Stick or twist?

[welshywelsh]

I'll accept that Martin may not be for everyone, but I'll not hear a word said against James Dean Bradfield's singing

[MattK]

In the vein of cheaper recommendations there are some killer Japanese Martin copies. K Yairi, high end Tokai Cat’s Eyes, etc are made with just as much care and skill. The wood at the Yairi factory is exceptional, those guys know their stuff. Have a look for the factory tour on YouTube.

[cestlamort]

Good luck and great that you’re exploring. I’ll echo other folks’ comments that there’s no need for a backup guitar with what you have (maybe even no need for two Jazzmasters?) and I’d personally let go of everything on your list for the right guitar. Or the funds in hand to jump on the right guitar when it comes up. Play as many as you can and try to let the guitar (rather than the idea of the guitar) speak to you.
The Musuar is a rare one. It might be tough (or expensive) to get one again. But if it isn’t doing the job of a guitar (sound, inspiration, etc) I’d let it go as well.

[Embenny]

In the vein of cheaper recommendations there are some killer Japanese Martin copies. K Yairi, high end Tokai Cat’s Eyes, etc are made with just as much care and skill. The wood at the Yairi factory is exceptional, those guys know their stuff. Have a look for the factory tour on YouTube.

I've owned three Yairis, and they were all superlative instruments. None were Martin copies, though.

[MattK]

I have a DY-51 which is a cedar top dreadnought, pretty incredible instrument. For the newcomers, there are two Yairi brothers with guitar businesses (arising from their father's business in the 60s). The "K Yairis" are generally higher end than the "S Yairis". I also have a 1962 "Yairi" classical by their uncle Sadao which is fantastic.

[UlricvonCatalyst]

I've played a (K) Yairi acoustic, and can confirm that it was way better than any Martin (or Gibson) acoustic I've ever had a shot of.

[spindizzy]

If you want to get a Martin save up for a D-18 and do it properly.

I don't understand this statement. He's looking at a 000-18 (same tier as the D-18) and OM-28 (a higher tier).

I'm not a Martin fan, so I have no horse in this race, but there's nothing lower-tier about the smaller bodied guitars compared to the bigger ones.

Well it's a good thing I addressed that before the bit you pulled out of context, isn't it?

I gave advice on small bodied, finger style acoustic choices and then said from my experience that it's better to look at Martin's best designs if you're going to spend your money on the brand. If you have no horse in the race why be disingenuous about what I wrote?

[welshywelsh]

Update on this. Finally had some time to try a few different guitars.

Tried an 000-10 and similarly priced alternatives from Taylor and Faith. Bonded with the Martin massively and confirmed it's most likely the size and scale for me.

Even with the modest materials used it felt great to me and again, made me realise what a dope I've been in my lack of understanding of different acoustic sizes, how playable they can be and how rubbish the cheap ones I've owned/played previously have been.

Was definitely missing some clarity and treble so I'm going to go back as they have a 000-18 due in which is what I've had my sights set on. They also have a 000-15 and 000-28 so I'll go through the whole range and see how noticeable the significant increase in price is under my fingers.

[welshywelsh]

Update on this....I've bought a Martin 00-18. There was 10% off so I went for it.

When it arrived it had some minor imperfections. Minor, but still not what you'd expect at that price, so back it's gone today. Replacement should be with me next week and looks very much like a Martin:




In the short time I had it, along with having previously played one, I'm really happy with my decision. Plenty of volume for what I'm using it for and sounds incredible to my ears, a good balance across the frequencies.

For now, just the Bass VI will be going, as I got a good 0% deal. I'm in the process of upgrading the Musuar and try as I might to not do it, the Mascis just finds its way back into my hands.