Brazilian / Madagascar / East Indian / Magahoni?

[kevpud2k12]

What are the tonal differences between the abovementioned woods when used for back & sides on e.g. a Martin?
What about Mahagoni when compared to Rosewood?

[walkin_man]

[kevpud2k12]

thanks a lot, sums up what I wanted to know pretty nicely
still I wonder whether Madagascar or Brazilian Rosewood would be worth the extra $ spent on a custom Martin.. I understand that Brazilian is practically extinct nowadays, which should show in its pricing.. but how about Madagascar Rosewood? It's not extinct, but yet not allowed to be logged anymore..

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by kevpud2k12

thanks a lot, sums up what I wanted to know pretty nicely
still I wonder whether Madagascar or Brazilian Rosewood would be worth the extra $ spent on a custom Martin.. I understand that Brazilian is practically extinct nowadays, which should show in its pricing.. but how about Madagascar Rosewood? It's not extinct, but yet not allowed to be logged anymore..

I've owned 3 Martin Madis; 000-42MEC, America's Guitar, and a custom shop OM-28. I love Madagascar, old Brazilian may be better, but the new stuff is mostly junk, there is still "some" good Madi to be had.

Martin has about 4000 sets of Madi and probably won't be able to get any more, which is fine, we need to conserve, but these sets already exist and they are certified.

When I have owned comparable EIR and Madi models, I have always preferred the Madi for it's clean, stronger low end and lush Brazilian-like harmonincs/overtones. Get your Madi while you can..........

[ferganzo]

I, too, love Madi.

My two (OM28MM and 0-28VS Stills) are completely different, which is more a function of size and bracing.

My 000-42 Koa and the OM28MM have similar woody sound (within the context of what they are). Both have many other similar features (light weight, hide glue, uprgaded spruce, etc). But, they are the best sounding Martins I have ever heard (maybe...the 1932 OM-28...but, c'mon that was $29,500...lol).

[flaggerphil]

I am very partial to mahogany.

[drbluegrass]

I didn't notice that hog was a choice until I'd already answered the question. I have a Bourgeois Vintage D Braz and a Martin D-18 Authentic. Until I had these two guitars I was pretty much able to pick a favorite between my guitars. Not so with the Bourgie and D-18A. I'd have a tremendously hard time picking which I like the most between them. I've always been a mahogany guy but that Bourgeois is truly something special. "New or old growth" Braz, the Bourgeois definitely has the "it factor". Very lush tone with a clarity that is remarkable. I used to be one that thought Braz was somewhat overhyped and overrated. No longer. Although I do realize not all stump wood and young Braz is remarkable. But a great Braz guitar is truly a joy to hear and play.


Tom

[jhchang]

you don't have to spend extra $$ on a custom Martin to get Madi. The HD-28MP is relative inexpensive with great value.

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by jhchang

you don't have to spend extra $$ on a custom Martin to get Madi. The HD-28MP is relative inexpensive with great value.

Martin has 8 current Madi models, and there were a number of models introduced (now discontinued, methinks until the Gibson mess settled down), in 2008.

Aside from the HD-28MP there is a D-35MP, two signature OM's, a couple PA Madis, and a few others. The best priced Martin Madi is the D-35MP.

Martin Madis are wonderful..................