If you were going to buy your first Martin.... - Page 4

brencat · #46 03-09-2018, 06:27 AM

Haven’t played one yet, but without a doubt the 2018 HD-28 would be #1 on the list. The old HD-28V with the MLO/PA taper neck?? Yes, please!

llew · #47 03-09-2018, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brencat

Haven’t played one yet, but without a doubt the 2018 HD-28 would be #1 on the list. The old HD-28V with the MLO/PA taper neck?? Yes, please!

No brainer...got one in the stand next to me...great guitar!

Neil K Walk · #48 03-09-2018, 06:48 AM

I already have a D-16GT because in my case my budget was $800 and it was what my ears told me to do since I wasn’t going to come into another $2200 anytime soon. For argument’s sake though if I’d had that money I’d have walked out of that store with an HD-35 or a D-21 Special. The HD-28V would be a close third contender.

Gmountain · #49 03-09-2018, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cypress Knee

Rather than answer your question directly, I would do this. I would contact Maury at Maury's Music or Jon at My Favorite Guitars, let them know my interests and past experiences with other brands as well as the type of music I enjoy, and let them make some suggestions as to what is available in that price range.

You have a lot of Taylor Grand Auditoriums according to your sig. Do you want more auditorium style guitars from a different maker, or do you want to go another body type, or wood type? Do you play fingerstyle, flatpick, or strum? Jazz, country, rock?

Does the history of the people who have played Martin have any influence on you? If you like Clarence White and that D-28, then you may not be satisfied with a Joan Baez orchestra size.

I would reach out to Jon and or Maury instead of taking recommendations from a bunch of unknown strangers who probably have an entirely different reasons to like or dislike Martin guitars.

CK

He didn't ask what should he get. He asked what would you get.

fitness1 · #50 03-09-2018, 06:51 AM

Knowing what I know now, very likely a 0000-18.

Song · #51 03-09-2018, 06:52 AM

00-28 // no pickguard.

51 Relic · #52 03-09-2018, 07:00 AM

Would be my Jeff Tweedy all over again or a lovely OO Custom Shop

gretsch4me · #53 03-09-2018, 07:11 AM

Once you pick up an M36 you'll quickly see/feel/hear why there's a lotta love for them out there.

Golffishny · #54 03-09-2018, 07:11 AM

It depends on how you like your Taylor GA's. If you like the size and rosewood you should check with our sponsors for a J-40. Similar size an great balanced sound with plenty of volume. It's largely unknown by most players. I never saw/played one until a friend of mine got his.

If you're looking for a different size, definitely check out the D-18, D-28 for larger and the 000/OM 18 and 28 for smaller. Good luck in your search.

Jim Owen · #55 03-09-2018, 07:16 AM

Hi RP,
My first Martin was a 000 18. I tried it, and it spoke to me. I have owned 3 000 18s and 1 00 18.

I’m very much a mahogany guy, and the short scale of the 000 seems perfect to me. The guitar seems balanced and articulate. I’m a finger picker, and I don’t need the booming bass of the bigger guitars.

Shades of Blue · #56 03-09-2018, 07:20 AM

D-18 or HD28 hands down. I'd get something scalloped, and let my ears decide between mahogany and rosewood. Unless you want an OM...then I'd go OM28.

Johnny K · #57 03-09-2018, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP

What would you get? Let’s assume a budget of $3000....

Here's what I did for my first (and still oinly Martin). I attended a Martin trunk show at my favorite music store and played everything. Fell in love with the D18, The D41 Ambertone and the HD28V.

The D18 was perfectly priced for the show at 1000 less than your budget, The D41 Ambertone was 1200 over your budget (my god that was a sweet guitar) and the HD28V was only 100 dollars over your budget, Mind you these are show only prices. I had to buy on the spot to lock in the price.

I went with my gut, what I heard and how my fingers effortlessly played songs i know and spent the extra 100 dollars on the HD28V.

I have not regretted my purchase. BUT, If i had the moment to do over, I probably would have got the D18. And spent the other 1000 bucks on a used Tele & Deluxe Reverb.

gfspencer · #58 03-09-2018, 07:35 AM

Everyone should start with the quintessential Martin . . . a D-28.

But seriously, get what you want. Play a few different Martins. You will surely bond with something.

botofogo · #59 03-09-2018, 07:35 AM

This is an interesting question since I set out the other day to buy a Martin and came home (relatively) empty handed. What would I buy is the OM-28, but I would want to play it first. One of the issues I have is finding a shop that has a decent assortment of non-Dreadnought sized Martins to try out.

HHP · #60 03-09-2018, 07:37 AM

If you own Martins, sooner or later you will want to own a D-28 as it is the most iconic in their line, and maybe of all guitars.Save time, get one now and get that out of the way. Its sort of the "Goldilocks" Martin, not too much or too little of anything, it will provide a baseline for the purchase of Martins 2 through 10.