Trying to choose a Martin Guitar?

Question

Ok. Acoustic Martin Guitar.

So I would like to spend about 1400.

I want a 14 fret. The darker woods look prettier to me, but I'm not sure if the look will coincide with how I want it to sound.

I am a small girl, so I don't really want a giant guitar if possible. I have no idea what shape to chose.

I want the sound to be big and ringing not subtle. I am more focused on rhythm and am more concerned with treble than bass tones. I want a ringing guitar, clear like a bell.

I have no clue where to start.

I just know I want a Martin.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Soulmate offered much great info, and i agree with what is said,, they did leave off the point that the top has much to do with tone, the darkness or the light, 1400 aint that much to buy brand new Martin, sorry, and if your dead set on Martin you may suffer,,, i have an old D-35 Dread, pine top,, which is spectacular, total standard no electronics, love that guitar, and it is over 40 yrs old, was a gift from a dying friend,,, i also have two Taylors, one 814ce i bought brand new,2000USD ten yrs ago and my buddie who owns the store let me have it at just above cost, its too is a pine top,,,,,,, my work horse:), a 714ce cedar top with the expression system, is so simple and true,,, paid 1100 at a pawn shop,,,,,love the dark tone of the cedar,,the experssion is so simple to use live,,,,,the older they get the better they sound,,,,, i do wish you luck but in all that is real yu my wish to buy another to get quality and tone and later buy that Martin,,,,,,any questions feel feel to write me:)

Answer 2

If you buy used your $1400 will get you a Martin that sold for $2800 new. Given the markup that is common in the music retail biz, that means a Martin that retailed for $4000-$5000 new.



You need to play as many different guitars yourself (Martin and others) to understand what different woods and finishes sound like, and to get an idea of how different necks feel under your fingers. Go to as many guitar stores as possible and ask to try out some different guitars. Ask to play not just those in your price range but those above and below, so you understand what kind of quality-for-the-dollar various brands offer. You may be surprised to find a less-expensive guitar that outplays the expensive one, or sounds louder. Make a point of going to at least one acoustic guitar "boutique" shop. You're may find a higher level of acoustic expertise there than at a shop that sells mostly electric instruments alongside drums, brass and winds.



Given that you not sure how different woods sound, it seems that you haven't done a lot of comparison shopping. So I'm not sure how you became set on getting a Martin. They're great guitars but there are others that are just as nice. In particular, check out Luna and Guild. They have great tone and playability for the dollar.



I first heard Luna at a Vicki Genfan performance. she is one amazing guitarist. She plays the new Vicki Genfan Signature model in this video:



"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga6jyhrafRo&a=GxdCwVVULXeKUgP_lCLqoHc_fSzdwkhz&list=ML&playnext=1"



There's no fancy doctoring of the audio here; Luna guitars really do have a wonderful, ringing, bell-like tone. I plan to get one myself.



I changed my opinion of Guild to a positive one when I helped a friend shop for an acoustic guitar. We did side-by-side comparisons with Taylor, Yamaha, Martin, Takamine, Collings, and Seagull. The $900 Guild sounded and played better than many guitars that were 3x its price. Before that I had never run into a Guild that I liked; I concluded that those Guild owners had never had their guitars set up professionally, because my friend's (new) Guild has a really nice neck.





You may want to look for a 3/4 size guitar -- the Baby Taylor or the Luna Trinity Parlor are both really nice guitars for much less than you plan to spend.

Answer 3

If that is your price range I would seriously go with the Performing Artist series.



Spruce tops and Hpl sides (HPL is laminate, but it doesnt sound bad like other name-brand guitars)



Spruce tops give the brightness to the guitar and the kind of "ringing" you want and the bracing gives it its volume



I own a DCPA5 and I love it. The GCPA5 is another option but it looks like a Taylor. Mine sound great, has a full tone, and stays in tune fantasicly.



If you want to spend a little less go with the X series, they arent made of real wood but they are a Martin.



From your description and price the PA series is about the only option you have Martinwise, but Seagull does make great guitars for that price range, I have a S6 and it has a great sound and is a smaller guitar.