NGD- Martin D-28 Buyers remorse

[HOBBSTER01]

I got a decent buy on a 1983 Martin D-28 and jumped on it.
It has been played(loved) for quite a few years.
It has a few battle scars but the integrity of the guitar is still there.
The sound is amazing and fills a room.
Here's where the remorse comes in.
I own a Takamine EAN-10 c which is the best playing acoustic I've ever owned and probably ever will but the huge sound is not there when played acoustically.
When plugged in,she's a monster.
Do I keep the Martin or resell it?
I've always wanted one but I just can't put the Tak down.
When I A/B the 2, I always go back to the Tak because of the playability.
I've tweaked the Martin and it's still a stiff player.
As a matter of fact it's still too stiff.
But the sound...
Then one chord on the Martin and I'm torn again.

[johnporter]

Do as Ricky Skaggs & others,put Takamine electronics in the Martin.
Maybe go down a gauge in string size to ease playability.

[Stubee]

What is the scale length of the Tak? Shorter scale = softer feel. Do you run the same gauge strings on both guitars?

I play dreads w. Medium gauge strings. A proper set-up makes a huge difference. Maybe it needs a bit more tweaking, e.g. nut slot height, etc? Nut height off just a bit makes a big difference in feel on the lower (headstock) part of the fretboard.

It sounds like you really like the Martin. IME it is quite a different guitar than the Tak. Most Tak A/Es I've encountered could be set up with near electric guitar 'feel', but were not too impressive acoustically.

If it were me, I'd make sure it is set up as well as possible and then spend more time with it getting to know it, easing into it over several weeks. You may find that it becomes quite comfortable.

[oramac7891]

Go have the Martin professionally set up wih lighter strings, and see how she feels.

[allen st. john]

Originally Posted by oramac7891

Go have the Martin professionally set up wih lighter strings, and see how she feels.

+1
Find a really good *acoustic* guitar tech. And bring your Takamine so that he/she knows what you consider a great setup.
No good acoustic is going to play like a Telecaster--higher action, and thicker strings contribute to great tone and volume--but most Martins are setup so that they don't buzz when heavy handed bluegrass players lean in.
(The reason, of course, is that on an acoustic you can lower the action at the saddle easily enough, but raising it requires fabricating a new saddle.)

[winny pooh]

Lighter strings I guess

[bridgepinSr.]

sounds like it's in need of just a good set up, Check this place out it has good info on how to read your guitar. Click on tech stuff on top tool bar

http://www.thekrashsite.com/annex/

[HOBBSTER01]

Thanks for all the input.
I've been doing my own set up for 30 years and while I'm not a pro, I usually always end up with a great playing guitar.
The strings I use are always the same brand and gauge.
This guitar just 'feels' stiff.
Maybe I'm just spoiled as most who have played my Tak (bluegrass snobs included)
always comment on how effortlessly it plays.
I played a couple other Martins today and they feel the same.
Maybe I'm just not a Martin guy.

[zook]

Martins have a history of not being easy players, so I'm not surprised. I've had a D76 since New in 1976 and have had several other D28s over the years. They were all a little harder to play than Gibsons etc, but the tone is uniquely Martin. Big booming sound.

Winnie

[Bill Ashton]

What you are experiencing is exactly what I am going through with the difference between my Guild D55 and my older Gibson J-30. While a proper luthier's set up made a world of difference in the D55, the Gibson is the player...but the SOUND that comes out of the Guild...

[P Thought]

Hobbster01, you just gotta realize: a Martin's a great guitar, but a Takamine it ain't!

--ptt

[HOBBSTER01]

Originally Posted by P Thought

Hobbster01, you just gotta realize: a Martin's a great guitar, but a Takamine it ain't!

--ptt

lol
A high end Tak is a treasure and a well kept secret until now.
Looking at your profile, I kinda think your addicted.

[Darrell]

It sounds like your two guitar compliment each other and offer opposing tastes. DON'T make them the same guitar. (I did that once with some tele's)

I have my Gibson tone monster, finger picker, and a 30 year old Yamaha beater that is just a blast to play. Round shoulder vs. OOO. Completely different, and they are both a treat every time I play them. I respect them for being different. It is just "what flavor appeals to me today".

[HOBBSTER01]

Originally Posted by Darrell

It sounds like your two guitar compliment each other and offer opposing tastes. DON'T make them the same guitar. (I did that once with some tele's)

I have my Gibson tone monster, finger picker, and a 30 year old Yamaha beater that is just a blast to play. Round shoulder vs. OOO. Completely different, and they are both a treat every time I play them. I respect them for being different. It is just "what flavor appeals to me today".

Excellent point.
I've almost dialed the D-28 in and it's playing better.
The sound is so incredible.
I guess I can use the Tak on the widdly-widdly tunes.

[Stuco]

What is the scale length of the tak, that could be why the martin feels "stiff". How's the action on the d-28?

[1955]

Keep them both because Martins are great and good for "open-the-case-face." Well, I always am shocked when someone pulls one out of the case because they cost so much and I've never had one.

[Darrell]

By the way HOBBS, both my acoustics are orignal equipment guitars through and through. On a whim, I stuck a TUSQ saddle on the Yamaha verses the original equipment plastic saddle. Sure, it was clearer, brighter, louder, but now it missed that special "thump" that was so wonderful.

So I am putting the original plastic saddle back on during my next string change. Adjust them, put good strings on, and leave them alone...just play.

[Martin-Tele]

1968-1986 were the worst years for Martin Guitars

[HOBBSTER01]

Originally Posted by Martin-Tele

1968-1986 were the worst years for Martin Guitars

Now ya tell me.

[Stuco]

Originally Posted by Martin-Tele

1968-1986 were the worst years for Martin Guitars

I thought they cleared up the bracing issues by the end of the 70s.