Martin Reimagined Vs 'Pre' Reimagined

kmajor

So, can someone please sum up, which is the best Martin D size with 1 11/16" nut for playing Bluegrass.

crunchman

Brize said:

RandallFlagg said:

I have a 2018 “Reimagined” HD28 which replaced a 2015 (I think) D28. I had theme here side by aide for a while so could compare. I preferred the 1 11/16” nut width and fuller neck profile of pre-imagined, but, tone wise the reimagined HD28 was far superior, louder, fuller, almost like it was amplified tone coming out of the soundhole.

That will be the scalloped, forward-shifted bracing compared to the straight standard bracing.

The forward shifted bracing is more important than the scalloping.  The old HD28 had scalloped bracing but didn't sound that good.  The one that sounded great was the HD28V with the forward shifted bracing.

Brize

crunchman said:

The forward shifted bracing is more important than the scalloping.  The old HD28 had scalloped bracing but didn't sound that good.  The one that sounded great was the HD28V with the forward shifted bracing.

Yep, agreed.

kmajor said:

So, can someone please sum up, which is the best Martin D size with 1 11/16" nut for playing Bluegrass.

The D-28 1941 Authentic.

cmacguitar

Octavio said:

Thanks for the input. Some very useful information. I certainly won't be buying a 1940s Martin! As I'm buying used, the newer Refreshed model is not an option.

I plan on recording with it so should I stick to one with a factory fitted pickup?

It's a very expensive purchase for me so I don't like the idea of putting a hole or undersaddle in it. Could it affect the tone? If not, then are some recommended aftermarket pickups of better quality?

Hi!

I have a 'Pre' Re D-28 2005 and a Re imagined D-18E 2018

As is always the case I think it is a guitar by guitar basis. By far the best idea would be to go to somewhere you can play a few and that will make the decision much easier as holding/ hearing the guitars will be much more helpful for picking what suits you rather than comparing the specs (although things like the Refreshed series sound intriguing but as you said out of budget)!

I think the specs will always have pros and cons and many guitars I have bought I would often read mixed reviews on the specs of them but many of those guitars I have gigged for years and loved. It's way more important that you love the instrument. I would check out Andertons as they have a fair few second hand Martins at the moment.

I will say, the 000-15M is a cracking guitar! Used for £1000ish then if you get an LR Baggs pick-up (most of them are great). I have played a few and will likely get one at some point but they might not scratch your Martin itch if you want a classic style Martin.

Pick-up wise

I generally prefer to buy a guitar without a pick-up so I can fit my own but I really loved the D-18E when I tried it so went with it and will get the Fishman pick-up replaced at some point I would think. I have the M80 in my D-28 but I'd likely swap out to the Anthem at some point. K&K Pure Mini are well loved also but I haven't used one.

Cheers