Martin D/HD 35

[jacot23]

Originally Posted by loco gringo

Go mahogany back and sides. Buy a used D18. If you like the reimagined neck profile, the post 2012 D18's are killer guitars.

I think that eventually we'll all accept that ol' Troubador doesn't want Mahogany B/S.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by loco gringo

Go mahogany back and sides. Buy a used D18. If you like the reimagined neck profile, the post 2012 D18's are killer guitars.

I had almost convinced myself to do that, but I just don't really want mahogany.

[j38guitar]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Believe it or not, I am actually capable of rational thinking. In fact, I do quite a lot of it. Sure, I'll get an idea and take off with it, but when I've had time to think it over, I usually get back to a logical train of thought. And that's what I've done with this idea. I don't think I could afford a used HD-35, and since I prefer scalloped to non-scalloped, I won't any longer consider a D-35. I even briefly thought of maybe getting a pre-reimagined HD-28 (again) and this time setting the action as low as I could get it to help me play the 1 11/16 neck.

So, I have come back around to what you suggest: the Special 16. I want a Martin, so I don't think I'll consider the new RK RD 342. My only other possibility is waiting for a HD-16R, but that might never happen, and I still would have a problem paying as much for that as a used Standard Series.

So, I believe logic and common sense has prevailed. It does prevail a lot of times with me -- but not all the time. I think one reason I go on these tangents is my isolation -- geographical and otherwise.

To me it sounds like you want two HD28s.

[loco gringo]

Originally Posted by Troubador

I had almost convinced myself to do that, but I just don't really want mahogany.

We all like what we like. I love me some mahogany dreads, though.

Get even crazier and get a mahogany short scale Gibson, J45 or Southern Jumbo. Everyone should have a J45 type machine around the house.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by j38guitar

To me it sounds like you want two HD28s.

I like the HD-28 tone better than anything I've heard. Still, I would prefer at least a little variety in a backup guitar.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by loco gringo

We all like what we like. I love me some mahogany dreads, though.

Get even crazier and get a mahogany short scale Gibson, J45 or Southern Jumbo. Everyone should have a J45 type machine around the house.

I like some Gibsons that I've heard -- the Songwriter, the J-60, the Hummingbird Studio Rosewood, but I like Martins better. I'm not really a fan of short scale, either.

[j38guitar]

Originally Posted by Troubador

I like the HD-28 tone better than anything I've heard. Still, I would prefer at least a little variety in a backup guitar.

Another hd28 would sound different.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by j38guitar

Another hd28 would sound different.

Yes, probably so. Especially a pre-reimagined one. Just wish those had the 1 3/4 nut.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Would any of you hesitate to buy one of these due to the 1/4 in. bracing? Would you be wary of potential structural issues?

I own a 1967 Martin D-35 since I bought it new in 1969, so it's now 55 years old. It has never had any structural issues; never even had a neck reset. It's in great shape.

The D-35 does not need to have scalloped braces to sound good in my opinion.

- Glenn

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

I own a 1967 Martin D-35 since I bought it new in 1969, so it's now 55 years old. It has never had any structural issues; never even had a neck reset. It's in great shape.

The D-35 does not need to have scalloped braces to sound good in my opinion.

- Glenn

Thanks for that helpful information. I like the sound of a D-35, but I believe I like the HD-35 a little more.

[j38guitar]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Thanks for that helpful information. I like the sound of a D-35, but I believe I like the HD-35 a little more.

I am sure if they blindfolded you, you could not tell Them apart. Especially via YouTube.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by j38guitar

I am sure if they blindfolded you, you could not tell Them apart. Especially via YouTube.

I tried closing my eyes when listening to comparisons on Youtube, and I could tell them apart. Same with D-28 and HD-28. I can always pick out the scalloped-braced guitar when compared with a non-scalloped one.

[Glennwillow]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Thanks for that helpful information. I like the sound of a D-35, but I believe I like the HD-35 a little more.

The HD-35 has more bass because of the softer, more flexible top from the scalloped 1/4" top bracing. The HD-35 has a good sound, especially if you are a finger picker.

- Glenn

[Dean Riley]

Originally Posted by Troubador

I tried closing my eyes when listening to comparisons on Youtube, and I could tell them apart. Same with D-28 and HD-28. I can always pick out the scalloped-braced guitar when compared with a non-scalloped one.

I’ve played multiple D-35s and HD-35s and in every instance preferred the HD… pretty noticeable difference in bass response IMO.

[EZYPIKINS]

Been a long time since I played a D-35. Never played an HD-35.

But, I bought an OM-28 over a 000-28 for the warmer fuller tone.

I suspect the 1/4" scalloped braces have something to do with that,

Got my HD-28e from Maury's about a week ago. Like all my guitars, I was a bit underwhelmed at first.

Since I finished the setup, I'm so glad I finally bought one.

Rethinking my dislike for the Dreadnaught shape.