#151
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Back in the early 1990's when Collings was getting established, there was a saying: "When a better Martin is built, Bill Collings will build it". It's a funny line, but not really correct. IMO, Collings don't sound like Martins at all, though they LOOK like them.
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Avian Skylark Pono 0000-30 Gardiner Parlor Kremona Kiano Ramsay Hauser Cordoba C10 Chris Walsh Archtop Gardiner Concert Taylor Leo Kottke Gretsch 6120 Pavan TP30 Aria A19c Hsienmo MJ Ukuleles: Cocobolo 5 string Tenor Kanilea K3 Koa Kanilea K1 Walnut Tenor Kala Super Tenor Rebel Super Concert Nehemiah Covey Tenor Mainland Mahogany Tenor Mainland Cedar/Rosewood Tenor |
#152
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In the UK check out Atkin Guitars . Wonderful examples
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Martin OODB JT Gibson J45 Yamaha LLTA Yamaha SLG200S Yamaha NTX1200R Taylor GSMiniE Rosewood Joe Brown Uke AER Compact 60 Marshall AS50D Now 100% Acoustic and loving it ! No more GAS |
#153
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Quote:
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#154
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Well, IMHO, everyone should own at least ONE D-18 or D-28. Guitars don't become icons unless they stand the test of time. Pretty hard to top, in my view.
scott memmer |
#155
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Guitar is a strange industry. People largely prefer avoiding innovation or changes. I'm amazed how many folks will instantly claim that it can't be done. Don't bother. Just get a Martin.
https://www.facebook.com/johnny.staa...9158096912843/ I've become a big fan of Bob Thompson guitars. I recall some guy at my acoustic jam giving me the "nice fake Martin" comment when I first brought it out. My wife thinks I'm a moron, but I'm pretty sure he was being very sarcastic. Part of Martin's price tag is the dealer cut, advertising, endorsements, HR department, lawyers, etc. As far as I'm concerned, none of that makes a better guitar. This is generally why I prefer independent luthiers who sell direct. Why do I prefer Bob Thompson to Martin? A lot of it is because I like to customize my specs to perfectly suit my needs. As far as I know, Martin doesn't offer bevels/radiused arm rests. By the time I went through the custom shop, I'd be spending at least $10k. I have an OM with Brazilian back/sides. Let me know how much Martin would charge and I'll disclose that I probably paid 1/2 that. |
#156
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At the low-end you get builders trying to "Be Martin" as best they can using Asian manufacturing. Those usually fall into the "It might sound close enough for you for now, until you win the lottery or something . . "
I know a guy who found a gem of a Blue Ridge. It's got a typical Chinese excessive amount of Bling, but for him it plays great, and he's more willing to take it to dodgy bars than he is his Martin... At the high end, you have a guy who LOVES Something about <brand>'s guitars, but thinks he can do THAT better, while fixing the things he Doesn't like. You might agree or disagree with that builder's approach. That's okay. Martins can be all over the map. |
#157
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James Merrill makes best one out there!
used runs around high 4k. but you can get under sometimes..~
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Goodall Jumbo Royal Hawaiian Merill & Co C-41 Merill & Co OM-18 |
#158
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Quote:
Ever since he started to formalise his range, Bill Collings decided to keep his guitars balanced across the strings. To some, who are understandably "imprinted" on the Martin sound, equivalent Collings may sound "bright" or even "trebly" - in fact they are neither - but "balanced" and that will either satisfy you or not. Also like any other good quality make, they will open up over time.
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#159
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D35 ???
Another thought ... has anyone (apart from '70s Japanese makes) sought to make their own version of a d35 ? Can't think of any ....?
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#160
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I totally disagree. They are building the best guitars they've ever built in the history of the company IMO.
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#161
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Quote:
1980 MIJ Sigma D10 Anniversary https://photos.google.com/album/AF1Q...mA-Ppam7bVUn_k |
#162
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Silly rabbits, nobody makes a Martin better than Martin.
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#163
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There was a time a few years ago when I would have walked past any Martin to look at Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, H&D, Merrill, B&H, Prouxl, or any other medium to small shop guitars. I'm much less apt to do that today. Although I may/may not end up purchasing a Martin, IMHO Martin have generally been producing much better guitars vs those made from the early 2000s and back to the '50s. I have looked at and played some of the newer (2005 and more recent) Martin offerings that I seriously considered purchasing. I currently own a Prewar Guitars Model D distress level 1 and a custom Bourgeois AT (torified) Vintage D Brazilian, neither of which is going anywhere. But I wouldn't mind adding a great sounding Martin to my stable.
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#164
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Martin Guitars are, IMHO, the standard by which all others are measured, and only Martin builds a Martin. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."
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If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read it in English, thank a Vet! 1936 Martin R18 Bourgeois Vintage D Gibson F5 Goldrush Mandolin Wildwood Balladeer Custom 5 string Banjo |
#165
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Who does better Beatles than the Beatles? Who composes Beethoven symphonies better than Beethoven? Who played authentic acoustic blues better than Robert Johnson?
Look. If you prefer a different guitar maker, that’s cool. I have a Santa Cruz that I gig with. But Martin makes the original Martin guitar just fine. My Santa Cruz is a Santa Cruz. Lots of great guitar makers. Taste is subjective, and it would be a boring world if we all preferred exactly the same thing. But if you want a Martin, get a Martin. If you want something different, get something different. I think sometimes people make it more difficult than it is - especially on a discussion board. |