Tone Question

[gakees]

Hello everybody. I have a simple question to ask.......

I love playing acoustically and this was really how I started when I was just a little kid. But growing up in the '60's, beginning to actively play in bands in the '70's, I was more into rock n roll lusting for Les Pauls and Strats. Accordingly, my basic knowledge of acoustic guitars is lacking. But, I do know this---I've always felt that Martin's have a distinctive tone that I don't hear in Gibsons or Taylors or any other acoustic guitar for that matter. I realize that I'm assuming you will agree, perhaps you won't. But why is it that Martins seem to have their own sound that separates them in tone from the rest?

[hank]

"But why is it that Martins seem to have their own sound that separates them in tone from the rest?"

It's all in their formula of construction materials and physical design. There are lots of Martin models and a variety of tones. For me, you can hear a Martin tone in just about all levels of quality and cost. I prefer the Golden Era series of instruments that are based on the mid-to-late '30's materials and design. Red spruce tops kill.

I believe Martins generally have a strong bass and balanced tone across the fingerboard. Other guitars are not as distinctive sounding to me.

[gakees]

I believe Martins generally have a strong bass and balanced tone across the fingerboard. Other guitars are not as distinctive sounding to me.
Yep, that's what I hear. It's as if you can tell a Martin's sound while never seeing the guitar. With the construction design, do they do anything substantially different than the other makers? Do they still make them the way they did in the "pre-war" period, or is that the correct term?

[hank]

They have certain models that are "pre-war" in design. These are typically the Golden Era models. Martin has "improved" their design ......... which means they've modified it to fit their newer manufacturing methods.

All-in-all, they make some nice guitars.

[RnB]

why is it that Martins seem to have their own sound that separates them in tone from the rest?

I think Gibson's have their own distinctive sound that I really like, they're just not as consistent. I have owned Taylors...nice guitars, but just don't have the character sound or soul that a Martin has....IMO! Although very popular and they record great, but my interest for Taylors has definitely waned.

I think Hank said it right: "it's in the construction materials & physical design". Plus, 173 years of building them. Even though the new ones do sound great, the Vintage gurus out there that say the Pre-War ones are the precursors of tone, and what are what most acoustics are judged by. They have the tone most players & builders are always searching for.....but are now, out of 'most players' price range, including mine.

Martin's build design & quality is tried & true. They are putting out some of the finest acoustics right now, I believe. I've always been a Martin fan ever since the 70's, when I got my first one, a D-35. Gone now, but rejuvenated once again, in ther form of OM's & a Maple Jumbo. For me, the Dread days are over. Just too much guitar to wrap my arms around. I'm finding that I like the comfort and the balanced sound of smaller-bodied guitars. CFM is offering so many different Models now, that there's got to be one flavor that suits anyone's needs, and they all have that Martin sound.

The Maple Jumbo I have, a J-65M, is as good as it gets. Plus, I go goo-goo over Tortoise binding. Big & robust sounding, I only wish it had a 1 3/4" nut! Not really a popular Martin, and only produced for about 10 years, it's one of Martins best-kept secrets. People are more into Rswd & Mahog guitars....and it is all about sales figures, or else it gets dropped... :rolleyes:

'91 J-65M
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/Rnbguitars/J-65Mside.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/Rnbguitars/MartinJ-65Mheel.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v420/Rnbguitars/MartinJ-65Mback.jpg
Since our band died, the electrics don't see much use anymore, so I've been just playing the acoustics lately. That's OK, I like it, & the wife likes it!

[sliding-tom]

Beautiful guitar!

[bluespckr]

I'm "new" to Martin, but have been playing guitar for over 40 years. Maybe it's my imagination but, as nice as a Taylor can be, it seems like you can find a better-sounding Martin for less money. And it seems that pretty much every Martin I've heard or played on -- regardless of price -- delivers well-balanced tone.

Taylors just don't do it for me, and I think the comment about Gibson being hit or miss is accurate. Martins are far more consistent.

I'm really happy with mine. As soon as you play, there's "that" tone.

[bluesjuke]

Martin does have that "only a Martin" tone.
Gibsons can be very nice too but I prefer the Martin.

My jamming buddy plays a couple of Taylors that sound good when he plays them but I can't warm up to them.

[Rockabilly69]

I don't know how to describe it, but the Martin tone is what really floats my boat. I'm working on my fifth CD, and for every one, a Martin guitar has been the basic acoustic tone.

And here's a funny thought. I own three Martins, and by no means are they the most expensive models, but each one has a great voice, all different, but all good to blend with other instruments!

OM-28 EC Model Newest addition great for fingerpicking, piano like lows.
SP000C-TR This is my main guitar, and has over 3000 gigs on it.
00015M slotted headstock (cheapest one I own and all over my newest CD)

If you'd like some examples e-mail me and I'll show you what I'm talking about.

[bluespckr]

I know of which you speak!

I have a lone Martin -- a DC-16GTE Premium -- that probably falls comfortably somewhere between low end and high. Funny, but I tried some D28s and stuff, but actually loved the tone and feel and neck on this model and went with it, instead of one of the costlier upper ends ... although cost really wasn't a factor.

There's just "something" about a Martin's sound. My friend has a lower end model (really low-end) and it sounds and plays great. The entire product line is quality. Martin just knows how to build them.

I've tried some Taylors and they really didn't do "it" for me. Another friend of mine swears by his, and it sounds great on his recordings, but ... it's not "my" sound, I guess -- not for me.

I recently took my Martin in for what I thought was a nut issue -- I though the slot on the high E was cut wrong -- had some kind of zinging buzz. The guy is an authorized Martin (and Taylor and others) service tech, and knows his stuff. He commented that Martins tend to come with a higher action than Taylors, and said that Taylors are generally designed as acoustics for electric guitar players (actionwise).

He checked all the measurements and stuff, and everything with the nut was where it was supposed tobe. My imaginary nut prob was only a seasonal setup thing, and he tweaked the neck a bit, shaved down the saddle some to drop the action, and BINGO. My already great Martin became a super killer Martin, in the span of about 20 minutes.

I love mine to bits. I might get one of the pricier ones some day, but this one does it all for me, especxially with the in-built electronics, and is a keeper.

I'm planning a trip from New Hampshire out to the Dakotas next year, and will be traveling through Pennsylvania to visit friends in Ohio along the way. I plan on taking the factory tour in Nazareth! Should be fun.

[Rockabilly69]

Bluespckr,

Maybe the 16 series is slowly becoming a new standard:)
But in all honesty, I love mine, and it gives up the goods
nightly 4 hours a night. I usually have to tweak my truss
rod twice a year.

And last year mine needed a fret dress. I hope this guitar
lives longer than I do. I bought the EC martin to somewhat
retire my main axe, but I just can't seem to leave home
without the 16.

As for Taylors, I tried every model imaginable when I was
searching for the new Martin, but they all tended to be on
the bright side. The necks had nice actions, but the binding
edges didn't feel right in my hands. I also tried a few Gibson
guitars and was very fond of the Advanced Jumbo, and the
J-200, but they changed my sound too radically. I might buy
the jumbo and start working it into my set.

[Eddie]

8 or 9 years ago our lead singer bought a Taylor 614C (before the CE came out). I was in love with this guitar and wanted one badly. Shortly after that, a friend of mine wanted me to go help him pick out an acoustic. He wanted a Martin. I had only ever played one Martin at the time and it had dead strings and a bad setup, so I wasn't too enthused. We showed up at the music store and I pulled an SPD-16 off the wall and my life changed right there. Now THIS is what an acoustic should sound like, I thought. He bought that guitar and I got to play it when I wanted. The friend got divorced a couple of years ago and asked me if I wanted to buy it. We decided on a price and I talked to the wife and she agreed. When I called him back to go get it, he had changed his mind. I was disappointed to say the least. My wife immediately bought me a D-35 to settle this! Well, now I have 3 Martins, an OM-35 Custom, a D-18GE, and an HD-28LSV. They all sound different, but all sound like Martins.

Nothing but the Martin sound for me!!!

OM-35 Custom
http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_P8050019.JPG

D-18GE
http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/D-18GE_%285%29.JPG

HD-28LSV
http://images.lilypix.com/albums/userpics/10015/normal_LSV1.JPG

[Rockabilly69]

Eddie,

Those are beautiful guitars, and that OM-35 whoo hoo! Be glad your buddy didn't sell the D16 now he still has a guitar when you need to jam!

Dan (Rockabilly 69)

[bluespckr]

A Marshall cab, DG-18 and a rifle. Woah -- let freedom ring, son. Gotta love being an American!

Those are grea axes, Eddie.

[Eddie]

Thanks guys! I have a hard time deciding which one I like best.

The rifle is an original Wichester Model '73 in excellent working and cosmetic condition passed down through generations in my family. I acquired it from my grandfather before he died.

[bluesjuke]

A Marshall cab, DG-18 and a rifle. Woah -- let freedom ring, son. Gotta love being an American!

Those are great axes, Eddie.

Let's pray all of our great traditions continue!