Martin Outlaw 17 opinions please - Page 2

lneal14513 · #16 08-10-2020, 08:08 PM

I understand completely. I have a JOM banjo killer (sitka/ hog) and it is a powerful and balanced instrument. I've thought once or twice about selling it. Then I play it and decide I don't wanna part with it.

jklotz · #17 08-10-2020, 08:08 PM

I was unaware of that guitar. Off my radar because I'm not a dread guy I suppose. I looked it up. With those specs, wow! I'll bet it is a killer guitar!

Tnfiddler · #18 08-10-2020, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lneal14513

I understand completely. I have a JOM banjo killer (sitka/ hog) and it is a powerful and balanced instrument. I've thought once or twice about selling it. Then I play it and decide I don't wanna part with it.

I’m still struggling with it. I LOVE my Banjo Killer, but I think I’m more of a Rosewood guy versus a Mahogany one! I played the BK last night and my D41 tonight and I’m digging that rosewood dread sound more!

lneal14513 · #19 08-10-2020, 08:16 PM

It was sort of under the radar, especially if you weren't a dreadnought fan. I think the original run was supposed to be 100 and about 70 were produced. I originally thought it was an overpriced mahogany dreadnought with HD cosmetics until I did some research. It has an adi top, hide glue, authentic brace shaping, maple (not tucked) bridge plate, authentic thickness top and thin finish. Those attributes don't guarantee a great sounding guitar, but the odds are stacked in the instrument's favor.

lneal14513 · #20 08-10-2020, 08:20 PM

Tnfiddler,
I get that. I've let a couple slope D BK's slip through my fingers, one with an adi top like yours. Every time I play my JOM I promise myself I won't let the next one slip past me.

I built guitars for Rick Hayes for a couple years and I came to favor the sound of mahogany over rosewood. I still like rosewood very much, but for me there's just something almost magical about the sound of a well made mahogany guitar.

Tnfiddler · #21 08-10-2020, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lneal14513

Tnfiddler,
I get that. I've let a couple slope D BK's slip through my fingers, one with an adi top like yours. Every time I play my JOM I promise myself I won't let the next one slip past me.

I built guitars for Rick Hayes for a couple years and I came to favor the sound of mahogany over rosewood. I still like rosewood very much, but for me there's just something almost magical about the sound of a well made mahogany guitar.

I think my problem is in my head! EVERYONE who plays or hears my BK talks about how great it sounds! One of my musician friends who I’ve played music with for years, but hadn’t seen in awhile picked with us a few weeks ago. It was the first time he’d seen it and heard it and he called it a “thumper” and said it’s one of the best sounding guitars he’s ever heard. He told me I would be crazy If I got rid of it. I think I’ve just got the gas for something new and and doubting what I know I have.

lneal14513 · #22 08-10-2020, 08:36 PM

Then you made the right decision to keep it. No reason you can't have both and switch back and forth as your whim dictates.

As I sit here picking a little the two guitars I have out are a NGC rosewood dred and a Collings D1. Sometimes switching back and forth highlights each instrument's strengths.

UncleJesse · #23 08-11-2020, 06:59 PM

Looks like someone bought the Outlaw 17. I was strongly considering buying it tomorrow. Oh well, guess I was too late.

hotroad · #24 08-11-2020, 08:42 PM

I gig with a Martin 000-17SM and though its not the guitar in this thread, just wanted to ask if anyone has any experience with this model.. I happen to like it a lot and it sounds very good for a lower priced Martin. I also play a Bourgeois DS12-DB Signature with a Redwood face and Cocobolo back and sides. At 12 frets its a killer guitar and I feel so lucky to own it.

lneal14513 · #25 08-11-2020, 09:18 PM

I bet you are. Played a redwood topped Bourgeois at CME a couple years ago and was quite impressed.

UncleJesse, the outlaw is still listed on that site.

lneal14513 · #26 08-11-2020, 09:23 PM

I apologize, didn’t see the first part of your post hotroad. I have never played that Martin model, but I’ve read lots of positive feedback and comments about it

lneal14513 · #27 08-11-2020, 09:29 PM

My mistake, listed as out of stock. I decided to go for a 1939A D18 for the same price, which was very competitive for that guitar. It will be in a stable environment consistently and the basic geometry was right in line with factory specs. It had a vts top but wasn’t aged.

I appreciate everyone’s comments.

UncleJesse · #28 08-12-2020, 06:15 AM

I've considered a '39 but have heard that the bass response isn't very big and that's what I'm looking for at the moment. The loudest and bassiest mahogany dreadnought under 5k.

llew · #29 08-12-2020, 07:10 AM

Matt...a fellow forum member has a CS D-18 12 (I believe 100 were built) for sale in the classifieds. If I wasn't so overstocked I'd buy it myself. Not the Outlaw 17 or a D-18 Authentic but a fine limited edition run with Adi/Sinker Mahogany. https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=587795

UncleJesse · #30 08-12-2020, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

Matt...a fellow forum member has a CS D-18 12 (I believe 100 were built) for sale in the classifieds. If I wasn't so overstocked I'd buy it myself. Not the Outlaw 17 or a D-18 Authentic but a fine limited edition run with Adi VTS and Sinker Mahogany. https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=587795

Yes, I've been considering it but if I got it, it would have to have a pickguard installed. I wonder if that would ruin resale later on?