Martin guitars.

[kiramdear]

Here's my new one, made last year April:

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=384652&hilit=+martin

[JakeK]

Martins are damn good acoustic guitars, I will not lie. They have a sound of their own and really are worth the money. My favorite Martin model is the D-28, not only because McCartney played/plays one, but because they are an acoustic of their own.

[jingle_jangle]

Martins...are an acoustic of their own.

What does this mean, Jake?

To my knowledge, Martin are the company that basically invented the steel-stringed flat-top American acoustic guitar. They continue on their way, building exemplary instruments at virtually any price point you can imagine.

Someday when I'm in their neck of the woods, I'd love to take their factory tour...

[deaconblues]

Another Martin fan here...I would like an 000 someday. Even cooler would be a Rickenbacker 000! I understand one was made in the '50s...

[1965]

I understand one was made in the '50s...

[deaconblues]

[freshmattyp]

I've had a D15 for almost 10 years, and it's a real sweetheart. It has a very airy sound, a lot different from the typical spruce/rosewood or spruce/mahogony tones you typically get. I put a sunrise pickup in it, and it was my main acoustic gigging guitar until my J45 came along. I still use it for recording a lot, because it doesn't woof out like a lot of dreads do when you close mic. They are really great guitars, not just for the money.

[Hotzenplotz]

Here is an old thread. Why not to continue?

Since two weeks I own my first Martin - a Little Martin, LXK2. That is a 3/4 scale.
That guitar is very different to what is normally around. The neck material is the same like gun stocks, called "Stratabond".
The body is high pressure laminate (HPL), a mix of paper layers and some resin. The fretboard and the bridge are of "Richlite", the stuff knife handles are made from.

But how does this unconventional but forward-looking design sound?
Well - GREAT!

It is a 3/4 with a small body. But most people that hear it the first time say: "Wow, that thing is loud!". And it sounds good! Some old time style before the dreadnoughts came is in it. Acoustically it IS a Martin. And the quality is outstanding. All measures, neck bow - perfect!

Perfect for practicing, traveling and playing along. The scale is 23". (Much!) More than a 325 but less than a 330.
BTW it comes with a good, well padded gigbag!

A pic:

[jps]

Congrats, Sascha!

I got my first Martin this past September. I have played it every day since getting it; eventually I will make the time to put new, fresh strings on it, but the guitar sounds just fine so that may wait for a while.

[Hotzenplotz]

This guitar is a starter drug!

Martin has got a interesting (hi)story, too:
C.F. Martin was german, located about 2-3 hours by car from here.

Acoustically:
The signature of these guitars is magic. They ARE different.

Damn! Double-GAS: RAS and now MAS!!!



Here are very good sound files of it:
http://www.thomann.de/de/martin_guitars_lxk2.htm

They offer three pic up sounds, too. The LXK2 has no PUs.
These files are from the Martin LXME. A nice one, too!

[Hotzenplotz]

BTW:

I think Rickenbackers and Martins are a perfect couple:
Rickenbacker is the inventor of the electric guitar and since then a high end reference.
Same to Martin: the invented the modern steel strings, dreadnoughts, X-bracing for serial production and so on.

[jps]

Here are some great photos of a Martin factory tour.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1038210673 ... directlink

[Hotzenplotz]

I had a look at ALL of the pics, thank You!

Great dudes there!


Well, there is a reason for my 330/6 to be jealous...
The LXK2 is close to my computer (so my place of work).
Waiting for a call: *grab*
Having a cup of coffee: *grab*
Need a rest: *grab*
- And so on.

Only bad thing: the working days are longer now.

But no fear, I am still in that Rickenbacker thing. - Actually more than ever! Alongside I do some customer service for a company that is selling RICKENBACKERs, yes!
But who knows, I could imagine to go deeper in that...

That would be perfect: earning enough by selling Rickenbackers and Martins...

[crstory]

I own 3 Martins: a 1963 D18, a 2008 HD 28, and recently picked up a really nice D35. They all play and sound great. The D18 is my favorite acoustic, for the mahogany back and sides really projects the tone well. It also has the modified V neck which fits great in your hands. Most folks are either a fan or they are not. Finest acoustics made IMO.

[jps]

I don't any photos of my Martin in this thread! Better take care of that.........