Martin Acoustics

[null_pointer]

To me 'least interesting' is a guitar that does one thing. Teles and Strats clearly cover a lot more ground than that, but I don't see anyone out playing blues on their ESP with EMGs. I DO see metal/shred/sludge being played on Strats and teles tho (John 5, Yngwie etc).

So I vote Ibanez RG-anything.

Yes, I can see some logic in that argument.

Its ok your precious PRS's won't get sucked into the same vortex. They suffer perhaps from the other end of the scale - too much flexibility. The answer to your standard HH PRS's 'what do they play best' is 'yes'. Great for range, poor for image branding - you can wear your stetson with your PRS, ripped jeans, leather jackets, or even Jesus Christ Poses (thanks Creed). In fact now John Mayer has a signature model I think Paul will have to start hanging around Slayer just to broaden the market...

[Bg]

I used to play blues live with my emg equipped steinberger, I win a prize

[null_pointer]

I used to play blues live with my emg equipped steinberger, I win a prize

And you're renowned for your impeccable taste too!

Right??

[Slowy]

To me 'least interesting' is a guitar that does one thing. Teles and Strats clearly cover a lot more ground than that, but I don't see anyone out playing blues on their ESP with EMGs. I DO see metal/shred/sludge being played on Strats and teles tho (John 5, Yngwie etc).

So I vote Ibanez RG-anything.

Yes, I can see some logic in that argument.

ESP is a guitar? I thought it was X-Files stuff.

[Bg]

I used to play blues live with my emg equipped steinberger, I win a prize

And you're renowned for your impeccable taste too!

Right??

Of course.... that was proven by the JS1200 I used at times too Too many blues guitarists with strats and teles....

[mr_sooty]

And yet I'm ecstatically happy with my sub 1K Masterbuilt Alvarez Parlor.

Sometimes the trick is to stop there. Unfortunately I've got friends with Martins, Gibbys etc so I've seen what the other side of the mountain looks like. There's no way the lower echelons compare (depending on what the sound in your head is, of course!). For what I'd like an acoustic electric for, $4k north seems to be the first rung of that sonic ladder...

I've played my fair share - I've worked in music retail on and off since 1993 so I have definitely seen both sides of that mountain. There are certainly some amazing guitars in the price range you're talking about, but there are others that are just expensive, rather than amazing. One guitar that stands out in my mind was a second hand Martin OM28V, $4700 used! But yeah that was a superb guitar. But there are definitely some awesome guitars out there in lower priced land. My particular Alvarez just has the kind of tone and price I'm looking for that I've struggled to find in any price range. Again, it's a personal taste thing. That guitar just sounds right to me. Having said that I'd trade it for a Gibson Keb Mo in a heart beat! (Another one that I loved).

[mr_sooty]

Another thing I find about higher end Martins is that they tend to be much better when they've got a few years on them. They can sometimes be a bit uninspiring brand new.

[Slowy]

Another thing I find about higher end Martins is that they tend to be much better when they've got a few years on them. They can sometimes be a bit uninspiring brand new.

That used to be an absolute 30 years ago. New Martins were stiff, tight and unresponsive. You had to stand them in front of a loud stereo speaker for 40 hours just to loosen them up. In the last decade or so, that hasn't been as true. I wonder what changed? There's still no doubt in my mind though that a "real" Martin will be better in 15 years than it is new.

[hamo]

To me 'least interesting' is a guitar that does one thing. Teles and Strats clearly cover a lot more ground than that, but I don't see anyone out playing blues on their ESP with EMGs. I DO see metal/shred/sludge being played on Strats and teles tho (John 5, Yngwie etc).

So I vote Ibanez RG-anything.

Yes, I can see some logic in that argument.

ESP is a guitar? I thought it was X-Files stuff.

Nah, that's ESPN.

[SimpleSi]

Ever tried Maton acoustics?

I own a ECW80C heritage model.

Similar pricing to Martin but a bit cheaper.

I think I paid around 2.2k and the equivalent Martin was 3.1k

[vintage52]

Ever tried Maton acoustics?

I own a ECW80C heritage model.

Similar pricing to Martin but a bit cheaper.

I think I paid around 2.2k and the equivalent Martin was 3.1k

Did own the entry level 225 at one stage.

Struggled with it. Would assume the higher builds are much better?

[snitchez]

I've got a maton SRS808. Slowly getting more love after putting on new strings last night. I'm already seeing quite a bit of wear on mine after just 4 months buying it new. Strings do play a huge difference!

I am gassing for a higher end acoustic now. My Larrivee d03 still gets most of my attention, but quite keen for a d28 or a dove.

[Slowy]

Ever tried Maton acoustics?

I own a ECW80C heritage model.

Similar pricing to Martin but a bit cheaper.

I think I paid around 2.2k and the equivalent Martin was 3.1k

http://www.rockshop.co.nz/shop/maton-me ... -case.html

Rockshop Albany had a cutaway version of this. It sold really quickly. Unsurprising; it was a very, very, very good guitar.