What do you all HONESTLY think of Martin guitars?

[mpaul73]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

Mmmm........ That's probably not a good sign. The more seasoned the woods are the less they should smell, and the less they are susceptible to movement or cracks.

Good to know. Next time I do the sniff test I'll have a whole different view.

[Boozehound]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

Mmmm........ That's probably not a good sign. The more seasoned the woods are the less they should smell, and the less they are susceptible to movement or cracks.

It’s the case, I think. There is some kind of scent impregnated in the case.

[johnnydobbers]

I think Martin makes the best factory made 2k guitars these days. I know Martin made the best guitars in the 30's, any price.....Martin makes something for everyone

[Daveyo]

Well
I finally got the D 28 that I always wanted and it had binding issues
Since I wasn’t the original owner Martin would not pay for the damage
I got it fixed on the top bolt and wouldn’t you know it later on the bottom started doing the same thing
So I sold it I I have a guild DVE 52 and couldn’t be happier
I also got it for a lot less than the Martin would’ve cost
So yes I do like Martin guitars but I do feel that they are overpriced
And I would love a Taylor but I don’t like the neck with

[guitargabor]

Originally Posted by FoxHound4690

Hey guys,

Wanting to know what is your honest opinion on Martin guitars, whether it be body shapes, tone woods, Good for finger picking or flat picking etc. I'm only asking because I'm on the verge of buying one that's really got my attention.

Based on the Martins you all own and have played over the years, what would you say is the ideal Martin for someone like me who's kind of a hybrid with acoustics (flat picker/finger style).

My opinion of Martin guitars has been a very positive one.I have owned many different models since 1994.

Despite some minor quality issues,their workmanship is consistently good.And the" Martin sound " for me is very desirable.

Like any wooden instrument, each one has a different voice.If you find one that sounds great, just go for it!

A very talented and experienced musician friend of mine had owned for 40 years a great D-28 from the early 1970s.

Being 55 years of age, he developed shoulder issues that were aggravated by playing that D-28. He traded it in for a 000-28 and can't be happier.

So in your shoes I would recommend a Martin 000-18,000-28,OM -28 etc

Have fun and enjoy the ride!

[aeisen93]

My experiences are probably different than many others. I've played some D-28's that I didn't really like that much. In fact, I played a D28 Modern Deluxe that sounded awful.

But I find that my cheap Martin X1-DE (bought for $460 new on sale from $600) is an amazing guitar. It sounds so rich and full. It's made in Mexico and has HPL back and sides, but I really like it and I guess that's what's most important.

[otis66]

I love my Martin D-18 standard so much that now I want a Martin 000-18.
Martin makes an amazing guitar.
My D-18 sounds plays and looks awesome.

[Zissou Intern]

I like Martin guitars a whole lot. When I am done paying college tuition for my boys, I am going to find a used D28 Marquis.

[DebbieE]

I love Martin guitars, that's the only acoustics that I have now and I've had a few other builders guitars: Bourgeois, Huss and Dalton, Taylor, and Rainsong. I just seem to have bonded with the Martin guitars and the new performance artist taper necks and I love the sound I get from them.

[Conomor]

My own experiences with Martin guitars have been pretty negative. The last one I had really took the shine off the brand for me. I don't expect to ever own another.

On a more positive note, I still like their strings.

[awarren82]

Any good alternates to the D-18 or 000-18 that still capture that rich Martin sound without some of the neck binding / mass factory issues described here?

[AmericanEagle]

I think they are great, but also that Taylor guitars are even greater.

[TJNies]

Originally Posted by awarren82

Any good alternates to the D-18 or 000-18 that still capture that rich Martin sound without some of the neck binding / mass factory issues described here?

Just avoid the 2012-16 (ish) models and you'll be fine. New ones don't have the issue AFAIK.

[cu4life7]

While these type of threads usually just end up in brand bashing, every personal experience I have had with Martin have been amazing. All I can say is that I've never sold one, something I can't say for Taylor/Seagull/etc.

My first was a 000-15 that I bought from a forum member here used. I love that guitar. Basically learned on it. After almost pulling the trigger on an HD-28, I played a 000-18GE and that was it for me. It because my dream guitar, and I was finally able to pick one up 3 years ago. In my opinion, the 000-18GE is the most versatile professional guitar on the market. The shorter scale makes it a joy to play, great for fingerpicking, and the adi top can really punch if you want to dig in decently hard.

I would eventually like to add a D-18, but I don't think there are many better than the standard series of guitars from Martin. Those that may be better are double or triple the cost. The 15 series and D-18's are just fantastic values.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by johnnydobbers

I think Martin makes the best factory made 2k guitars these days. I know Martin made the best guitars in the 30's, any price.....Martin makes something for everyone

I confess I haven't played those models, but their overall level of build quality and fit-n-finish seems to be pretty the last few decades.

scott memmer