Guitar search help

[fenster1977]

I've been playing on my cheap Takamine G-240 for about a year now and I'm getting ready to buy something nice. I love the sound of Martins and Taylors and I've always wanted one of each. I went to two different Guitar Centers over the weekend and played several Taylors and several Martins (esp. D-28s and 35s).

I can't get over how much better they sound than anything else I picked up. Except I just wasn't comfortable playing them. I got home and picked up my Tak and I was amazed how much easier it is for me to play b/c of the very thin and tapered neck. I have small hands and it just fits me perfectly.

Anyway, does anybody know of particluar martin or taylor models that have similar neck shapes? People always say that you should choose a guitar that feels good. Well, mine feels good, it just doesn't sound good. I want that Martin sound...where's a nice balance of feel and tone out there for me?

[Speenis]

I've been playing on my cheap Takamine G-240 for about a year now and I'm getting ready to buy something nice. I love the sound of Martins and Taylors and I've always wanted one of each. I went to two different Guitar Centers over the weekend and played several Taylors and several Martins (esp. D-28s and 35s).

I can't get over how much better they sound than anything else I picked up. Except I just wasn't comfortable playing them. I got home and picked up my Tak and I was amazed how much easier it is for me to play b/c of the very thin and tapered neck. I have small hands and it just fits me perfectly.

Anyway, does anybody know of particluar martin or taylor models that have similar neck shapes? People always say that you should choose a guitar that feels good. Well, mine feels good, it just doesn't sound good. I want that Martin sound...where's a nice balance of feel and tone out there for me?

IMO, although I will probably get shit for this, is to go with a 7,8,910 series. My reasoning is that I loooooove the feel of Taylors and I'm sure you would too if you like your Tak. I also think that the Taylor dread series of guitars are underrated. I personally have never played an 810 or 910, but the 710 that I have played sounded pretty sweet.

[fenster1977]

FYI -

at the nut, my neck is 1 11/16" wide and 7/8" thick.

anything comparable to this?

from the martin site, it looks like some of the neck widths are exactly the same as my tak. Only they don't list the thickness, which is where i think i run into trouble. it's definitely the thickness that affects my play. the ones i played in the store the other day were probably the same width, only thicker

[Oahu]

If you are really serious about this, I would pick your model out, and then order it from a place like Buffalo Bros with the thinner neck. It'll only cost about $200 more, but it'll be totally worth it. Also, the larger dealers give you bigger discounts than GC. I also HIGHLY recommend Wildwood guitars in Colorado. Give them a call and if Steve can accomodate you, he will.