Help me buy a guitar

[Thomas]

I'm finally in a position in my life where i can justify spending a bit of money on a nice guitar. I've been playing my takamine for almost 10 years now and i'm long due for an upgrade.

the only problem though is that there are no major guitar stores within a few hours of here, and the stores i do have don't have a great selection.

Dave is still an acoustic hero of mine and i've pretty much decided that i want to play a guitar as similar to his DM3MD. Not just because "dave matthews plays it" but because I know its sound from all the dave and tim shows i've heard and that is exactly what I'm looking for.

I'm looking in the $1500 range, and its not important if it has electronics. which martin is closest to the specs of his guitar in that price range? I know nothing of martin's specs and numbers so I could really use some help.

hell, it doesn't even have to be a martin, I just want it to sound like it.

[Kahn]

If you're not set on a Martin, I gotta recommend Larrivee. I've had one for 5 years now and whenever I go to the Guitar Center or something to mess around on Taylors and Martins I usually put em down pretty quickly just because I feel they don't compare in playability and tone to my OM-09FM.

If you're looking for a deeper Martin-ish sound I would recommend the D-50 or D-60. I would also recommend going used for Larrivees as prior to 2005 they were all made in Canada and I feel they are higher quality guitars than the current California-based productions.

I don't know much about Martin's, but I do know for such a reputable company they have some real quality control issues. I'll play 2 D-28's (for example) back to back. One will play like butter and the other one will sound dead and muted. I think this is a recent problem.

Regardless of brand, when going with an upper echelon guitar I would always buy used, or at least something that is older but not used (an older floor model or something that just never got sold). With most sitka tops they don't really start to open up for about 6-7 years and I feel this notion coupled with the idea that you can get a much nicer guitar for a much lower price makes it kind of a no brainer for me.

$1500 is a good chunk of cash. I would just be patient, check craigslist frequently, check used or vintage instrument dealers regularly for a deal. It will show up. I would definitely advise against getting a brand-new guitar for the aforementioned reasons, though.

[HD18JBGuy]

In that price range, you can get a Martin 16 Series which is what the DM3MD is based off of. Don't forget though, the DM3MD has been taking a back seat to the HD-28V most of the time. The Martin HD-28V is a much nicer guitar, by a long shot, and from a distance, looks very similar to the DM3MD. The DM3MD is basically a glorified Martin 16 Series. Same bracing, same neck joint, just nicer tonewoods and appointments. I own a D-16GT, an HD-28V, a DM3MD, and a few other higher end Martins and will say that the D-16GT and the DM3MD are the closest sounding guitars I own. But, they do sound really nice! I really like the D-16GT, albeit, it doesn't hold a candle to my HD-28V.

The closest thing I can think to the DM3MD is a D-16RGT. Another great option is a Martin MMV. Rosewood back and sides, Sitka spruce top, full glosss body, gold tuners. They are a "custom" Martin available at any Guitar Center/Musician's Friend/Music 123. Personally, I would go for a used D-28 at that price point. But, the closest thing to the DM3MD is the MMV or the D-16RGT.

[Thomas]

Thanks kahn. Larrivee is definitely a brand I'm interested in because i've heard so much good about them. There's not a dealer anywhere near me though so maybe i'll get lucky and find one. and i'm definitely going to try to find a nice used guitar.

and hdguy, wow thanks that's some great info. is the dm3md really based on the d-16rgt? i would LOVE an HD-28V but that's just a BIT out of my price range

a few years ago i wanted a taylor 414ce, but it was so long ago i don't really remember what it sounded like when i played it.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-TAY-414CE-LIST

and after looking for a while i found something kinda interesting. the D-16ORGT.

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-MAT-DC16OGTE

It seems to have the same specs as the dc-16RGTE except for the ovangkol sides and three piece back.

damn, i really need to head up to the guitar center in lubbock to try these out again.

[HD18JBGuy]

No problem Jack. Yes, it is kind of strange that that the DM3MD is based on the 16 Series. People are often confused and think that it is based on the D-35 due to the three piece back, but in all reality, the bracing and the neck are the same as the 16 Series which gives the DM3MD the 16 Series sound. The three piece back doesn't do much for the sound; the type of wood used, rosewood, does. They both have Hybrid X bracing and Mortise/Tenon neck joints. However, the DM3MD does get a tonewood upgrade and has an Englemann spruce top, which makes it a tad brighter and a little deeper bass.

The Taylor 414 is a nice guitar as are the Larivees. I really like the way both of them sound. However, I am generally a Martin guy and stick to Martins. I will buy a Taylor one day though. I do like the way they sound. Also, as Kahn said, I would look for something used rather than buy new. You can get so much more for your money if you buy carefully. You can easily find a mint D-28 for that price which is a nicer guitar than any 16 Series. But, I understand if you want to buy new and get the warranty out of the deal.

The DC-16OGTE is a pretty nice guitar. I have played a few and like the way they sound. The only think I don't like is the electronics. I am not a fan of the "barn door" electronics in any guitar. I recommend getting as much guitar as you can and add electronics at a later date. But if you find a great guitar, it shouldn't be a deal breaker.

So here is the deal about Martin's line-up. If you really, truly want something as close as possible to the DM3MD, in terms of sound, below is a link to your guitar. It is an HD-16R Adirondack. Heck, the thing even looks really close to the DM3MD. Here are the similarities which make them so close:

Hybrid-X Bracing
Mortise/Tenon neck joint
Adirondack spruce top (closest thing to Englemann)
East Indian rosewood back and sides (DM3MD has an African Padauk wedge, which is negligable to the sound)
Vintage toner (gives the top that orangish look, which is used on the DM3MD)
Herringbone trim

These are sweet, sweet guitars and some of the best buys for the money. The only other major difference is the HD-16 has a 1 3/4" nut width as opposed to 1 11/16" on the DM3MD. Not sure if you have a preference, but some people do. Personally, I don't care either way.

Here is the link:

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/cho ... Adirondack

It's list price is $2,999, which in Martin language means you can get it for 60-65% of list, which translates to around $1,800 new. I have seen them used for around $1,400-$1,500.

Another alternative is the D-16 Adirondack, which is virtually the same guitar as above, but mahogany back and sides. I actually prefer mahogany in Martin dreads. Awesome sound!

http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/cho ... Adirondack

This lists for $2,699, which from a reputable Martin dealer, translates to $1,680 new, or around $1,300-1,400 used. Also an awesome guitar and money well spent.

The last option I recommend is the Martin MMV, which is a "custom" guitar made specifically for Guitar Center. I love these guitars and they are so awesome sounding. They are also based on the 16 Series and sport a solid gloss body and top, Sitka spruce top, X-bracing, East Indian rosewood back and sides, and Mortise/Tenon neck joint, mahogany neck. For the money, I think this guitar is your BEST option and will sound very close to the DM3MD. Possibly, even closer than the other two above. And you can save a little dough. I am a huge fan of these, even more so than a D-16GT or D-16RGT. The advantage of the other two above is the Adirondack spruce top, which is closer to the Englemann spruce used on the DM3MD. Other than that and some cosmetic differences, the MMV is virtually the same guitar. These go for $1,399 and might be had for a little cheaper if you can bargain them down or find a GC coupon to use.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin-Mmv- ... 1173142.gc

If you need a recommendation for a Martin dealer, I have plenty of online sources who will take the best care of you. They will also give you the best price, which as I said, is around 35%-40% off list price.

Good luck and let me know if you have other questions. Keep in mind that any cutaway is going to take a little away from the sound. The DM3MD is not a cutaway. But, if you play that low on the neck (I don't), it might be worth having that as an option.

[Kahn]

That is a great post. I just want to chime in.

I agree about electronics. You can get a much better pick-up later on.

Also, I would go no-cutaway for the aforementioned reasons.

That D-16 Adirondack looks NICE

[Thomas]

WOW thanks for all the great info HDguy. you're one of the best new posters i've ever met

you seem to really know your stuff, so I'll keep my eye out for the d-16 adirondack. And thanks for reminding me about the cutaway, it's honestly something i forgot about.

i found a hd-28 on craigslist in dallas for $1800. Might have to make that trip

[HD18JBGuy]

WOW thanks for all the great info HDguy. you're one of the best new posters i've ever met

you seem to really know your stuff, so I'll keep my eye out for the d-16 adirondack. And thanks for reminding me about the cutaway, it's honestly something i forgot about.

i found a hd-28 on craigslist in dallas for $1800. Might have to make that trip

Anytime. Good price on an HD-28. Might be all the guitar you will ever need. I owned one before I upgraded to an HD-28V. Wish I would have kept both, because they both sounded so good and different. Can't say the 28V was that much better, but while I own a few guitars in my collection, it wasn't practical to keep both. If you find a "good one", you will know! They are one of the best out there.

Also, as Kahn said, don't forget to try out a Larivee. They are very affordable and provide a lot of bang for the buck. But if that HD-28 sings to you, snag it!

[mattinbeloit]

Go for the Martin 16 series, especially since you can't play one first. The stock Martin D-28's and D-35's are some of the most inconsistent guitars I have come across, the 16's however have all sounded great to me and seem to be consistent. I think they sound a lot better than most 28's and 35's, and they are a great deal for the $$, will definitely get you the "dave" sound.