NGD! Was looking for a Taylor, ended up with a Martin

Well, I've been looking for a better acoustic lately and I finaly got one. I traded a MIK Epiphone PR 5E acoustic/electric, and a Marshall MG50DFX amp for a USA Martin DX-1. I'm quite happy with the trade. I was originaly looking for a Taylor, but I like the Martin better. It is very loud, and has a nice full sound. It is a little worn, but it adds character in my opinion. I think the DX-1's are underated. It is a great guitar. I was originaly trying to get another acoustic/electric, but I'm fine with the regular acoustic. If I take it to a gig I can either mic it or add a pickup. I'll add pics tommorow.

Here's the pics. What do you think ?

more pics. I love the look of the neck. It has a cool wood grain.

You done good! I've never played a Taylor that can match a decent Martin... they're pretty & will probably sound great in 10 yrs but for now, Martin > Taylor imo...

I'm a big Clapton fan, so I've always had my eyes on a Martin. I think it worked out for the best, I've been trying to get rid of the Epi and the Marshall for a long time now. I can't believe the guy actualy traded. I offered him either two amps, or an amp and the Epi. One amp was the Marshall, the other amp was a vintage 1960 St. George "The Vibe" tube amp. Wich one do you think most people would chose ? Yeah, I thought so too. Now I get to keep "The Vibe", and I have a very nice acoustic. It's the best trade I've ever done.

Nice box. Just one thing, that's not grain, it's lamination. The necks on those are made from laminated wood, something, I believe Martin calls "stratobond," or something like that.
Nothing wrong with that. Some of those more affordable Martins are killer.

My first good acoustic was a Taylor. My second, bought a couple years ago, is a Martin. I still like the Taylor, but the Martin is head and shoulders better in terms of sound and playability. I initially bought the Taylor for the neck, now it is the thing I like the least about it.

Nice box. Just one thing, that's not grain, it's lamination. The necks on those are made from laminated wood, something, I believe Martin calls "stratobond," or something like that.
Nothing wrong with that. Some of those more affordable Martins are killer.

Stratabond.......has been around long before Martin started making necks out it. Stratabond is layers of solid wood that are infused with polymer under great force and then dried. They are then put the stratabond through CNC.

The end product looks and feels and reacts like wood but it's bulletproof.

The biggest users of stratabond are companies that make very expensive replacement gun stocks. Stratabond has been used for aftermarket Browning and Ruger stocks for years. Stratabond necks are amazingly stable.

If I recall correctly, the old Framus guitars had laminate necks made from surplus military helicopter blades.

The neck of a guitar don't come into play much when it comes to sound and that stratobond is about as stiff and sturdy as it gets. While that Martin also has laminate back and sides the top is solid wood and that is where you really need it.

In my opinion you done good. Leave the Taylors to those metrosexual electric players with girlie fingers.

I like that model Martin also. Great guitar for the price.

Stratabond.......has been around long before Martin started making necks out it. Stratabond is layers of solid wood that are infused with polymer under great force and then dried. They are then put the stratabond through CNC.

The end product looks and feels and reacts like wood but it's bulletproof.

The biggest users of stratabond are companies that make very expensive replacement gun stocks. Stratabond has been used for aftermarket Browning and Ruger stocks for years. Stratabond necks are amazingly stable.

Thanks for the info. That sounds even better, and as I said it looks cool too. What is the fretboard ? I can't tell what it is.

I have a DX1 12 string- and it is a heck of a guitar for the money! Its going on 10 years old this summer and sounds better than ever! Enjoy your new Martin in good health.

Good trade! I like Martins. I've had two and both were great guitars.

Thanks for the info. That sounds even better, and as I said it looks cool too. What is the fretboard ? I can't tell what it is.

The fretboard and bridge are Richlite. It is a fiber-based composite material that feels similar to ebony.

Jim

Good deal - enjoy!

My Martin OM-1 has the same neck material. It's very stable. Humidity variation has had no effect on mine whatsoever.

I put a K&K pure mini pickup in my Martin. It was easy to install myself and it sounds just like my guitar, only louder. I can highly recommend it.

While you're at it, go ahead and get a bone saddle and pins for it (if it doesn't have them already). I got mine from Bob Colosi, and they definitely gave the guitar better volume, more sustain, and better string to string balance.

Have fun! It looks like you've got yourself a great guitar!

You done good. Got a little Martin LXK (koa hpl) guitar about 6-7 years ago when they first came out. Neck and fretboard made of the same stuff. That thing has been banged around at the beach, swimming pools, parties, beer spilled on it, in and out of hot cars, jam sessions, festivals...just about anywhere. Still plays and sounds great...plus it's a Martin. Something about that brand that money can't buy. Very impressed.
Swang on,

I've got two guitars I would never get rid of, one is my Martin. It's a 000-1 and sounds and plays wonderful.
Enjoy.