Martins Forever - Page 4

BrunoBlack · #46 12-01-2021, 06:49 AM

There was a time when all I was familiar with were Martin, Taylor and Gibson guitars. I have owned versions of each brand, but preferred Martin. However, I don’t think I’ve owned a Martin (Taylor or Gibson) for ~7 years and don’t have plans to buy one.

martingitdave · #47 12-01-2021, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highvibrational

Hi all,
Are there many of you out there who feel that you will always be a Martin player no matter what? It could be because of its simple looks and distinctive tone or historic legendary status. I've played many other makes but I find that I always go back to my Martins and doubt this feeling will ever change. It helps that they never interfere with my singing. Yes, my Gibson J-45 is also great in that regard, but it's almost like I need that thud to know that all's right with the world. It's that "oh yeah" sound and feeling. Just enough and not too much.

I wonder if there are others who feel this way.

Cheers,
HV

I personally love the Martin tone. I’m ready and willing to buy from other folks who make a guitar with similar tone, but they are usually much more expensive. I have bought and sold too many nice guitars over the years. Now that my financial situation changed, I need to love the ones I’m with.

Fortunately, for the tone I’m after, Martin offers the best value. After selling my guitars for cash, I saved up and replaced several with a Martin custom shop D-28 that has everything I need. It was half the price of a similarly constructed Collings I played and was considering. But I actually like the Martin’s tone better. More bottom end and a little more balanced in the mids.

Others based on Martin I’d happily consider are: Collings Traditional, Boucher (if they were available locally), Huss, SCGC, Thompson, etc. they all make a nice guitar. Some I’ve played were exceptional. Most were $7-$10k for that tone.

TheGITM · #48 12-01-2021, 07:39 AM

I like my Martin 000-28, and I really like my Guild D-55, but I love my '94 Alvarez-Yairi WY1.

Gee Man · #49 12-01-2021, 07:40 AM

I'm pretty sure its safe to say I will always have a Martin in my quiver. As Johnny Cash stated so well, "I just feel safe with a Martin."

highvibrational · #50 12-01-2021, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gee Man

I'm pretty sure its safe to say I will always have a Martin in my quiver. As Johnny Cash stated so well, "I just feel safe with a Martin."

I could not have said it better. It's like having your ultimate partner who is there for you through thick and thin. But, it is clear that it's a subjective thing, like true love.

jbeecham · #51 12-01-2021, 08:48 AM

I grew up listening to Martin's guitars and eventually playing them. For me, Martin defined what an acoustic guitar should sound and feel like. I have other brands, but playing one of my Martin's always feels like coming home.

Jerry

Tnfiddler · #52 12-01-2021, 01:56 PM

After reading all the comments on here I want to add that my D41 is the perfect counterpart to my Bourgeois. Is it as loud and dynamic, no, but I can’t let that take away from the amazing tone it has.

Garlic Breath · #53 12-01-2021, 02:10 PM

My Martin is AMAZING...rich, balanced tone, reacts beautifully to plectrums or fingertips, always attracts a crowd, a keeper for a lifetime....wait, I don’t have a Martin, it’s a Guild. But I appreciate your loyalty to a fine and storied guitar maker.

catdaddy · #54 12-01-2021, 03:05 PM

I can't imagine not having a Martin in my acoustic collection. Their tone is a necessary part of my musical life.

cu4life7 · #55 12-01-2021, 04:10 PM

I too can't image ever not having a Martin in the stable. I currently have two and want to add a D-18 at some point. Some combination of the sound, look, feel, history, Americana, vibe, the sound, the sound, the sound just keeps me coming back. I would love to have a waterloo and I still think about a SCGC 1929 000 I played years ago, you will have to pry my 000-18GE and 000-15 from my cold dead hands.

jklemm18 · #56 12-01-2021, 08:08 PM

I originally went down the Taylor rabbit hole having only played the Mexican made Martins in that price range (back when you could get a 300 series Taylor for $1200). I went from 324 to 310 to 717 but could never hear what I wanted to hear in my head. Then I picked up a standard series Martin and it made sense. I still have one Taylor (GS mini koa plus) but other than that will be Martin going forward...that is until My PWGC OM-18 arrives Winter of 2023.

Wade Hampton · #57 12-01-2021, 08:44 PM

I’ve always been a Martin fan but I haven’t been a Martin owner for long stretches at a time.

Currently I own two, and they’re part of the permanent collection.

Wade Hampton Miller

koko61 · #58 12-02-2021, 04:20 AM

I love my Martin, but since I have received the Loef, I have the Martin a bit neglected, but I think it will stay with me forever.

Mbroady · #59 12-02-2021, 04:57 AM

After years of buying and selling I now have a small collection of quality guitars. My last addition was a Martin D-35. I do not have any brand loyalty but I Knew I wanted at least one sample of that classic Martin Dread sound. I will most likely not be looking for any more additions.

howard_c · #60 12-02-2021, 05:15 AM

Otis Rush…

“I can’t quit you babe…”