Hi,
I’m looking for a little advice. I’ve been playing the guitar for about 20 years (but I’m self taught and my technical knowledge of the instrument is weak).
I own a basic Ibanez electric and a Fender DG3 acoustic which is fine but basic. I recently decided to make the move to a more serious instrument. I’ve always associated Martin guitars with being a very high quality manufacturer and so I’ve been sizing a few up.
I recently went into a shop in Dublin (Ireland) which is where I live and I tried a whole slew of Martin guitars. The one that really impressed me was the Martin D-16RGT dreadnought. It was priced €1799 but I’ve tracked it down for €1299 in another store I spotted online.
My question is this - for a first step into the world of Martin guitars is this my best choice? Or would you Martin aficionados suggest I look at a different model? I did try the D-16GT by the way - and I also loved that, but I found the rosewood brought out a softer and richer sound.
It might help to describe what I’m hoping to use the guitar for - it’s mainly rhythm stuff - beatles, stones, nirvana, stuff like that. I am thinking of actually looking for some proper tuition in the new year and advancing towards some blues and some folky stuff. But for now it’s mainly a guitar for basic stuff. The great thing about having a Martin though - is I think it future proofs me as I develop in my playing.
So hopefully that helps give people an idea of what I might most benefit from. My budget is an absolute max of €1799 - but the lower I can go and still achieve a beautiful sound - the better.
I’m not averse to trying out other brands - but I’m not super pushed on Fender or Yamaha (although they are both excellent and more affordable generally). A friend has suggested that before I commit to a Martin, I should try out some Takamine - which I’m going to do later in the week.
Anyway I would really appreciate any thoughts or comments that people might have. I’d really love to hear from someone with the D-16RGT or similar or anyone with a good knowledge of the Martin guitars close to my budget.
Many thanks for taking the time to read the post.
Kev
Comments
Acoustics tend to be more variable that solid body electrics, so I'd say it's vital to try before you buy.
At the risk of sounding patronising - if it comes across as that, it isn't my intention - you need to play a fair number of more expensive acoustics to get used to what is out there. Pretty much any guitar at the price level you're looking in will be significantly better than your Fender, so there is a risk of being too easily impressed - don't feel the need to buy the first one you like.
I hope this helps.
I would not be very eager to purchase second hand online, but I'll do a bit of research this week into which shops in Dublin I can try out second hand D18's or D28's in. I'm not against second hand at all so long as I can physically play the guitar before purchase - and I guess your suggestion could allow me to end up with more guitar for my money.
It's definitely worth considering.
I think your advice about not buying the first one you like is absolutely true and worth pointing out. I need to get a good frame of reference and the more guitars in this price range that I play now, the better.
Thanks for your thoughts.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
The D18 is good if you can find a post 2012 example as that has the pre-war style bracing (that the D28 still does not have).
I don't know how easy they are to track down in Ireland, but Furch do a lot of Martin style guitars and are very high quality.
I'd also echo what @ICBM said about the individual example. They do vary. You are unlikely to find a bad Martin, but some are better than others.
Thanks for the advice. It had not really occurred to me that there might be a bit of variance between models and that from store to store the D-16RGT might change. But I guess that makes sense now that I think about it. I’ll bear that in mind once I move towards a purchase.
Glad to hear also that the D-16 is a decent entry level - but I completely agree with yourself and Richard that if I can find a D-18 or D-28 within my budget, second hand - I should definitely test it out.
On that point - are there any things that I should really look out for in buying a second hand guitar - apart from the obvious physical condition of the guitar. I guess a few scratches are to be expected, but any structural bumps or bangs I should avoid. But if there is anything in particular that I should avoid, please do let me know!
Again thanks for taking the time to advise me.
@BigLicks67
Thanks for your thoughts - I’m definitely far more open to second hand since hearing all these comments. the question now is can I find a decent D-18 or D-28 for the price of a new D-16. Time shall tell. It being New Years I might have to wait a few days to get an answer to this. I’ve mailed a bunch of guitar shops though - so hopefully they will get back to me. Other than that I guess I’ll have a hunt through the classified ads.
@crunchman
Cheers for comments. It amazes me how specific years can impact the sound so much. I’ll keep your points with me if I get a chance to play any second hand D-18’s or D-28’s. Martin’s are easy enough to come by in Ireland - but I’m not sure about how many are being offered second hand. Once I know I’ll be reporting back to you guys anyway!
Good to know about Furch too. I’ll do my best to try out a few in the coming days.
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The main things I’m taking from the comments so far are as follows:
If anyone can add to this, please do. All the comments have been really helpful. Thanks a lot.
Just an update. I bought the D-16RGT today. I looked high and low but could not find a D-18 or D-28 in my price range second hand.
I tried out a few other makes aswell but I just fell in love with the sound of the D-16. I have it sitting here beside me now.
Thanks for the help and advice. I might post a short review here in a week after playing it for a bit.
Martin know how to make great guitars - I've owned mine for over 20 years. If you keep it long enough - and there's no reason why you won't - the cost of ownership works out at pence per day. That's lasting value!
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Looking forward to getting home from work now and playing some Stones on it.
Hey - I'm loving the guitar yes. Absolutely nothing but postitive things to say about it.
In the end I bought it locally - this worked out cheaper than online as I was lucky.
Basically I found a supplier who was moving away from stocking Martin and one of their last items of Martin stock was a D-16 RGT. I went out and played it and that was that. It sounded incredible. In the end I got it for €1,299 which was €500 cheaper than my local shop. The shop threw in case, guitar stand, couple of sets of strings and a capo as part of the deal too - so not too shabby at all.
It just goes to show that doing a bit of research and making a few calls can save you a packet.
So a very happy ending to the Martin D-16 RGT hunt!
Thanks again to anyone who took the time to offer some advice.