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I have 4, none of which I'm worthy to own.
In order of aquisition:
2003 Smartwood OM
I started to play guitar in 2004 at the ripe old age of almost 52. I had a very nice Alvarez dread cut-away but the neck was too slim and string spacing too narrow, and my newbie fingers kept crashing into each other. I made very little progress in 3 months. One day at a local GC I spotted a used OM21with a 1-3/4" nut and slightly wider string spacing. I could barely do clean open chords but 10 minutes with a small bodied, wider neck guitar convinced me I had to have a Martin or I would just die. In a huge leap of faith my wife gave the OK and I came home with the SWOMGT. I made immediate progress. Sitka Spruce top, solid cherry back and sides, aging toner, gold trim. My forever guitar.
2002 000-15
Purchased new in '05, all 'hog, pre-Sapele. It's gotten the least amount of play time....my SWOMGT was always my small body of choice. I recently noticed that the heel is slightly seperating from the body, so it's due for a warranty repair, and then it's off to the classifieds.
2006 D18
Got it brand new in March '08...an amazing deal too...41% off list, free shipping, and since it came from a dealer in Pa, no tax....under $1500. Despite my love for the Smartwood, I've since adapted well to a 1-11/16" nut and the D18 has become my go-to acoustic. I recently polished the rosewood headstock plate to a mirror finish, installed Grover 18:1 vintage Sta-tites, added snakewood bridge pins, and topped it off with a Greven 50's tortoise pick guard. It also got treated to a gorgeous, very dark brown Vintage strap from Sully's. This guitar is a tone monster and a keeper.
LX175 Anniversary Martin
The little, MIM Martin with graphics depicting the company's history....given to me as a present from my best friend Doug whom I've known for almost 53 years now. Once the basement is done, this will proudly be displayed on the music wall.
In 2012 I turn 60, and a milestone birthday calls for a special present. I can think of nothing more special than an HD28. In sunburst. With Waverlies.
Tom
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