Martin "Expert Authentics"

[UncleJesse]

Full List of them on TME: https://themusicemporium.com/search?...m%20authentic*

Interesting it says for neck shape on the 000 "Modified V neck shape with 1930's style heel", but on the D "1937 Authentic Barrel & Heel Neck Profile"

[Mr. Paul]

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

Full List of them on TME: https://themusicemporium.com/search?...m%20authentic*

The first 37 d18 ambertone I see just might be the one that finally causes me to stop waiting for the aged version many of us have been asking for!

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by Mr. Paul

The first 37 d18 ambertone I see just might be the one that finally causes me to stop waiting for the aged version many of us have been asking for!

No doubt. And I guess if the 28s are listed at 5210 I'd imagine the D18s will be in the 4600-4800 for non aged and 5500-5700 range for aged. I have a D18 37A and I'm guessing the value may drop some when those do come out.

[llew]

Just let me change that "Authentic '37" neck profile for a Mod-V and I'd be in line! Oh well?

[Zissou Intern]

Originally Posted by llew

Just let me change that "Authentic '37" neck profile for a Mod-V and I'd be in line! Oh well?

But which Martin ModV? There have been many different profiles to wear that name in the last 25 years.

[llew]

I wasn't aware of that? Same as what used to be on a D-18GE or a HD-28V I suppose. Assuming they are the same?

[Russ C]

The neck on the D18GE was more like the D28A than the HD28V from my memory - significantly thicker near the body.

[Zissou Intern]

The Vintage series ModV is different from the GE's. The GE's were rounder with more shoulder, especially early on. They had slimmed down significantly by the end of the run. The ModV on the D Mahogany wasn't as deep as the GE and Marquis. Even the ModV within the Vintage series varied. The HD28LSV was had a sharper V than the HD28V and D18V, which was significantly different than the HD28VS and D18VS. The 12 fretters were much fuller and deeper that their 14 fret siblings.

I am looking forward to playing one of these Expert Authentics. Despite all the speculation, no one knows how the the neck will really be profiled. Martin puts out profile diagrams and measurements, and yet they often differ from the listed spec's and drawings.

[llew]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

The Vintage series ModV is different from the GE's. The GE's were rounder with more shoulder, especially early on. They had slimmed down significantly by the end of the run. The ModV on the D Mahogany wasn't as deep as the GE and Marquis. Even the ModV within the Vintage series varied. The HD28LSV was had a sharper V than the HD28V and D18V, which was significantly different than the HD28VS and D18VS. The 12 fretters were much fuller and deeper that their 14 fret siblings.

I am looking forward to playing one of these Expert Authentics. Despite all the speculation, no one knows how the the neck will really be profiled. Martin puts out profile diagrams and measurements, and yet they often differ from the listed spec's and drawings.

I'd like to play one too but it'll require a substantial road trip as the AD's around here won't carry anything that high end.

[MoonSpruce]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

This is inaccurate. There are dozens of unlisted differences between the GE/Marquis line and the Authentic line beyond bracing carve. The ones that are meaningful to me and not offered in the custom shop are: Not only are the authentic braces carved differently but the bridge plate is smaller and tucked under the cross braces. The bracing pattern is also different. The back bracing is different. The overall authentic build construction is lighter. The neck block is larger and not the modern L shape. The fretboard is thinner, which affects upper bout resonance. You can’t even get the authentic bridge from the custom shop. None of these authentic features are available through the custom shop which is why this new “expert” line is significant. (And the complete list of differences enumerated by the Martin experts goes into the dozens.).

This model marks a rare moment in Martin history where you get an Authentic series guitar with just a couple of modern changes.

My original point was that Martin easily make Authentic bracing available in the custom shop.

[Wild Bill Jones]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

I think what most of us find ridiculous is how thin it is in the first position (in relation to how fat it is farther up). No question, some people like (or don’t mind it), but it isnt remotely a typical vintage neck. It’s very unusual which turns a lot of people off. So many posts here and on the UMGF of people who sold that guitar because of the neck (even though SOME people love it.) I’d hope for a more broadly appealing neck on one of these, personally.

Point noted. Still, I play up and down the neck and it is a non issue to me. Guess I’m just weird or something.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by Wild Bill Jones

Point noted. Still, I play up and down the neck and it is a non issue to me. Guess I’m just weird or something.

I’d say you’re LUCKY!

[Wade Hampton]

Seems like a silly thing to get cranky about....


whm

[usb_chord]

Just call a dealer and (try to) order the guitar you want...

[Mr. Paul]

I called Wildwood a week ago to see if they happened to have an incoming D18 with Authentic bracing and ambertone finish coming in. I still have not heard back but here's one they got in today, I believe this is the first of this new series to hit their website.

Sinker D18, with "D18 Authentic 1937 Bracing" and MLO neck ... $4300

https://wildwoodguitars.com/product/...8-9/?cat_id=32

Very nice guitar!