Martin "Expert Authentics"

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by brencat

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.

Fwiw it’s been established that Martin never tap tuned or hand voiced their tops, even prewar Martin...

[brencat]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

Fwiw it’s been established that Martin never tap tuned or hand voiced their tops, even prewar Martin...

Oh yes... well aware partner. No time like the present to learn and start!

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by brencat

Oh yes... well aware partner.

Sorry, wasn't trying to mansplain it to you, hard to know what people know and how to participate in the online conversation. It would be interesting to hear if hand voicing had any impact on their tone. I still think the Authentics are among the best sounding modern guitars I've ever had the fortune to hold and play.

Anybody know the top thickness on PreWar Co guitars? Is that thinner top something they're now copying from PW as well?

[llew]

Originally Posted by ALBD

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

Good question Butler...maybe they're saving it for Wes & Ben?

[ALBD]

Originally Posted by llew

Good question Butler...maybe they're saving it for Wes & Ben?

If you can't beat 'em.......

[Tnfiddler]

Boy, if I could get an MLO/PA neck on that '37 D28 Ambertone, it'd be MINE!!

[llew]

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

Boy, if I could get an MLO/PA neck on that '37 D28 Ambertone, it'd be MINE!!

Right there with ya!

[zmf]

Originally Posted by MoonSpruce

Martin, just allow people to get Authentic bracing in the custom shop instead of having dealers choose the specs for us, please!

In reading over this thread, the OP seems to get at the crux of the matter.

Martin is obstinate about letting their Authentic bracing -- and perhaps optimizing/thinning the tops -- be used for custom orders. Anybody figured out the downside for Martin if they did this? Lack of control over price points?

Bet it would make a big difference in whether buyers choose a custom Martin over the smaller shops that emulate them. Even if the final cost would be about the same.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by brencat

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.

Funny, when Martin discusses unusual situations everyone claims "HYPE"! But when some smaller manufacturer suggests an esoteric notion like "tap tuning" everyone jumps on board.
There's no evidence my "un-tap-tuned" Martin OM-18 with Sinker isn't far better (nor worse) than Dana Bourgeious' best OM. For record I previously owned a Martin 000-42 with Swiss / Guatemalan RW that bested a BRW OM without any "tap tuning". Even the established shop employee admitted as much.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

Boy, if I could get an MLO/PA neck on that '37 D28 Ambertone, it'd be MINE!!

Ditto. I love the sound of the authentic models. Hate the 37 neck. Bought that model 3 times trying to talk myself into it. No such luck.

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by zoopeda

Sorry, wasn't trying to mansplain it to you, hard to know what people know and how to participate in the online conversation. It would be interesting to hear if hand voicing had any impact on their tone. I still think the Authentics are among the best sounding modern guitars I've ever had the fortune to hold and play.



Anybody know the top thickness on PreWar Co guitars? Is that thinner top something they're now copying from PW as well?

They've offered the .105 top at Martin for years.

[zoopeda]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

They've offered the .105 top at Martin for years.

Is that true of Authentics? I know it’s been a custom shop option for years but always thought Authentics were same top thickness as standards. The ceo 7 is advertised as having the thinner top too.

[MoonSpruce]

Originally Posted by zmf

In reading over this thread, the OP seems to get at the crux of the matter.



Martin is obstinate about letting their Authentic bracing -- and perhaps optimizing/thinning the tops -- be used for custom orders. Anybody figured out the downside for Martin if they did this? Lack of control over price points?



Bet it would make a big difference in whether buyers choose a custom Martin over the smaller shops that emulate them. Even if the final cost would be about the same.

I’d say it’s like giving up the Crown Jewels too soon when there’s still money to be milked. Bought an Authentic last year? This year’s ones are torrefied! Bought a torrefied last year? This year’s ones are aged! Bought an aged last year? This year’s has amber tone! I’d say bracing is like 10 bucks (or nothing) to change in terms of production cost but by limiting it to high end expensive models they can still continue to feed the golden goose. Also custom orders would probably tie up the production line due to the various specs to be accommodated.

[takamineGD93]

Originally Posted by dspoel

What's more annoying/plain stupid is that they pretend that those guitars get more and more authentic each year. "Did you get an authentic last year? Bad luck, now they are even authenticar!"

But it works. You are buying.
It's probably easier to sell the people on this site another guitar then to find a new customer.

Yes, it is plain stupid. But guess who's the sucker is at this table.

[Goodallboy]

Marketing, it’s an amazing tool and it’s deceptively effective.

“GAS”, the by-product of the tool is a common reaction and we speak of it as an event to be announced.

The only “Authentic” I ever played was probably an accurate representation many other (but not all) vintage Martin’s I’ve played, it didn’t sound good at all. I’m sure some are great, just as in every mass produced guitar line.

This line will continue as long as people buy them, when it slows down, it will be renamed something else, and then something else, etc.. The name has less to do with the actual guitar and everything to do with creating GAS.