Martin Authentics

[hank]

Martin has successfully issued a great guitar - the D-18 Authentic. It's the top of the line vintage mahogany reissue. Lists for $8000. Sells for around $5500. Bad ass guitar.

But here's a thought: Martin expects the buyer to pay a premium price for a custom guitar that was "standard" in the '30's. Read that again please. Standard is now custom.

What that means to me is that Martin has successfully dumbed-down its quality on the consumer after all of these years.

Don't get me wrong, I love Martins. But I am not stupid. :60burst

[bluesjuke]

It all comes down to if you want it they've got it!
For a price........

[hank]

Agreed. However, my point is that they're building the "same" guitar today as in the '30's ............. but it's a custom now and a standard then. Limited progress in my mind.

(Martin owner here)

[bluesjuke]

I know ...marketing is a wonderful thin....for some people.
Sort of like the Time Machine Strats too.

[SteveGaines]

told me the first 1937 Authentic D-18 was the best guitar in the store...Made from "Hide glue"...and all the specifics just like it was made in 1937.... I WOULD HAVE TO HEAR IT....And I see where they are making an Authentic D-28 For like 30,000 ...NO WAY....NO WAY that Guitar is gonna sound better than a late 40's or early 50's D-28...IT AIN"T HAPPENING...A guitar that is between 50 and 60 years old...And has been PLAYED?...Man, something about those "OLD MARTINS"...They are the "tall hog at the THROFF"..