Martin fans, need help choosing a model - choices listed with pictures

[backdrifter]

Here's the story - I've been trying to sell my Martin CF-2 archtop guitar in the Emporium and other places for a while with no luck. I found a local store that is willing to give me $2,200 credit for it, so I started looking at guitars in approximately that range. I've always liked Martin acoustics, so I'm looking at the guitars listed below. I don't know much about them though, or what the model names mean. I know what "D" and "OMC" mean, but what about the "H" in HD, and what do the numbers after the letters signify? Are higher numbers supposedly higher quality models?

Here are the suspects that I am considering, along with a brief description. Please tell me which would top your list and why. Keep in mind that anything over $2,200 will come out of my pocket, and anything under will mostly likely be lost (they're not going to give me a guitar AND cash! :jo). A little more info - I believe I prefer 1 11/16" nut to 1 3/4", but I'm open to trying the larger nut. I'm indifferent to cutaways - neither of my current acoustics has one and I don't miss it.

1. D-21 Custom Shop - $2,275 - not much info given - V shaped neck, Sitka top, 1 11/16" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/D21customshop.jpg

2. D-28 - $2,299 - Sitka top, EIR back/sides, 1 11/16" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/D28.jpg

3. D-35 - $2,299 - Sitka top EIR back/sides, 1 11/16" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/D35.jpg

4. HD-16RLSH - $1,999 - Sitka top, EIR back/sides, 1 3/4" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/HD-16RLSH.jpg

5. HD-28 - $2,599 - Sitka top, EIR back/sides, 1 11/16" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/HD-28.jpg

6. HD-16R - $2,199 - Adirondack top, EIR back/sides, 1 3/4" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/HD-16RAdirondack.jpg

7. OMC-16E - $2,299 - Sitka top, figured Koa back/sides, 1 3/4" nut
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i319/bennyl118/OMC-16EKoa.jpg

So, which do you like, and why? I certainly plan to play all the guitars in question, but I would like some direction from people that know more about Martin guitars before I walk into the store. Thanks for any opinions or suggestions!

[pickaguitar]

I'd get #6...but you don't prefer 1 3/4



Adirondack top!!!!!!

[humbuster]

HD28 and do not overlook the D18V, quite possibly the best Martin at any price IMHO.

[jmecale72]

I have a D-35 and I love that guitar. The sound is really big and very clear. That would be my pick...but that's biased opinion. Hehe

[MattH]

do not overlook the D18V, quite possibly the best Martin at any price IMHO.

+1 great guitar for the money.

[traviswalk]

HD-28 for me - forward bracing, better top, better appointments, great guitar for the $$.

[FPicker]

I would play them in the store, and if one of them spoke to me I would buy that one.

If nothing in that shop spoke to me, I would try to figure out if there is a guitar there would net me at least $1,800 (afer ebay & paypal commissions) if I sold it on ebay. Then I would buy that one and sell it. [Dave's guitar has CF-2 consigned for $2,200, figure consigner will get no more than $1800 afer sale.]. The more one would net, the better, obviously.

Then I would take the $1,800 to the nearest Collings dealer, and other shops I could get to.
I would play guitars in the store, and if one of them spoke to me I would buy that one.

Or better yet, I would go to all the local stores, find the guitar that spoke to me, and then try to work a trade-in deal with that shop.

[go7]

Went on the same quest a few years ago. I play mostly acoustic and prefer the Martin sound. Here`s what I discovered. Firstly to confuse things more Martin makes a few different carves of the V or modified V neck. The GE series are large necks w/ a pronounced V. The Vintage series ie HD-28V has a small V shape 1 11/16 nut. and has scalloped bracing as well as forward shifted bracing. I had 30 days w/ the HD-28 has a small round profile. The GE seies gave me shoulder pain.
I would personally recommend the HD-28V. Many people at the unnoficial Martin forum consider this the ultimate Martin dread. H is for herring bone trim. D is for dreadnaut size. 28 means Rosewood back and sides. V is the designation for the Vintage seiess.
While the HD-28 is a truly fine guitar it is a bit boomy perhaps not well balanced. The Vintage series has scalloped bracing vintage tuners{banjo]. 1 11/16 nut w/ a very fine V shape [very comfy]. It also has better wood. The cut off for Martins better wood is the V series and up.
They can be had for around $1700 used. IMHO the HD-28V is an exceptional acoustic. It can be a banjo killer or softly finger picked. I play only w/ nails.
I tried most of the Martins you listed and had the opportunity to play them at home for 30 days. I returned all but the HD-28V, a life time keeper. BTW I also have a D-18V [Mahogany]
Good luck.

[pitner]

I am on my 5th Martin over a 42 year period of time. My current keeper is a 1968 D-18. I have grown to really love the Hogs as I get older. I may get another D-28 someday but the rosewood seems brittle to me. I would look for a aged D-18 which usually go fairly cheap compared to the RW guitars. If you can find a 40 year old plus in playable condition it's worth it.

[backdrifter]

Thanks to all for the great responses, and the enlightenment on Martin model notation.

I'm still not sure if I'll do it or not, but it is certainly one option. I'll probably go play some tomorrow and see what I like.

Fpicker - I agree, and honestly a Collings is what I've wanted for longer than I can remember. I would love to trade the CF-2 even for a nice used Collings, but I've had no luck. I've also considered trading towards somethign in stock at the store that would sell easier and more quickly than the CF-2. Maybe a Collings 290. That is another option.

I've found a few used Collings acoustics that interest me at Guitar Center. I'm not sure if they accept trade-ins on used gear, but I'm going to find out. I doubt they'll give me $2,200 for the CF-2 though, and honestly, I'd rather give my business to the local music store if possible.

Thanks again to all, I will keep you posted with my progress.

[Shemp]

I own a D18GE, D18A, 000-28EC and a D28 MM. I sold an HD 35 a couple of years ago.

From your list my first choice would be the D21. Basically a stripped down HD28, it's a great bang for the buck instrument.

[backdrifter]

Thanks again to everyone for replies, I really appreciate it. I decided, and the answer is.....


COLLINGS!!!

I got creative and found a way to get my hands on a Collings - see my "NGD" post. Thanks again!

[Shemp]

Thanks again to everyone for replies, I really appreciate it. I decided, and the answer is.....


COLLINGS!!!

I got creative and found a way to get my hands on a Collings - see my "NGD" post. Thanks again!

I'm sorry, but that wasn't one of the options.

[majorbanjo]

Collings and Martin are two differnt beasts...they do not sound the same......on is cutting like ice pics....the other is warm (more guitar like).....guess you know which I prefer....:-)

Folks get wrapped around nut size, but to me bridge spacing makes more difference....I guess because I am a flatpicker.......I can adjust from 1 11/16 to 1 3/4 a lot easier than I can adjust from 2 1/8 to 2 1/4 bridge spacing.....

My favorite bridge spacing is 2 1/4 ....don't care about the nut width....although I like a deep cut....neck...one with some meat...don't like a shallow neck at all...bigger necks sound and feel better to me.....

I've got a 1 3/4" nut Leo Posch guitar that I believe is the best new guitar (martin style) made today......

I've got a 1 11/16 Martin D28 Del Mcoury one of the most comfortable guitars I've ever played...

Both have 2 1/4 bridge spacing....so it doesn't alter my pic speed/control....I'm going to hit the string I mean to hit......cause it's where my muscle memory tells me it is.....adjusting fretting is easier than picking to me......

[MattH]

Collings and Martin are two differnt beasts...they do not sound the same......on is cutting like ice pics....the other is warm (more guitar like).....guess you know which I prefer....:-)




+1 Every collings I've played has had a really forward sounding high end that just leaves me VERY cold.

[backdrifter]

I'm sorry, but that wasn't one of the options.

Yeah, I bent the rules a bit!

I've played 5 or 6 Collings and every one really impressed me. I was willing to take the risk on the trade. Worse case, it's not for me and I sell it - at least it will have a much larger target market than the CF-2 did.

[jcotten]

You've gotten some great opinions offered here, but if you want even more there is the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum available. Very knowledgeable folks when it comes to the wonderful world of Martin Guitars!

jcotten