Your favorite Martin guitar...

[eastside]

Re: OM21 for me

Originally Posted by Bob Mc

And, sorry as I have no pictures either.

I had a D2R, which is from the road series;a great guitar for the money, but I wanted something more comfortable. I tried SWOMGT and OMM, and I knew that's the body size I wanted, but I wanted to also upgrade to all solid wood and the better bracing. It responds to my pick and finger style very well, and for straight flat picked rhythm work it sounds almost Gibsonish (in a very good way).

What a great little guitar, I do believe it's a keeper.

+1, and +1 squared, because I have no pictures either (though I will try).

Was kinda waitin' for someone else to mention the OM-21 - a fingerpicker's paradise. To be fair though, it's the only Martin I own.

Playin' some James Taylor on it right now...

Greg

[dave42]

I have 3. The D-42 has the tone I like best. Nothing about it I don't like. I bought it new 10 years ago.

[demobud]

I have a 1936 000-18 that is my favorite acoustic. I also have a newer OM style that is pretty decent. I will have to get some pics later as I don't have them on my laptop right now.

[David Barnett]

Pre-war and WWII-era 0, 00, and 000 guitars are a serious bargain right now, compared to how much a dreadnaught from the same period sells for. I wonder if this represents an investment opportunity, as well as a chance for those of us who must work for a living to acquire a vintage Martin with all the tone for a fraction of the price?

[blue metalflake]

Up to around 2 months ago it was a D 45 for me, but never was able to have one.

Then I managed to pick up one of the Tom Petty limited edition six strings, an HD 40, and this now is my favourite. Beautiful looking, and great sound.

[demobud]

Originally Posted by David Barnett

Pre-war and WWII-era 0, 00, and 000 guitars are a serious bargain right now, compared to how much a dreadnaught from the same period sells for. I wonder if this represents an investment opportunity, as well as a chance for those of us who must work for a living to acquire a vintage Martin with all the tone for a fraction of the price?

I got lucky and inherited my 000-18 when I was 8 years old, it is what prompted me to learn to play. I recently had it appraised by Gruhn's; thay set the price in its condition at aroun $6500.00 so not super pricey by some standards but I know I couldn't go out and buy one. Especially not one of the D's. If I could though ,IMO they are a good investment right now.

[David Barnett]

Originally Posted by demobud

I got lucky and inherited my 000-18 when I was 8 years old, it is what prompted me to learn to play. I recently had it appraised by Gruhn's; thay set the price in its condition at aroun $6500.00 so not super pricey by some standards but I know I couldn't go out and buy one. Especially not one of the D's. If I could though ,IMO they are a good investment right now.

So that's a third to a quarter the price that a D-18 of similar vintage and condition would fetch, for a guitar that is just as good.

[demobud]

Yeah, when I worked for Mars Music way back when we had some in displays that were up there in the 15-25000 range. I was always amazed that they would let us pull them out after hours and play them for a while before we cleaned them.

[imwjl]

I have two, and the HD-28 is it. I got it used, but it quickly got the status of last guitar I'd part with, and any player who has touched it has been impressed. People who play and don't marvel at the tone.

I love my other dread, but this HD-28 almost like having an unfair advantage when playing with other acoustics unless it's the 1958 D-28 the leader of the jams uses.

[TeleYank]

I have one. A 000-15, I love it. I am planning on purchasing a DCX-1E. I have played that model 3 or 4 times. I love the sound. For the price it is a great accoustic - electric.

[Reno Sepulveda]

000-18!

[MaxCaster]

[jussishow]

Currently my favorite Martin is my "Plain & simple" brand new D28 !

But I hope my all time favorite is still out there somewhere ... So many guitars to try (and buy), so little time (& so little money...)

If there was a scented candle with a "new Martin D28 in case" smell, I'd buy a whole box of them

/J

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by jussishow

If there was a scented candle with a "new Martin D28 in case" smell, I'd buy a whole box of them

/J

I know what you´re talking about! I´m still sniffing the soundhole of my 000-15!!!

[David Barnett]

My Gibson J45 does the "new flattop smell" thing too. Lots of nice mahogany in there.

[blue metalflake]

Originally Posted by Rec79

I know what you´re talking about! I´m still sniffing the soundhole of my 000-15!!!

I don't know if its a Martin thing, but the smell is there every time I open the case. Does it last forever?

[Alex W]

I had a new D-28 that I never fell in love with. Then I lucked into a shopworn D-41 that was 50% off the new price. It's a wonderful guitar and I can scarcely imagine buying another rosewood dreadnought.

Sonically, I like all the scalloped-brace models -- HD-28, D-41, D-42, D-45, etc. I prefer the overtones you get when strumming chords and I find it more inspiring for songwriting. If I ever bought another Martin I'd be interested in the 000-40S Mark Knopfler model. But I'd probably get a custom luthier-made guitar before I bought another Martin.

[RnB]

I've been hooked on the Martin sound now for 35 years or so. I don't play Dreads any more & have moved to smaller-sized ones for comfort. I have several OM-sized models that play most often. Although, I still get plenty of whomp from my '90 J-65M. It's a model that was made for a few years ('86-'92). Maple is Martin's best kept secret...IMO!




RB

[Stefan]

Originally Posted by RnB

I've been hooked on the Martin sound now for 35 years or so. I don't play Dreads any more & have moved to smaller-sized ones for comfort. I have several OM-sized models that play most often. Although, I still get plenty of whomp from my '90 J-65M. It's a model that was made for a few years ('86-'92). Maple is Martin's best kept secret...IMO!




RB

That is a beautiful Martin! They did some really interesting models during the years. How does it sound compared to mahogany or rosewood?

[dave42]

RnB, I have a friend with a J-65. And another friend with a J12-65!

I still haven't seen both in the same room, yet. Someday, and I hope I have a camera when they are together! Beautiful guitars!
Dave

[RnB]

Thanks Guys... They truly do sound good. It's got that classic Martin sound. A friend of mine liked mine so much, he kept buggin' me to sell it to him..No Dice! I happened to know where there was another one for sale, so I ended up getting that one for him! His also sounds suberb & has an Englemann top while mine is Sitka topped.

This one:


"How does it sound compared to mahogany or rosewood?"

It has a full robust sound w/o being too overly bright w/ an even string balance. The notes do not decay quickly, nor is it dry sounding like Maple can be sometimes. I would put it closer to Rwd than Mahogany. The bottom end is real strong but not quite as boomy as a J-40. It's a keeper for sure...

RB

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by Alex W

I had a new D-28 that I never fell in love with. Then I lucked into a shopworn D-41 that was 50% off the new price. It's a wonderful guitar and I can scarcely imagine buying another rosewood dreadnought.

I can relate because I fell for a used Martin over same model new and I played 4 new and used of same model within 24 hours of buying it so I know the better tone was not my imagination.

I suppose I should agree with or keep in mind the "can scarcely imagine buying another" because anything other than what I have now would be diminishing returns for what would be spent.

The used aspect is also nice because I have been doing 1-2 public jams with it a week and I just play it and keep it clean and figure its job is to make all the loud Martin tone it can and I don't worry about the first scratch like some do.

[tomfarnan]

My new 000-42 Marquis. Never thought I'd own one this good but it came up at the same price as a discounted 000-28EC and at a good time.

Still love the om-28 and and the 000-28vs and HD-28V too, not to mention 000-15s. I'm quite tempted to sell my Maton CW80 to fund another Martin too, but that just seems greedy.

[tomfarnan]

Originally Posted by demobud

Yeah, when I worked for Mars Music way back when we had some in displays that were up there in the 15-25000 range. I was always amazed that they would let us pull them out after hours and play them for a while before we cleaned them.

That's great - but understandable too, and not just for staff morale. I reckon that they sound better for being played more.

[lclyman]

My OM-18V....killer guitar...!!

[LoveBandit]

My J-40 was my favorite. If you are not familiar with that body shape, you have to try one for yourself! Yes....I sold it like an idiot. LB.

[RickG501]

Bandit,
I played my JC-40 last night...so I understand your pain.

[Chet Johnson]

For the money, You can't beat the D-15. I picked up a used on 4 or soyears ago for $399.00 Couldn't believe the find!

[TxTeleMan]

I have a 1985 OM-28LE (Limited Edition). It's signed by C. F. Martin III and C. F. Martin IV, which makes it one of the last guitars signed by C. F. Martin III, since he passed away on June 15, 1986. It sounds like a dream, and makes my Taylor-playing friends hang their heads in shame when they hear it, as they can only wish their guitars sounded this good.

However, it's not the best sounding Martin I've heard or played. That distinction belongs to a friend's mid '60s 000-28. Wow.

I bought my daughter a guitar for her birthday several years ago. We went to Ray's and tried out numerous guitars by Alvarez, Yamaha, Fender, Ibanez, Takamine, etc. Some were very pretty; some had electronics. She strummed them, and I strummed them for her too hear, always playing the same chord progressions and rhythm patterns for consistency.

Finally, Ray, seeing our indecision, and knowing me, walked over and said, "Let me show you something." He then pulled out a couple of 00-15 Martins. The Martins totally blew away the competition! It wasn't even close. The 00-15 was about $100-150 more than the imposters, but it was well worth it.

Nothing plays or sounds like a Martin.

(photos to follow)

[otterhound]

Telecasters and Martin Guitars , Hmmm. My 000-28L . Sweet refined voice . D15L Sapele . Loud and in your face . A real cannon . 000X Hippie L . Just a little crazy and plays like ten times the price . I am a lucky man indeed .

[stevieboy]

Well I only own one so I guess it's my favorite.



000-18 GE 1937

Beautiful guitar. I always cringe a little when I read guys saying they don't deserve a particular Tele or whatever--of course you do! But I sort of feel that way about this one, not being much of an acoustic player. But i guess I've learned a lot about finger picking and keeping a bass string going that I use in my electric playing from playing it, so it's been good for me.

[Telesavalis]

I have two Martins....a 000-28 EC and a D41. I love them both. The 28 is my main studio guitar and the D41 is my main jamming guitar. But I also recently
acquired a Collings D2hA in a trade deal and it is a keeper. For recording purposes the 000-28 EC is my "go to" acoustic. It cannot sound bad with any mic or any mix since it lacks the heavy booming bottom end. It just slips into a mix like butter.
I usually mic it with a Soundelux E47 > Avalon 737 mic pre. It is magic. I keep the Collings tuned to 4&20 tuning and it loves it.

[David Barnett]

Originally Posted by Telesavalis

I keep the Collings tuned to 4&20 tuning and it loves it.

What's that?

[Martin R]

Is it, low to high:

E E E E B E ?

That's Judy Blue Eyes, too.

[Telesavalis]

yes, that's basically it but Stills tuned to Eb with the one Bb - some call it 4 & 20 (re: the Song) and some call it Stills tuning.
I find that a variation on that tuning works best for me and allows me to play a ton of other stuff including all the CSN material. I tune to DADDAD...basically go to a double drop D...then drop the B to A and the G way down to D. You have a Low D
and two Unison D's in the middle and the High D on top. Then I capo up for other keys. You'll be amazed at how well that tuning works with other pickers playing normal tuning. And you can thumb bar the lower 4 strings for some really tasty chording.

[Martin R]

Love to fool around with the tunings...don't have enough guitars to play out with them, though.

Oh, and to keep the thread honest...I'm the original owner of a '74 D-18. The only inanimate object I love.

Martin

http://EChristinaHerr.com

[otterhound]

Stevieboy . I love that rocking chair . Bet it is comfy .

[mrgp52tele]

My Andy Griffith D-18 #99 of 311 made..................love it!

[stevieboy]

Originally Posted by otterhound

Stevieboy . I love that rocking chair . Bet it is comfy .

Well it could use a cushion to sit in for a long time, but otherwise it's great. My grandfather used to rock my mom in it when she was a baby, and she's 86 now. Don't know any earlier history, I'd guess it was a few years older than that but not much. It sat in my grandparents living room for years--with a couple of cushions attached!

[cqmurphy]

love my 000-15.