Best Martin Guitar for $1000 - $1200??

VTDreaminwithDMB · Unread post by **VTDreaminwithDMB** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:04 pm

What is the best Martin guitar for around $1000 - $1200 as this is all I have to spend. I actually looked at the Breedlove AD25/SR Plus which seems a pretty good bang for the buck.

RunsWithBuffalo · Unread post by **RunsWithBuffalo** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:51 pm

I was very impressed with the sound of the D-15, the all mohogany model which sells for around $900, they make one in rosewood too which I havent played. If possible, find someplace that sells used guitars (pawn shops, craigslist, vintage shops, etc..) Used guitars, while they may be dinged and scratched sound much much better than out of the box. A good guitar takes years to "open up." You may also be able to get a better guitar for the money.

Breedlove's are OK in my book. They have a solid wood guitar that sells for 399 which is so cheap and it sounds as good as a lot of taylors with more emphasis on the midrange and treble.

I guess it all depends on the sound you want. Martins and Gibsons have a lot of bass and are typically "darker" sounding. They also tend not to stand out in a live setting, however that can usually be fixed with decent EQ and preamps.

Breedloves have more of a taylor sound and would be good in a band to cut through the wall of sound but I don't think they sound as good mic'd. Still I play a lot of country/rock and I like that "dark and twangy" sound.

Good Luck

VTDreaminwithDMB · Unread post by **VTDreaminwithDMB** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:14 pm

Thanks for the info. I was turned away from the Breedlove AD25/SR Plus when I found out the sides are laminate. I've also been looking at a used Taylor 410ce from Daddy's for $1199.99.

RunsWithBuffalo · Unread post by **RunsWithBuffalo** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:33 pm

I think of all the taylors, the 400 series are my favorite. I love that Ovankol wood, really distinct sound.

VTDreaminwithDMB · Unread post by **VTDreaminwithDMB** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 1:47 pm

Well now I guess it comes down to Martin or Taylor. I've heard the Martin D-15 is a great guitar. Do you know anything about the Martin DMV? Some players are kinda weary of the new bracing system Martin is using for these.

RunsWithBuffalo · Unread post by **RunsWithBuffalo** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 2:14 pm

That's the Guitar Center one right? I played that and was not impressed at all. It felt fake.

SeekUp · Unread post by **SeekUp** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:01 pm

The best Martin that price range in my opinion is the D-16RGT. You get solid spruce for the top, and solid rosewood back and sides. You can't beat it.

freshead16 · Unread post by **freshead16** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 4:08 pm

If your looking new, Id maybe think about the D16GT or Rosewood GT models. I own the mahogony cutaway version of the 16 and its one of the better martins ive played. If you would be interested in a used martin, you can get some pretty nice standard martins for your price range possibly. D18 or D28 for example. LIke "runswithbuffalo" said, the D15 is a great guitar too. My buddy has one, but having the mahogony top doesnt make it too loud, more of a mellow woody sound to it which lots of people prefer also. Not much info. to work with, but hopefully I helped you out a bit.

VTDreaminwithDMB · Unread post by **VTDreaminwithDMB** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 6:49 pm

Ok so I think you sold me on the DR-16GT. Beautiful Martin! MusiciansFriend has it for $1199.99 new which is the price range I've been looking at. I was leaning towards the Taylor since it was a cutaway but I have been a Martin fan for a long time. Thanks alot Dave!

Grachi · Unread post by **Grachi** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 9:43 am

have you played it in a store? never a good idea to just get something online without having played the same model elsewhere... might not like it/might not feel right.

VTDreaminwithDMB · Unread post by **VTDreaminwithDMB** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 10:42 am

So I'm down to two guitars. The used Taylor 410ce and a new Martin D16RGT. The benefits of the Taylor would be 1. I get to play it when it arrives at Daddys Junky Music before buying it. 2. The Taylor may be opened up already since it is used but in Excellent condition. 3. The Taylor is 100% wood where the Martin's neck is micarta. 4. Taylor already has electronics. 5. I get the higher end Taylor for the same price as the new Martin. 6. I wanted a cutaway guitar.

The Martin I will not be able to play since I live in Vermont and the only Martin dealer here carries only high end Martin guitars.

myxomatosis · Unread post by **myxomatosis** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:45 pm

IMO for this price range (which is what my price range was about a year ago in my search), Larrivee is the way to go. Definitely try some out if you haven't yet. I actually went to a shop around here that had Taylors and Martins, but no Larrivees, and the people working there all advised me to try Larrivee at that price range, even though they didn't carry them. :lol:

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?board=6.0

if you monitor these forums you can get some really good deals on used guitars. My brother and I both bought LV-03REs from people there... he got his for $850 and I got mine for $900, both in perfect condition and with a case.

I went around to 6-7 guitar shops and played a ton of different guitars before deciding on this one. I'd advise you to do the same to make sure you like what you're getting.

highasatree · Unread post by **highasatree** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 9:10 am

I own the D-16RGT and am very happy with my choice. I put the expression electronics system in after market when i could afford it...Tree

highasatree · Unread post by **highasatree** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 9:14 am

sorry, fishman electronic system

philtheman · Unread post by **philtheman** » Tue Sep 25, 2007 1:00 pm

The 000M is an outstanding guitar. I love the folk body style and the tone is great. The back and sides are laminated but my martin has laminated back and sides and i LOVE the tone, its purely martin, as is this guitar. Thats my pick

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Best Martin Guitar for $1000 - $1200??

Best Martin Guitar for $1000 - $1200??

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