Martin HPL Top guitars and other hardy guitars

[Ian111]

Looking to get a guitar that I can leave out on the stand most of the time. I’ve got a Gretsch Jim Dandy for that role but wanted something that sounds a bit fuller than a parlor. Is there anything else that would be ok for that role on a budget?

[dnf777]

It all comes down to your preference and risk tolerance. Kids? Pets? Room humidity? I’m looking at a Taylor 322 and Martin 00-17 sitting on stands as I type. Of course, a case is safer, but I like grabbing one and playing when the urge strikes.

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by Ian111

Looking to get a guitar that I can leave out on the stand most of the time. I’ve got a Gretsch Jim Dandy for that role but wanted something that sounds a bit fuller than a parlor. Is there anything else that would be ok for that role on a budget?

Because of humidity, or bumps and bruises?

What is the budget?

Is carbon fiber of interest?

[Ian111]

Humidity or lack of being regularly humidified.

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by Ian111

Humidity or lack of being regularly humidified.

You might visit the Carbon Fiber forum. I recently bought an Emerald and really like it. It's not what I'd call a budget guitar, but there are other options available.

[Jimi2]

I live in New England where my indoor humidity is dangerously low during the winter despite a room humidifier or two, so my nice guitar get
cases during the winter, despite my preference being having them out on stands. So I got myself a Martin X series OOO Macassar on sale for under $400. For the price it sounds and feels great, though it is all HPL and heavier than a wood guitar. It sat out in my living room all winter and never even needed a truss rod adjustment. This will be my first summer with it, so I’ll see how it copes with high humidity.

[Ian111]

Sounds good Jimi. Thanks

[Jimi2]

No problem. I would definitely prefer a $2000 carbon fiber guitar, but this thing is pretty nice for what it is - and it seems relatively indestructible so far. I’ve left it in my car in sub freezing temperatures, then gone straight indoors with no ill effects. Someone here suggested to me that it might be more susceptible to heat (ie hot car) but I don’t know how true that is. I imagine it’ll cope pretty well with high humidity.

I got mine at guitar center, if you want to find one to play. I think they sound way better than Jim Dandys.

[Cheezeweggie]

Yamaha FS or FG