Martin "Expert Authentics"

[brencat]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

The vendor I asked about this said the necks are same as the authentic they’re based on. If that’s true, that’s probably the thing that’s preventing me from order the D-28. If you’re in the market for a D-18 though, that authentic neck is much nicer, if you like a more typical full neck with a smooth even taper.

Very disappointed to hear this if true. The D-28A 1937 neck is a disaster. If they would just use the neck of the D-18A 1937 for the new D-28s and the neck of the 000-18A 1937 for the 000 and OMs, it would be perfect.

IMO, the D-18A 1937 and 000-18A 1937 C to V shaped necks were the best Martin ever carved in the modern era... and although they are bigger/thicker than some prefer, at least they were fairly EVEN depth-wise throughout the entire length of the neck. Not distracting like the super thin to super thick D-28A 1937 neck.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by brencat

Very disappointed to hear this if true. The D-28A 1937 neck is a disaster. If they would just use the neck of the D-18A 1937 for the new D-28s and the neck of the 000-18A 1937 for the 000 and OMs, it would be perfect.

IMO, the D-18A 1937 and 000-18A 1937 C to V shaped necks were the best Martin ever carved in the modern era... and although they are bigger/thicker than some prefer, at least they were fairly EVEN depth-wise throughout the entire length of the neck. Not distracting like the super thin to super thick D-28A 1937 neck.

I agree with you on all points.

No one's held one of these in hand yet. The naive part of me is hoping that vendor was wrong when he told me the D-28 "expert" would have the D-28 Authentic '37 neck.

The first question I had for that vendor was: "What neck did they put on the D-28 expert?" His response, almost exactly quoted was, "These guitars are based off the Authentics, so each model with have the neck that was on the Authentic it was based on. So the D-28 will have the Authentic 1937 D-28 neck."

As others start to call other vendors and get these in hand, please report back here to corroborate the Truth on this report!

[Br1ck]

Just what I want, an Authentic that is not so authentic as the Authentic that is not so authentic.

Just for you, a model A Ford, just like 1032, except for the overhead cam fuel injected engine, six speed automatic and independant suspention. Oh, you can have it in any of these thirteen colors.

It might be just what you want though. No harm making whatever people will buy and using any marketing you have to sell them. I might buy a D 18 if it had a 1 11/16 neck, but I don't expect Martin to build it for me. Remember, they are the ones getting the e mails and talking to dealers. You might feel disenfranchised if your tastes are not in the mainstream.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by Br1ck

Just what I want, an Authentic that is not so authentic as the Authentic that is not so authentic.

Just for you, a model A Ford, just like 1032, except for the overhead cam fuel injected engine, six speed automatic and independant suspention. Oh, you can have it in any of these thirteen colors.

It might be just what you want though. No harm making whatever people will buy and using any marketing you have to sell them. I might buy a D 18 if it had a 1 11/16 neck, but I don't expect Martin to build it for me. Remember, they are the ones getting the e mails and talking to dealers. You might feel disenfranchised if your tastes are not in the mainstream.

not sure who you're talking to, but if its the neck comments, I assure you, that neck is anything but "mainstream."

[Wild Bill Jones]

I could be wrong but my understanding is that the nitro finish on my 37 D28AA is thinner than the straight up Authentic model. Also I find nothing wrong with my Authentic Aged neck. Slight V above the seventh fret. Not particularly thicker either and certainly not a “baseball bat.” This is a late 2019 model. You can have this guitar after you pry it out of my cold dead hands.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by Wild Bill Jones

I could be wrong but my understanding is that the nitro finish on my 37 D28AA is thinner than the straight up Authentic model. Also I find nothing wrong with my Authentic Aged neck. Slight V above the seventh fret. Not particularly thicker either and certainly not a “baseball bat.” This is a late 2019 model. You can have this guitar after you pry it out of my cold dead hands.

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.

[00045]

I think these are Custom Shop orders from that shop. Martin call's them Custom Shop Expert Dealer.
These are not regular Martin series, I guess.

[madison]

How can a D-28 based on a pre-1969 design be authentic without Brazilian Rosewood back and sides?

[aaron_t]

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.

I switch very easily back/forth between my D-28 AA, D-18 GE and Collings D1AT. The 28 AA neck is a bit thinner but doesn’t bother me. Now, some earlier D-28 ‘37As I played had what felt like a much more exaggerated taper. I assumed Martin was taking the hint from all the feedback they had received.

[aaron_t]

I really like the idea of non-VTS tops and the possibility of another D-18 ‘37A run.

[llew]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

seems like if the aurhentics had the .105" top, these ads wouldn't need to point out "thinner top" as a feature. Then again, they mention hide glue. I could swear people over on the tech forum of UMGF have said repeatedly the prewar originals and authentic series copies do not have thinner tops vs the standards, except the 000-30A. Would be great to start getting some caliper measurements. I can measure my HD28V but don't known an authentic. Yet

I don't know how much more you can thin a top after .105" and still have a structurally sound guitar top? But I'm no luthier.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by llew

I don't know how much more you can thin a top after .105" and still have a structurally sound guitar top? But I'm no luthier.

These have a .105” top, according to the TME ad. I looked it up and saw John Arnold endorse a prewar Martin top thickness of about 0.110” elsewhere on this forum, so .105” is right in that ballpark, maybe exact with lacquer finish added on.

[Goodallboy]

Originally Posted by madison

How can a D-28 based on a pre-1969 design be authentic without Brazilian Rosewood back and sides?

Because you can name something any way you want, and if you can convince enough people to buy one it was a resounding success.

It’s when they move on the the “Real Authentic” models, that I’ll be closely watching.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by llew

I don't know how much more you can thin a top after .105" and still have a structurally sound guitar top? But I'm no luthier.

Perhaps instead of Martin focusing on specs like this, they should try hand voicing each guitar top to an optimal deflection, particularly if we're talking a limited run of select guitars. There's simply too many good boutique alternatives now for Martin to continue to ignore this.

[ALBD]

Where are all the relic bashing purists when Martin does it?