Who Makes Martins Better than Martin?

[antsdmb]

Originally Posted by Scotso

Guess you like Collings. So someone thinks Taylors and Collings sound alike. Oh well. Maybe the ones he compared did. Who knows? Why is this an issue?

I own a Collings but if you read my first post you'd see that I see my Collings as the black swan of my herd. I keep it for the change of pace but it's a spectacular instrument. Very untaylor and unmartin like!

[drplayer]

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott

The way I see it, only Martin could make a better Martin.

That's the way anybody should see it; but you know, here on AGF we take the simplest of things, and then figure out ways to complicate the living snot out of them

[Scotso]

Originally Posted by antsdmb

I own a Collings but if you read my first post you'd see that I see my Collings as the black swan of my herd. I keep it for the change of pace but it's a spectacular instrument. Very untaylor and unmartin like!

gotcha...thanks

[Authentic]

Originally Posted by antsdmb

Not sure where to even start on this. The tone of a Taylor and Collings could not be anymore different. Taylor produces hundreds a day to a spec while Collings does a fraction of that by hand and braces their tops based on the piece of wood rather than a spec. That's just on the surface of this. So...yes...it's disrespectful to Bruce at Collings doing all things wood by hand while Taylor cranks out guitar by the hundreds daily to a spec. I'm in no way anti Taylor but what these companies provide to the guitar world are completely different. For the record I commend Taylor for their current direction and think Andy Powers has done wonders. Still not comparable companies in any aspect, though. And no..I'm not saying my Collings is better than your Taylor. It's just better in my head for my tastes and my preferences which is all that matters to me.

Forget it.

[00-28]

Originally Posted by antsdmb

Not sure where to even start on this. The tone of a Taylor and Collings could not be anymore different. Taylor produces hundreds a day to a spec while Collings does a fraction of that by hand and braces their tops based on the piece of wood rather than a spec. That's just on the surface of this. So...yes...it's disrespectful to Bruce at Collings doing all things wood by hand while Taylor cranks out guitar by the hundreds daily to a spec. I'm in no way anti Taylor but what these companies provide to the guitar world are completely different. For the record I commend Taylor for their current direction and think Andy Powers has done wonders. Still not comparable companies in any aspect, though. And no..I'm not saying my Collings is better than your Taylor. It's just better in my head for my tastes and my preferences which is all that matters to me.

Maybe not comparable companies, but their guitars have a signature tone that is very similar to my ear.

.......Mike

[upsidedown]

Surprising it's gone this far without anyone having mentioned the fine people over at Zager.

[6L6]

My 2011 Collings D2H:




My 1970 Martin D-28:



Both have Sitka spruce tops and EIR back & sides. Both sound great but VERY different. The Collings offers better individual note articulation.

If I could only have one acoustic, it would say "Collings " on the headstock. That said, I also love a lot of Martins and Guilds.

Let your ears decide.

[Jambi]

[Geof S.]

I don't know the answer to the OP's question.

However, I do feel that Ovation makes improved Martins.

[stephenT]

I imagine it's be written over and over, No one builds Martins better than Martin.

There are some very nice Martin-like guitars out there. Merrill comes to mind.

[antsdmb]

Originally Posted by Authentic

Forget it.

Great counter point ☝️

[antsdmb]

Originally Posted by 00-28

Maybe not comparable companies, but their guitars have a signature tone that is very similar to my ear.

.......Mike

Opinions are great. I won't agree and others here could find common grounds in both sides. Those two brand guitars could not sound any different to my ears.

[mauimikey68]

Bagnasco & Casati....
Incredible guitars.

[jaymarsch]

It sounds as though you know what sound it is you are looking for and you know the tonewoods that speak to you. Why not find some guitar stores that carry a variety of guitars in your price range and play a bunch. It doesn't seem to me that it would matter what the brand is as long as you find the guitar that hits on all cylinders that you are seeking.

There are some tremendous used Martin dreads out there and you might find a vintage dread that will fit the bill. A friend of mine just bought a great one for well under your price range.

As far as builders go, John Slobod at Circa makes a wonderful traditional sounding guitar but he may be out of your price range. Not sure if there are any used ones out there.

Another idea would be to call some dealers and let them know what you are looking for and your price range and they can be on the look out for you to try a likely candidate. Good luck in your search.

Best,
Jayne

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by stephenT

I imagine it's be written over and over, No one builds Martins better than Martin.

Yep. Martin-like? Maybe. Better than Martin. Nope...not to these ears.