This came today...

SamJ · #1 10-20-2006, 07:10 PM

I have to say, I'm floored by the tone. I think I'm going to have to put the basses up for a few days..

http://web.mac.com/sjsamaha/iWeb/Sit...in%20D45V.html

Dave · #2 10-20-2006, 07:12 PM

You have made me a jealous man...Ive developed a tender spot for really nice acoustic guitars. My friend has a Taylor 714ce that just sounds amazing.

**SoComSurfing** · #3 10-20-2006, 07:46 PM

Nice. I really wish Martin had continued using Adirondack tops for the Vintage series, though. Is the neck sharply V'd, or rounded off as more of the modified V neck? Did you do some comparisons with other "traditional" style makers (Collings, Santa Cruz, Huss & Dalton, etc), or did you know you wanted a Martin?

**Mark Wilson** · #4 10-20-2006, 07:48 PM

My mom has an old Martin Vanguard acoustic. They're out of production. Apparently they're rare now.

The tone on that floors me. I love it so much

I wish I had an acoustic here.

-Mark

SamJ · #5 10-20-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoComSurfing

Nice. I really wish Martin had continued using Adirondack tops for the Vintage series, though. Is the neck sharply V'd, or rounded off as more of the modified V neck? Did you do some comparisons with other "traditional" style makers (Collings, Santa Cruz, Huss & Dalton, etc), or did you know you wanted a Martin?

for a meager $2000 more I could have gotten an Adirondack top, but to be honest, the Sitka talks to me more.. not quite as much bass, but more punch, which meets my needs more. That said, there are 4 versions of the 45, which is the flagship.

the D-45 (using the newer style X bracing like found on the post-war D's, newer style tuners, and standard nitro finish)
the D-45V (using the forward shifted bracing, vintage style tuners, and vintage nitro finish)
the D-45 Marquis (uses same as 45V, but adds the Adirondack)
the D-45 Authentic (uses everything that was originally used on the pre-war 45's, including the horsehide glue, and older style trim)

I believe the GE (or golden era) is no longer made, as the Brazilian Rosewood is now only used on Custom orders, and those start in the low 30's..

The prices rise as you go more "Authentic" with the 45's, but price not being an issue, I'd still rather have the 45V as it combines the best of today's ways, with what worked from yesterday (i.e. the forward shifted X bracing).

SamJ · #6 10-20-2006, 07:58 PM

also Adron, to answer your other questions..

I owned a Taylor GS, and I've played a $5000 Collings Dreadnought, but none of them did it for me like this. Besides the unique tone of the martin D's which even the best Martin style Dreadnoughts doesn't quite match, I like the mistique of owning a Martin.. They're not the best value, and I probably could have gotten an H&D or Collings with more fancy woods for the same $$, but just as with Fender for me, there is value to be placed on "mojo"..

BTW.. these 45's rolling of the line are probably going to be the last Martin guitars (and guitars in general) to come with solid, one piece mahogany necks for a long time.. the stuff is going CITES endangered, and they're fast using up what ever is left that can be used for guitar building.

cato · #7 10-20-2006, 08:12 PM

that's beautiful. maybe i should actually go visit the Martin offices, seeing as how it's about 16 miles from my house.

edit: i did the math, 16 miles, not 20.

spudmaster34 · #8 10-20-2006, 08:27 PM

another one bites the dust

SamJ · #9 10-20-2006, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudmaster34

another one bites the dust

spudmaster34 · #10 10-21-2006, 09:54 AM

another bassist bites the dust, you said you will be converting to guitar "temporarily"

mimaz · #11 10-21-2006, 10:12 AM

The bass player population declines (temporarily)

Beautiful Martin, however!

SamJ · #12 10-21-2006, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spudmaster34

another bassist bites the dust, you said you will be converting to guitar "temporarily"

25 years of bass, and 2 years (1.5 of them 25 years ago) on the guitar.. I doubt I'm in danger!

mimaz · #13 10-21-2006, 11:45 AM

Collectively, a great sigh of relief.

tplyons · #14 10-21-2006, 11:45 AM

I know the feeling, I'm having a custom built as we speak.

I'm not completely over on the dark side though. At least it's a baritone

SamJ · #15 10-21-2006, 11:48 AM

Tim, are you building a Jumbo?

tplyons · #16 10-21-2006, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SamJ

Tim, are you building a Jumbo?

No, it's similar to a Taylor GA, but tweaked for better low end response.

Unfortunately, at 5'7" I'm a bit too small to comfortably get around a Jumbo.

**SoComSurfing** · #17 10-21-2006, 12:01 PM

I totally get what you're saying about the Martin mystique. My Martin J-65 is definitely my #1 guitar. Even though it's not the archetypical Martin, it's still got that "aura" about it.
I used to spend every saturday in a store that was predominantly high-end acoustics, and really miss the conversations and playing in there. I hate to say it, especially here, but I think my understanding of acoustic guitars and the effects different variations can have may rival, if not exceed, my understanding of basses.
Funny you mention the Golden Eras. I've never been into D-18s, but got ahold of a sunburst D-18GE that was definitely one of the top 5 guitars I've ever layed hands on. Just incredible. There was something right happening at the Martin factory that day!
Hope you enjoy the new 45! BTW, I looked at the pics again, and that's some of the prettiest rosewood I've seen from Martin in a long time. Enjoy.

SamJ · #18 10-21-2006, 12:34 PM

Thanks Adron, et al.. Now off to find some shade under a tree and enjoy the 75 degree "Cool" weather with my new toy!

canopener · #19 10-21-2006, 02:29 PM

My dad has an old Martin in great shape. It needs new strings, but that thing is just beautiful.

burk48237 · #20 10-21-2006, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoComSurfing

I totally get what you're saying about the Martin mystique. My Martin J-65 is definitely my #1 guitar. Even though it's not the archetypical Martin, it's still got that "aura" about it.
I used to spend every saturday in a store that was predominantly high-end acoustics, and really miss the conversations and playing in there. I hate to say it, especially here, but I think my understanding of acoustic guitars and the effects different variations can have may rival, if not exceed, my understanding of basses.
Funny you mention the Golden Eras. I've never been into D-18s, but got ahold of a sunburst D-18GE that was definitely one of the top 5 guitars I've ever layed hands on. Just incredible. There was something right happening at the Martin factory that day!
Hope you enjoy the new 45! BTW, I looked at the pics again, and that's some of the prettiest rosewood I've seen from Martin in a long time. Enjoy.

First Congratulations Sam. Although my taste is toward the smaller body (OM,OOO) in Rosewood I have a suspicion that 45 is probably louder and more even and balanced in tone then just about anything on the planet. And it is absolutely beautiful. And your going to love it after it gets "played in". You will not go wrong in the long run with Martin after about ten years they begin to appreciate, plus the company will always be there and really stands behind it's product. No company in the world has made more GREAT guitars.

So Com, I have an early 90's D-18V with Adirondike top and love it. To me the 18's are the best of the D bodied guitars. Most of the rosewood D's, especially the 35's tend to be a little boomy for my taste. 18's really cut and for a guy who plays with a pick thats good. And every D18 GE I've played has really turned my head. I got to play one OM 28GE though and that was killer.