Should I sell my much loved J-45 Standard in order to get a 2019 Martin D-28?

mesquivel · #1 05-12-2021, 05:27 PM

Hello everyone, I am conflicted right now. I have a person that has been wanting A J-45 Standard and he offered to buy mine from me for a great price. I would not be losing any money on it. However I really love this J-45 Standard. It really has broken in and just sounds wonderful to my ears. I had the nut, saddle and bridge pins upgraded to bone and installed an LR Baggs anthem sl in it. Again I truly love this guitar. I have been wanting to get something with rosewood though as I have none in my collection. There is a 2019 Martin D-28 for sale and I could get a really good price on it. I know the D-28 is a classic and would be a great choice but I am really not sure if I should give up my J-45 for it. The J-45 is already set up for me to my liking and has the upgrades I like. I also have a 2020 D-18 that is awesome but my concern is that if I get the D-28, it will sound to close to the D-18. With my current set up of D-18 and J-45 I have to completely different sounds that really cover all the bases for me that I need covered. What are some opinions on what I should do in this situation? Thanks for the input!

Rev Roy · #2 05-12-2021, 05:32 PM

Me? I’d never sell a guitar I truly love for another guitar I hope I’ll like.

Brucebubs · #3 05-12-2021, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Me? I’d never sell a guitar I truly love for another guitar I hope I’ll like.

Couldn't put it any better.

whvick · #4 05-12-2021, 05:37 PM

You have answered your own question. You love the J 45

mesquivel · #5 05-12-2021, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Me? I’d never sell a guitar I truly love for another guitar I hope I’ll like.

Deep down inside that is what I am telling myself. I guess the only reason I am think about this is because in order for me to get the D-28 I have to sell the J-45. If I could buy the D-28 and keep the 45, we would not be having this discussion.

mesquivel · #6 05-12-2021, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whvick

You have answered your own question. You love the J 45

I guess I did didn’t I lol

Scotso · #7 05-12-2021, 05:40 PM

listen to what everyone is saying- a bird in the hand is....etc

pagedr · #8 05-12-2021, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mesquivel

Deep down inside that is what I am telling myself. I guess the only reason I am think about this is because in order for me to get the D-28 I have to sell the J-45. If I could buy the D-28 and keep the 45, we would not be having this discussion.

Could you sell the D18 and buy the D28? I agree that I wouldn't sell the J45 either.

zoopeda · #9 05-12-2021, 05:44 PM

Not all J45s are created equal. If you sell the Gibson and some day want to replace it, there’s no guarantee the next one will sound as good.

The D-18, D-28, and J-45 are all pretty different, but the martins sound like Martin and the Gibson like Gibson. So if you want to optimize diversity, keep the J.

Can you buy the D28 and sell the one you don’t want?

mesquivel · #10 05-12-2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pagedr

Could you sell the D18 and buy the D28? I agree that I wouldn't sell the J45 either.

I could however the D-18 took quite a while to find in this pandemic time we are in and this specific D-18 happens to be an outstanding specimen. I really do not want to part with it either however I really want a rosewood back and sides dreadnought. Then again maybe I am putting too much stock into rosewood.

TiffanyGuitar · #11 05-12-2021, 05:47 PM

Don't do it!

buddyhu · #12 05-12-2021, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Me? I’d never sell a guitar I truly love for another guitar I hope I’ll like.

This ^ is where I stand as well. If you love a guitar, do everything you can to hold onto it. There are probably some other ways to buy the D28 (and if you can get it for a good price in this environment, you should try to obtain it). IMO.

mesquivel · #13 05-12-2021, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoopeda

Not all J45s are created equal. If you sell the Gibson and some day want to replace it, there’s no guarantee the next one will sound as good.

The D-18, D-28, and J-45 are all pretty different, but the martins sound like Martin and the Gibson like Gibson. So if you want to optimize diversity, keep the J.

Can you buy the D28 and sell the one you don’t want?

That is true for sure and one of the reasons I am reluctant to let it go.

As far as selling the D-18 that would be really hard for me to do too as I really love what that guitar does as well. I may just have to not sale anything and keep what I have till I can save to get a D-28. Like everyone is saying, never sell a guitar you love.

woodbox · #14 05-12-2021, 05:52 PM

Patience my child, patience.

Wait.
Save your money, and someday buy the D28.

But keep the J45.

btw.. Rev Roy wrote:
“ Me? I’d never sell a guitar I truly love for another guitar I hope I’ll like. “

Proving, once again, why he has become one of my favorite AGF members to read.
One of the BEST posts ever!

mesquivel · #15 05-12-2021, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buddyhu

This ^ is where I stand as well. If you love a guitar, do everything you can to hold onto it. There are probably some other ways to buy the D28 (and if you can get it for a good price in this environment, you should try to obtain it). IMO.

Good point, it seems that may be the direction I need to go. I always told myself that once I was fortunate enough to own guitars of this caliber, I would hold on to them.