Martin Guitars

[ChadRap127]

What are some good Martin guitars, i want one thats less than 1,000$$


please include model names, and pics if u can!


Chad

[Dancing Ants]

D-15 is like...$800 or something, I think. I don't really know, though.

[ChadRap127]

nice guitar, but the color is hideous

[Rob]

Don't confine yourself to a brand- especially Martin in that price range. You can get far better guitars for the price.

[TheBigCaptain]

the martin d-15 is not ugly, in in fact it is beautiful
i got mine for 649 i believe
very mellow
awesome tone

[Dancing Ants]

don't judge on look all the time, unless it's just butt ugly...i love the D-15's color.

[jk333]

i got a d-15... i'll sell it with case for 475... not that i honestly expect anyone to respond to that, but i would do it...

i've grown to not like martin's too much... i really like much brighter guitars... the d15 is mellow and bassy...

[MattJ]

I play a 000CME. Was around 960. I liked it a lot better than a lot of the more expensive ones hanging in that room.

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=m&m=000CME

But its whatever you prefer. For me, I played one chord on this guitar and I was sold. It had a fast neck, the action was just right and it was the perfect size. And I like the sound. ::Shrug::

[jeremy_9]

Ditch martin, they are good guitars, but for the money I would look into Taylor, I have taylor 314 that out shines my brothers D 28v , for under a grand you could get a taylor 310 that i will promise will blow any martin away especially in that price range

[jtdevan]

Ditch martin, they are good guitars, but for the money I would look into Taylor, I have taylor 314 that out shines my brothers D 28v , for under a grand you could get a taylor 310 that i will promise will blow any martin away especially in that price range

I find it pretty hard to believe that a Taylor 314 can outshine a D28V. I've played both many times and the Martin kicks the crap out of the Taylor. The 314 doesn't even have a wooden back and sides!!! Taylor's are great guitars and I'd love to own one, but I think they are better with a full band behind you so their sound will get through. For acoustic settings, there is nothing better than a Martin -- and any 28 (HD-28, D-28, 28V), has the greatest sound of any guitar in the world.

[jeremy_9]

Your actually wrong about the taylor 314 not having wood back and sides, my taylor has a solid sitka spruce top, and sapele back and sides. And granted your experiences with martins and taylors may differ, but my taylor has more projection, more note clarity and a better midrange than my brothers hd 28v and he agrees with me on this. Now does that mean all martins are crap, of course not, i have played martins that have blown away other taylors and tacomas and etc and the same can be said for each brand, some guitars stand out more than others. But the point i'm trying to make is that I believe taylor guitars profide the best sound and playiblity for that type of price range.

[AJDMB05]

My D-15 was $700 and I love it. Nice color, got my action lowered, and I really like the tone. With Elixir lights on there the tone sounds amazing.

[TheBigCaptain]

they do make that special edition d-15 that is colored more like a regular guitar if you dont like the color

[Dancing Ants]

the DX1 is a GREAT guitar. I played one yesterday at Guitar Center....damn, for $469, it's a steal! Great bass-y tone, and the last three strings are super bright sounding...I love it.

If you have the money, a D-41 is the best. DAMN.

[Holla9]

For acoustic settings, there is nothing better than a Martin .

I have to agree with you on that :cool:

[Jamo52]

i just got a martin 000M and i love it. the price was$ 949 but we got it for 6 something, i really love the way it plays and sounds

[jk333]

hd 28 is the best guitar in the world... now that IS an opinion, but its as close to fact as you can get in an opinion.

[Dancing Ants]

they won't let me play the HD-28...:(

[Sklnnerbox]

hd 28 is the best guitar in the world... now that IS an opinion, but its as close to fact as you can get in an opinion.

how dont see how you can play the hd-35, then call the hd-28 the best guitar in the world.

[Sklnnerbox]

I find it pretty hard to believe that a Taylor 314 can outshine a D28V. I've played both many times and the Martin kicks the crap out of the Taylor. The 314 doesn't even have a wooden back and sides!!! .

did u seriously say that?, i dont understand how people can make such horrendously wrong statements with as much enthusiasm as that. the 314 is all solid wood including the solid ebony fingerboard and bridge that martin wont put on their guitars until you've paid well over a thousand dollars.

[Pipsqueak]

I don't know how you will EVER make a decision, because 50% of what has been said above me is COMPLETE crap.

Now don't take offence to this:

Instead of sitting here wasting your time, get your ass out to your local guitar store and PLAY some guitars!!!

Guitars are so different between manufacturers, tonewoods, yadda yadda yadda........YOU just need to get out there and play 10-12 guitars in your price range and purchase what YOUR ears and hands like. That's all there is to it.
If you want an even better analysis, take a friend with you of equal or greater playing ability. Then just grab some guitars, play some licks, swap, play the same licks, and analyze. Remember, guitars sound completely different if your playing vs. if your being played for. That will give you an idea of how it feels to be behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. If you don't have a guitar buddy, grab an employee to play with/for you. If that fails, call me (if you're in Chicago) and I'll go with you. I'm always game for some guitar shopping.....(just don't tell my wife). :lol

If you want an honest and constructive opinion:
When I went out and played guitars before I made my purchase, Taylor guitars sounded and played the best to me. I like the brightness, and I believe the playability to be outstanding. Martin guitars have WONDERFUL sound as well, but they were just too mellow for me. I also thought Martins lacked a tad of playability compared to Taylors. The necks on Taylors are amazing, IMO. And, yes, all Taylor guitars 300 series and up are SOLID wood. The only items added as you move up in price are appointments (abalone trim, wood binding, etc...etc..).

And whoever the jackass was that said a Martin was the "best guitar in the world." :ugh:
You need to get out more.

Go play a Goodall, a Larrivee, an Olson, a Huss & Dalton, or a Dana Bourgeois...........then get back to me for a retractment of your statement.

[Sklnnerbox]

ah yes, spread the word about the Larrivee's.....they're amazing.

[Pipsqueak]

I should have also added that you won't be able to pick up a NEW Taylor 300 series for less than $1000.

You could definitely pick one up on Ebay in your price range. But....two words:

Buyer Beware!

[jtdevan]

did u seriously say that?, i dont understand how people can make such horrendously wrong statements with as much enthusiasm as that. the 314 is all solid wood including the solid ebony fingerboard and bridge that martin wont put on their guitars until you've paid well over a thousand dollars.

What I was saying is that most of the 300 and 400 series Taylors, except for LTD and custom models, usually have that laminate side and back. Maybe it is real wood, but it so thin and I really don't like it. I much prefer the glossy wooden finish. But yes, if I could have a taylor right now I'd take it in a heartbeat.

[Pipsqueak]

What I was saying is that most of the 300 and 400 series Taylors, except for LTD and custom models, usually have that laminate side and back. Maybe it is real wood, but it so thin and I really don't like it. I much prefer the glossy wooden finish. But yes, if I could have a taylor right now I'd take it in a heartbeat.

And what you are saying is completely WRONG. :BANG

You should really be informed before you give an opinion about something.
If you want to be informed, go here: www.taylorguitars.com

ALL TAYLORS 300 SERIES AND UP ARE SOLID WOOD. That means....(I'll spell it out for you here) The top, sides, back, neck, headstock, and fretboard are ALL SOLID WOOD. There is not a single drop of laminate on a Taylor guitar 300 series and up.

The 100 and 200 series are a different story.

And the wood on Taylor guitars is actually (slightly...talking in .001"s here) thicker than many other production guitars. The FINISH on Taylor guitars is thinner than most other production guitars because they use a special UV finish on them. The thinner finish is better because it allows the wood to vibrate more freely.

I'm not trying to be rude. Just be informed before you give advice to someone getting ready to spend $1,000. It's like being a used car salesman or something..... :babe

[jtdevan]

And what you are saying is completely WRONG. :BANG

You should really be informed before you give an opinion about something.
If you want to be informed, go here: www.taylorguitars.com

ALL TAYLORS 300 SERIES AND UP ARE SOLID WOOD. That means....(I'll spell it out for you here) The top, sides, back, neck, headstock, and fretboard are ALL SOLID WOOD. There is not a single drop of laminate on a Taylor guitar 300 series and up.

The 100 and 200 series are a different story.

And the wood on Taylor guitars is actually (slightly...talking in .001"s here) thicker than many other production guitars. The FINISH on Taylor guitars is thinner than most other production guitars because they use a special UV finish on them. The thinner finish is better because it allows the wood to vibrate more freely.

I'm not trying to be rude. Just be informed before you give advice to someone getting ready to spend $1,000. It's like being a used car salesman or something..... :babe

Ok pal listen up. I have been to the Taylor guitar Web site dozens of times and know all about those guitars. The back and sides of the 300 and 400 series guitars are sapele, which, in my opinion, feels pretty shitty. (not even sure what the hell sapele is) It may not be laminate, but it sure as hell feels like it to me. I played a Martin with a laminate back and sides at guitar center once and it sounded shitty.

As far as the other Taylors, dude those are sweet and I'd love to have one. The 500 series and up come with a MUCH better back and sides and they are glossy. In my original post, I was only saying that the 300 and 400 series are thin (to me they feel thin). I've played 514's, 614's, 714's, 814's, and 914's and they all sound and feel a lot different than the lower end Taylors.

So yes, I was informed about what I was saying and I don't appreciate the shit you gave me. BANG.

[jk333]

hd-28 is what the majority of modern gutiars are based on. design wise... and its nasty; so maybe you don't like it that much, BUT the chances are what you're playing, be it from taylor or a custom luthier, is an imitation(although i suppose argueably a better one)... i've only played one 35 and didn't really like it that much. then again guitars differ a lot and maybe that was a bad one...

as for larrivee... good god, i hear about them all the time, but fuck, they don't sell them ANYWHERE. its awful, i want to play some so bad, but damn, it seems like that company doesn't want to sell guitars.

[Pipsqueak]

So yes, I was informed about what I was saying and I don't appreciate the shit you gave me. BANG.

Good gracious, man. You are hopeless. :BANG :BANG :lol
Here is your original post, of which you claim to be "informed." :ugh:
I even put it in bold type for you.

I find it pretty hard to believe that a Taylor 314 can outshine a D28V. I've played both many times and the Martin kicks the crap out of the Taylor. The 314 doesn't even have a wooden back and sides!!! For acoustic settings, there is nothing better than a Martin -- and any 28 (HD-28, D-28, 28V), has the greatest sound of any guitar in the world.

So I think what you were "just sayin" should be obvious now.

Ok pal listen up. I have been to the Taylor guitar Web site dozens of times and know all about those guitars.

Obviously not.

The back and sides of the 300 and 400 series guitars are sapele, which, in my opinion, feels pretty shitty. (not even sure what the hell sapele is) It may not be laminate, but it sure as hell feels like it to me.

Here's what Sapele is:
SAPELE (Entandrophragma cylindricum) This exceptional, mahogany-like wood grows throughout the tropical rain forests of Nigeria and the Ivory Coast of Africa. Ever since we introduced it in our 300 Series in 1998, its legion of fans has grown exponentially. As a tonewood, it's denser and harder than mahogany, so it has a crisper, clearer, brighter, "pop"-ier sound than its more familiar counterpart. Loud and robust, with a lovely ribboned grain, sapele has been used by Spanish guitar makers for many years.

And here's a website if you don't know about any other tonewoods. (specifically on Taylor guitars)
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/features/woods.html#copy


As far as the other Taylors, dude those are sweet and I'd love to have one. The 500 series and up come with a MUCH better back and sides and they are glossy.

True. Good news is that some 300 and 400 series Fall LTDs and Summer Strummers for 2003 were glossy as well. It looks like Taylor MIGHT produce all future 300 and 400 series guitars as glossy back and sides. They will most likely be produced with the ES pickup system. The announcement will be made at Winter NAMM on January 18th.

In my original post, I was only saying that the 300 and 400 series are thin (to me they feel thin). I've played 514's, 614's, 714's, 814's, and 914's and they all sound and feel a lot different than the lower end Taylors.

I respect that they might "feel thin" to you. That's a perfectly fine opinion. Just know that there is zero difference in thickness of the woods as you move up the product line. And the reason the higher models "all sound and feel a lot different" is because they have different tonewoods. (maple, rosewood, walnut, koa, imbuia, mahogany, and some have cedar or engleman tops) They all have different properties. See the above link for their properties. That's why they call them tonewoods.

So yes, I was informed about what I was saying and I don't appreciate the shit you gave me. BANG.

Back to this for a minute.
You may have been informed.....but you sure didn't/aren't showing it.
I'm just saying don't give a bullshit answer/recommendation. You gave an opinion, which is fine. But you gave an opinion with some other shit that you pulled right out of your ass.
All I'm saying is don't do that. It's stupid and it gives people the wrong impression of something that could work nicely for them.

So if you're informed.....SHOW IT.

[Pipsqueak]

as for larrivee... good god, i hear about them all the time, but fuck, they don't sell them ANYWHERE. its awful, i want to play some so bad, but damn, it seems like that company doesn't want to sell guitars.

Yes, it is hard to find one. But, man, they are a treasure to play. VERY VERY nice guitars....
Typically I see them in the "mom and pop" guitar shops of the world.
The place I buy all my stuff from (a small shop) usually has one looming.

Most guitar store chains (to remain un-named...but we all know who we're talking about) will not even humor the thought of stocking too many high-end guitars, because all the riff-raff goes to pick them up and begin to play Metallica's version of Stairway to Heaven with a 1.5mm pick. :BANG

unfortunate.....but true.

[ITakeTwoSteps]

hehe, you've posted some pretty good points there, pisqueak. :lol how did audacity (the program i recomended for you) work out for you?

[jtdevan]

Good gracious, man. You are hopeless. :BANG :BANG :lol
Here is your original post, of which you claim to be "informed." :ugh:
I even put it in bold type for you.



So I think what you were "just sayin" should be obvious now.



Obviously not.



Here's what Sapele is:
SAPELE (Entandrophragma cylindricum) This exceptional, mahogany-like wood grows throughout the tropical rain forests of Nigeria and the Ivory Coast of Africa. Ever since we introduced it in our 300 Series in 1998, its legion of fans has grown exponentially. As a tonewood, it's denser and harder than mahogany, so it has a crisper, clearer, brighter, "pop"-ier sound than its more familiar counterpart. Loud and robust, with a lovely ribboned grain, sapele has been used by Spanish guitar makers for many years.

And here's a website if you don't know about any other tonewoods. (specifically on Taylor guitars)
http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/features/woods.html#copy




True. Good news is that some 300 and 400 series Fall LTDs and Summer Strummers for 2003 were glossy as well. It looks like Taylor MIGHT produce all future 300 and 400 series guitars as glossy back and sides. They will most likely be produced with the ES pickup system. The announcement will be made at Winter NAMM on January 18th.



I respect that they might "feel thin" to you. That's a perfectly fine opinion. Just know that there is zero difference in thickness of the woods as you move up the product line. And the reason the higher models "all sound and feel a lot different" is because they have different tonewoods. (maple, rosewood, walnut, koa, imbuia, mahogany, and some have cedar or engleman tops) They all have different properties. See the above link for their properties. That's why they call them tonewoods.



Back to this for a minute.
You may have been informed.....but you sure didn't/aren't showing it.
I'm just saying don't give a bullshit answer/recommendation. You gave an opinion, which is fine. But you gave an opinion with some other shit that you pulled right out of your ass.
All I'm saying is don't do that. It's stupid and it gives people the wrong impression of something that could work nicely for them.

So if you're informed.....SHOW IT.

I just don't appreciate how you said I don't know shit about Taylor guitars. I know a hell of a lot about those things and they are sweet. However, I prefer the martins -- particularly the HD-28. So go fuck yourself with the insults. Thanks for putting some of what I said in bold type ... prick.

[JGert]

if you like the d-35, they make a cheaper version with a 3piece back i think its called the d-3r check out their web site

[Pipsqueak]

I just don't appreciate how you said I don't know shit about Taylor guitars. I know a hell of a lot about those things and they are sweet. However, I prefer the martins -- particularly the HD-28. So go fuck yourself with the insults. Thanks for putting some of what I said in bold type ... prick.

It's funny.....I'm looking back through my posts, and I don't see where I said "you didn't know shit about Taylor guitars."

I did say that you might be informed, but you're not SHOWING IT.
If you "know a hell of a lot" then give some advice to the man who asked for it instead of making stuff up. Have I made this clear enough for you yet? It's really not a hard concept.

What you said about Martins above is the most constructive thing you've said in this whole thread! Keep it coming! Tell the man who asked, WHY you prefer Martins. How do they sound....how do they play.....how do they feel....how do they sound plugged-in?

I admit.....
The things I said above were fairly harsh.
I didn't say them to be insults, but I did want you to realize how naive you sound and look by posting pure crap.
If you want to post nonsense, go do it in the nDMB forum, or whatever it is.
When somebody asks for constructive suggestions, give them the answer you would want.

[Pipsqueak]

hehe, you've posted some pretty good points there, pipsqueak. :lol how did audacity (the program i recomended for you) work out for you?


you know, I have had ZERO time to mess with it.

I don't even have the right equipment to record anything.....*sigh*

I will get around to it someday. I just have a busy year ahead with my career.

Real life sucks sometimes.....wish I could play more. :bounce

[jtdevan]

It's funny.....I'm looking back through my posts, and I don't see where I said "you didn't know shit about Taylor guitars."

I did say that you might be informed, but you're not SHOWING IT.
If you "know a hell of a lot" then give some advice to the man who asked for it instead of making stuff up. Have I made this clear enough for you yet? It's really not a hard concept.

What you said about Martins above is the most constructive thing you've said in this whole thread! Keep it coming! Tell the man who asked, WHY you prefer Martins. How do they sound....how do they play.....how do they feel....how do they sound plugged-in?

I admit.....
The things I said above were fairly harsh.
I didn't say them to be insults, but I did want you to realize how naive you sound and look by posting pure crap.
If you want to post nonsense, go do it in the nDMB forum, or whatever it is.
When somebody asks for constructive suggestions, give them the answer you would want.

Well you sure acted like you thought I knew nothing about Taylors. Fuck off you prick.

[Sklnnerbox]

well starting off saying that 300 and 400 series taylors are not real wood, is a good way to make us think you know nothing about taylors

[jeremy_9]

Sorry to have caused all the fuss, I only ment to recommend a guitar I thought was very well worth the money. I find it very sad that some people take this so hard and get so childish. I mean name calling , come on how grade school is that, If your wrong be a man and admit to it.

[jkanter]

OK...well, apparently no one really wants to answer the question at all.....so I'll help you out

The BEST Martin Guitar for under $1,000....and in my opinion the BEST VALUE in a guitar Under $1,000.....is the martin D-16RGT.

The Guitar has solid Rosewood back and sides, a solid sitka spruce top, A bracing(I think).

Although the bracing is a little different, the guitar is almost exactly the same as a D-28 except for a few differences in looks and the fact that the D-28 will have more "chosen"(read better) wood.

I got my guitar from www.elderly.com for $888....it's list is $1,500(or around there). You can get it at www.elderly.com or www.buffalobrosguitars.com. Buffalo Bros has a great "trade-up" policy(if you would use it) and both are amazing stores.

Honestly, I have that guitar and will vouch for it any day or night. A new Taylor 314(or even the 310 I believe) will cost you a couple hundred more than $888 and it will not have the nice rosewood sound.

Now, if you don't care so much about the rosewood then def look at other guitars...but if your really looking for the BEST MARTIN UNDER $1,000.....there is only ONE answer:

D-16RGT

[ChadRap127]

thanks Kanter

[jeremy_9]

Hey kanter when will there be another update on dmbtabs.com? Looking forward to updates.

[Sklnnerbox]

i got my Larrivee D-03 for 750 bucks and i couldve gotten the Larrivee D-03R with rosewood back and sides instead of mahogany for 950. its all a matter of which sound u like better, i personally (and luckily, since im not very wealthy) like a mahogany guitar although the rosewood is definitely prettier.

[Root]

just like some others said, get what you like try all of the ones that were said here and some other and decide on what YOU like. Go with comfort and sound. Some like deep warm bass and some like bright loud treble. I personally prefer the deep warm bass, so I got a used martin d35. But if it was me I would try to find a used guitar, coulple of years old. you can get a better deal like that.

good luck

[chris917]

Well you sure acted like you thought I knew nothing about Taylors. Fuck off you prick.



calm down.

[Root]

calm down.

really