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stupidguy2
I have decided to invest in a Martin acoustic. I have an early 70s Gibson Hummingbird I bought in the late 80s: been played alot and is now battered, bruised with a three-inch crack on the back. Needs some serious TLC.
In spite of its condition, it's a keeper and my 'baby'. It's also got the Stones connection etc...
Because the Hummingbird is fragile, I've decided to now keep it in safe conditions only(not take it everywhere, not leave it laying around etc) I didn't take as good care of it as I should have and now I want a second guitar for playing, whether it's at home or gigging.
I originally intended on buying an inexpensive Epiphone since it was a second guitar and they sound nice...but upon a few trips to several music stores and realizing that nothing really compares to the real thing, whether its a Gibson or Martin or Fender etc.... I have decided to just dive in, bite my lip and buy a real Martin. By real I mean not the lower end laminate models. I've never used a Martin, and want to experience it as a musician who has been playing since I was 13. Why not right? I've already got my Hummingbird, so this to me is the next frontier as a player.
But what? I saw a used 90s model at local store for about a grand. I went back it was gone. So that's that. The store has a 1974 D18 that's a little too pricey for me. It looked purty, sounded nice but the neck was a little thicker than the older and newer Martins I've tried. I can't afford vintage (30s-60s), and I'm not sure about the quality of the 70s Martins from the research I've done...
I also looked at a brand new model called the Sustainable Wood Series that sells for about a grand and sounds great. I'm not looking for vintage necessarily, but I'd rather have a used just for the warmer, broken-in sound and feel.
But for a grand, is it worth it to just buy a brand new Martin?
I'm a guitar snob, but realistically cannot buy that 1961 Martin. My first guitar was a Sigma(Korean-made by Martin and a cheaper copy of their high end D series)
I want a good Martin that I can afford.
If you managed to get through this ramble, I'd appreciate any advice.
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duke richardson
consider a Taylor...or a Yamaha..so many Martins..they cost if not an arm and a leg, at least an elbow and a knee
i went to a guitar trading and collector show recently, was amazed at prices for Martin guitars..reckon they are good investments.
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RockinBud
I bought a 1980 HD28 about 10 years ago for $1800 and a trade in for $700. The dealer was asking $2500...I tuned her to open G and immediately fell in love as if struck by a lightening bolt.I could not walk out of the shop without having her...my advice is find a Martin you fall in love with and go for the extra $$$. If you amortize the extra $1000-1500 over the next 10-15 years will cost ya about $100/year for a keeper forever. Every time I pick mine up its like having the most beautiful lover in my arms.
RB..
Makes sense to buy what you like. A new guitar is always fun plus you get a warranty and Martin stands behind it. The tops get darker but while they are pale they can get blotchy a little sunshine will help it darken evenly. It also makes sense for long term value to stay with a warhorse model like the time tested D-28... There's no way this can be a bad decision, wanna sell the Hummingbird?Quote
stupidguy2Quote
RockinBud
I bought a 1980 HD28 about 10 years ago for $1800 and a trade in for $700. The dealer was asking $2500...I tuned her to open G and immediately fell in love as if struck by a lightening bolt.I could not walk out of the shop without having her...my advice is find a Martin you fall in love with and go for the extra $$$. If you amortize the extra $1000-1500 over the next 10-15 years will cost ya about $100/year for a keeper forever. Every time I pick mine up its like having the most beautiful lover in my arms.
RB..
I think I'd rather go with a brand new D28 - with the advantage of letting it age and increase in value and warmth etc...not that I care about the collectibility, but I want something that will age gracefully rather than a cheaper model of inferior quality.
Another question: does the natural grain get darker as it ages? They tend to look really pale when new, but those old Martins have that beautiful deeper brown color....
I think I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm going for the new D28...
the 74 Martin D18 I tried didn't blow me away soundwise...whereas the new 28 was just fantastic.
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DoomandGloomMakes sense to buy what you like. A new guitar is always fun plus you get a warranty and Martin stands behind it. The tops get darker but while they are pale they can get blotchy a little sunshine will help it darken evenly. It also makes sense for long term value to stay with a warhorse model like the time tested D-28... There's no way this can be a bad decision, wanna sell the Hummingbird?Quote
stupidguy2Quote
RockinBud
I bought a 1980 HD28 about 10 years ago for $1800 and a trade in for $700. The dealer was asking $2500...I tuned her to open G and immediately fell in love as if struck by a lightening bolt.I could not walk out of the shop without having her...my advice is find a Martin you fall in love with and go for the extra $$$. If you amortize the extra $1000-1500 over the next 10-15 years will cost ya about $100/year for a keeper forever. Every time I pick mine up its like having the most beautiful lover in my arms.
RB..
I think I'd rather go with a brand new D28 - with the advantage of letting it age and increase in value and warmth etc...not that I care about the collectibility, but I want something that will age gracefully rather than a cheaper model of inferior quality.
Another question: does the natural grain get darker as it ages? They tend to look really pale when new, but those old Martins have that beautiful deeper brown color....
I think I've pretty much made up my mind that I'm going for the new D28...
the 74 Martin D18 I tried didn't blow me away soundwise...whereas the new 28 was just fantastic.
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GravityBoy
Don't laugh.
I have a Vintage V300 that I bought for approx £100 and is the dogs whatsits (after I dressed the frets).
Small bodied, attractive (no stupid Vintage headstock), sweet and LOUD (for some reason).
Honest.
It's fantastic.
It does get mentioned as "the best guitar for under $1000" a lot.