Ordered a 2018 Martin J-40 today! - Page 2

Mr. Paul · #16 02-10-2018, 08:56 AM

I did not need to see that demo. Wow.

DanR · #17 02-10-2018, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

Poorly named as a jumbo it is a 0000/M body with dreadnought 4 7/8" depth.

I agree with the 'poorly named' which can be somewhat confusing. But that particular body style/size excels in it's versatility.

Earl49 · #18 02-10-2018, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattd

I have an OM-28 and 000-18 and have been itching for a dread/jumbo of some type when I stumbled across a review of the J-40, I have always thought about getting a M-36 and now have decided to go all in on the J. Now the wait begins!

Congrats on a great choice, Matt. I owned a J-40 for 27 years and it was one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played. I often called it the best-kept secret in the Standard Series. All the power of a dreadnought if you dig in a little with a flat pick, plus better articulation and balance for finger style work due to the narrower waist.

It only sold because my hand no longer agrees with MLO neck carve and the 1-11/16" nut width. I just could not play it for very long without hand pain, while my other guitars can go for hours. If I had only ordered it originally with 1-3/4" but (which is has now as of 2018) or even 1-7/8" it would very likely still be here. I've always wished for a guitar that sounded like my J-40 but played like my Taylors....... Maybe they have it dialed in now.

J-40 should make a nice addition to your herd. Kinda like the OM-28 on steroids, and quite different than your 000-18.

mattd · #19 02-11-2018, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl49

Congrats on a great choice, Matt. I owned a J-40 for 27 years and it was one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played. I often called it the best-kept secret in the Standard Series. All the power of a dreadnought if you dig in a little with a flat pick, plus better articulation and balance for finger style work due to the narrower waist.

It only sold because my hand no longer agrees with MLO neck carve and the 1-11/16" nut width. I just could not play it for very long without hand pain, while my other guitars can go for hours. If I had only ordered it originally with 1-3/4" but (which is has now as of 2018) or even 1-7/8" it would very likely still be here. I've always wished for a guitar that sounded like my J-40 but played like my Taylors....... Maybe they have it dialed in now.

J-40 should make a nice addition to your herd. Kinda like the OM-28 on steroids, and quite different than your 000-18.

If it's anything like the om-28 on steroids then I will be a happy camper!

AndrewG · #20 02-11-2018, 05:01 AM

I owned one, must be over 10 years ago now. Very nice, but I felt the low end was a little overblown-purely subjectively, of course. Nevertheless I gigged it for a couple of years and it was a nice change from an endless succession of dreads. You'll love it, I'm sure.

auggie242 · #21 02-11-2018, 01:03 PM

I have an old J-40M from 1986 and an HJ-38. Both have tone and volume to spare. I'm betting you're going to love your new one.

drplayer · #22 02-11-2018, 02:02 PM

CONGRATS...That is an outstanding model! I don't have the deeper bodied J-40, but last Fall I purchased a new Custom Shop 0000(M), which is in essence the same body shape. Likely not as big sounding as the J-40, but it is a phenomenal guitar; and to my ear, it's the finest sounding new Martin I've yet to own/play--and that includes models from the Authentic line.

mattd · #23 02-11-2018, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drplayer

CONGRATS...That is an outstanding model! I don't have the deeper bodied J-40, but last Fall I purchased a new Custom Shop 0000(M), which is in essence the same body shape. Likely not as big sounding as the J-40, but it is a phenomenal guitar; and to my ear, it's the finest sounding new Martin I've yet to own/play--and that includes models from the Authentic line.

Wow, that is a beauty!!!

Brucebubs · #24 02-11-2018, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanR

I agree with the 'poorly named' which can be somewhat confusing. But that particular body style/size excels in it's versatility.

My Martin JDP II shares the same J-14 body as the J-40.
Here it is in the middle of some real jumbo guitars - you can see it's not a big guitar.
I don't know what possessed Martin to call it a jumbo.
When they made their 1st true jumbo with 17" lower bout - that's it on the left - they added the word 'Grand' to the body.
So a Martin Grand Jumbo is totally different to their Jumbo.

Earl49 · #25 02-11-2018, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drplayer

.....I don't have the deeper bodied J-40, but last Fall I purchased a new Custom Shop 0000(M), which is in essence the same body shape. Likely not as big sounding as the J-40, but it is a phenomenal guitar; and to my ear, it's the finest sounding new Martin I've yet to own/play--and that includes models from the Authentic line.....

I have played the M-36 and M-38 which is the 0000 body with the thinner OM or 000 depth. They are fine sounding guitars and perhaps a bit more balanced, much more equivalent to an OM-28 or 000-28. Those thinner bodies maybe preferable for recording purposes. But the deeper body of the J-40 just has more..... raw horsepower. In OM-28 goes to "10" the J-40 goes to "11".

Brucebubs · #26 02-11-2018, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl49

I have played the M-36 and M-38 which is the 0000 body with the thinner OM or 000 depth. They are fine sounding guitars and perhaps a bit more balanced, much more equivalent to an OM-28 or 000-28. Those thinner bodies maybe preferable for recording purposes. But the deeper body of the J-40 just has more..... raw horsepower. In OM-28 goes to "10" the J-40 goes to "11".

Interesting , I've heard the following description of the J-14,

"The panache of an OM,
The balance of a 000,
The engine of a Dreadnought."

Earl49 · #27 02-11-2018, 03:11 PM

I can't argue with any of that, Bruce. You and I are among the few that currently own (or have owned) the Martin J's.

Hoyt · #28 02-11-2018, 07:27 PM

I played one of those about a year ago. Wow, just wow. Unfortunately, I'm a sofa, recliner player these days, and dreadnoughts and even OMs are often too big for the chair.

Otherwise, I would have bought that thing right there, even knowing I could get it cheaper on-line. Just an outstanding, wonderful guitar.

AndyC · #29 04-09-2018, 06:43 AM

I've got a 2018 "Reimagined" J-40 on order as well -keen to hear your thoughts :-)

NotALuth · #30 04-09-2018, 09:15 AM

I played and loved an HJ-28 when I was looking for my first high quality acoustic, but wanted to try a wider range of guitars before parting with my money. Of course it sold before I got back to it.

Forward four years and the same store are advertising one used. Took the next day off work and went and got it. I’ll never know if it was the same one but there is a good chance as the date is right, not that it matters, as soon as I picked it up it felt like coming home. Definitely the one I would have the hardest job parting with.

I am sure you’ll love yours.