, but I'lll get over it. Such is the Craigslist guitar gamble.

[Br1ck]

There is a very well known issue with the binding glue Martin used in the twenty teens (2012 to 2016?) It s a warranty covered problem. I just had this fixed at Gryphon a month or two ago on my 00 15. Something to know when buying a used guitar made in this era. But I have never held a Martin I did not think was a well made instrument.

In the mandolin world, Gibson is that brand a lot of people compare to. Sounds just like a Gibson is a common phrase. But if you crave the Gibson chop, buy a Gibson. You won't be satisfied otherwise. I always thought there must be something to Les Paul guitars, but I didn't like them. Well, I still don't, but it took buying one to really know.

But it's not the time to sell a guitar you like to buy one. You just have to buy another guitar. Like buying that Les Paul, only having one will show you the way. You need to scratch that itch.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Now you're talking! Love the 15's!!

[mr. beaumont]

That binding is a nice cosmetic addition. I just bought a 000-15 last week, so it's still very much the "honeymoon period" for me, but I find myself liking it more every time I pick it up.

[Brucebubs]

see post #45

[KevinH]

Great decision! Looking forward to how you compare the new Martin with your Waterloo.

[gmel555]

Originally Posted by cc132

Y'all aren't going to believe my luck. I certainly can't.

Like most places, our local Craigslist has been bone-dry the last few months, and what is listed has been at outrageous prices. I randomly decided to check for Martins today, and lo and behold, someone had recently listed a LA Guitars Custom 15-series with full body-binding, 1 3/4" nut, and 2 1/4" bridge spacing at a completely reasonable price.........

That's awesome, a GREAT way to become a Martin owner. Congratulations!!

[hairpuller]

Way to go!
Those 15 series are terrific guitars. Enjoy!

scott

[Tom_B]

Please update how you like it. Thanks.

[Lillis]

Congrats on the Martin that’s a very nice duo of guitars. Cool that it worked out so quickly.

[Kh1967]

Originally Posted by cc132

Y'all aren't going to believe my luck. I certainly can't.

Like most places, our local Craigslist has been bone-dry the last few months, and what is listed has been at outrageous prices. I randomly decided to check for Martins today, and lo and behold, someone had recently listed a LA Guitars Custom 15-series with full body-binding, 1 3/4" nut, and 2 1/4" bridge spacing at a completely reasonable price.

So I guess I'm now a two-guitar guy









Because the universe is funny and apparently wants me to have the full Martin experience, the binding is pulling away around the waist. I'm going to have it professionally repaired, but given that it's happening in every side of the waist, I'm assuming that the guitar is or has been a little dehydrated. I'm going to put a moist sponge in the case for a bit to hopefully bring it back to life.

Congratulations! The universe heard your desire.

[Michaelbrady71]

Do yourself a favor and keep the Waterloo.... And buy a Martin. You only live once.