after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

[Kramer Guy]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

If you're going to spend around $700.00 or so, why not just go and buy a Gibson Les Paul Studio for $799.99 ? Keep the rest of the money that you would spend on a Standard or a Firebird for your new Family. The LP Studios are great guitars for the buck.

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

Nope. Not the least bit interested in them, either. Doesn't seem that the OP is, either, as all his choices are (wisely, IMO) American made guitars.

I think it is fair to say that the Martin will sound great and stand the test of time...both in build quality and value (if that is a concern). Every guitar player should have a nice acoustic. They can be inspiring and relaxing.

Also, though you may be able to turn a $200 agile into an acceptable pseudo-Gibson, there is no low dollar Martin substitute (although I'm sure someone here will say there is).

You really can't go wrong with the Martin.

Why the "lame" comment then? If you have no basis for your opinion, why even comment?

I dont believe he was refering to the $200 agiles and was just offering another option.

 

[JonnyG92]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

Also, though you may be able to turn a $200 agile into an acceptable pseudo-Gibson, there is no low dollar Martin substitute (although I'm sure someone here will say there is).

You really can't go wrong with the Martin.

Honestly, the only Martin I've played was less than interesting. My $300 Greg Bennett Jumbo sounded better, IMO. (Key Abbreviation: O (Opinion))
But also, if you've never played a Seagull, you're sorely missing out. If Martins are THAT much better than any acoustic, I might end up broke by the end of next year.

I'm putting "Try a few more Martins" on my Bucketlist, thanks.

Okay, Blackjcan, back to your thread...
My vote is the LP. Everyone has one because everyone likes one. Duh!
+1 for the Craigslist recommendation.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

Why the "lame" comment then? If you have no basis for your opinion, why even comment?

The OP is obviously interested in getting something more than a budget guitar. I think it is lame when people suggest cheap chinese guitars as viable substitutes for higher-end guitars. Now, if the OP was asking about guitars in the 200 to 600 dollar range, I wouldn't have made the comment, and the agile suggestion would have made more sense.

Honestly, the only Martin I've played was less than interesting. My $300 Greg Bennett Jumbo sounded better, IMO. (Key Abbreviation: O (Opinion))
But also, if you've never played a Seagull, you're sorely missing out. If Martins are THAT much better than any acoustic, I might end up broke by the end of next year.

I've sold and played plenty of Seagull's...it's part of my job. They are fantastic instruments, regardless of price. I think you get a lot of bang for the buck with them. Still, in this instance, I wouldn't recommend one, as the OP is obviously interested in something a little more...classic, I guess.

Spruce topped acoustic guitars have a break-in period...kind of like a speaker, I guess. The more you play them, the better they sound. If you take care of the Martin, it will age very well. Martin also has an excellent warranty policy, so if you do have problems, it will get taken care of.

Anyway, sorry for getting the thread a little off track. Best of luck to Blakejcan in getting a new axe!

 

[Inkstained]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I think it is fair to say that the Martin will sound great and stand the test of time...both in build quality and value (if that is a concern). Every guitar player should have a nice acoustic. They can be inspiring and relaxing.
.

Well said. I don't buy a lot of guitars, but a few years ago, I stood at a crossroads: I found myself choosing between a fourth electric (probably a Paul) and a 28-level Martin. I went with the acoustic.

No regrets. These things grow with you, they're a nice change of pace, and they only complement, my distorted, fuzzy electric side.

 

[dominus]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

The OP is obviously interested in getting something more than a budget guitar. I think it is lame when people suggest cheap chinese guitars as viable substitutes for higher-end guitars. Now, if the OP was asking about guitars in the 200 to 600 dollar range, I wouldn't have made the comment, and the agile suggestion would have made more sense.

Agiles are Korean, not Chinese.

Acoustics are lame.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

You have 3 very different guitars...

I despise the pickups and hardware they are using on Firebirds right now so I'd cut that (if it were me) unless you want to have to upgrade very soon (again...this is all my opinion and what I would do).

So, for right out of the box player I'd look for any good Les Paul that has Burstbuckers...a 1/2 or 2/3 set of you can find it but Pros are alright too...

That or the Martin however I'd go for an OOO or OM not a D...

 

[jalguitarman]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

Nope. Not the least bit interested in them, either. Doesn't seem that the OP is, either, as all his choices are (wisely, IMO) American made guitars.

I think it is fair to say that the Martin will sound great and stand the test of time...both in build quality and value (if that is a concern). Every guitar player should have a nice acoustic. They can be inspiring and relaxing.

Also, though you may be able to turn a $200 agile into an acceptable pseudo-Gibson, there is no low dollar Martin substitute (although I'm sure someone here will say there is).

You really can't go wrong with the Martin.

If the OP wants an acoustic I AGREE!! Martins just have the sound!!! Electrict? Based on what OP has been trying to buy, definitely get a Les Paul. Just Try some to find the right one as they vary quiate a bit. I am a bit baised though. I think Firebirds are butt-ugly. Just my opinion.

 

[blakejcan]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I like all the points being made here

the only bummer for me is I'm not ready to buy and I keep reading this and I can feel my credit cards getting itchy.....

 

[Ball&Chain]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

The OP is obviously interested in getting something more than a budget guitar. I think it is lame when people suggest cheap chinese guitars as viable substitutes for higher-end guitars. Now, if the OP was asking about guitars in the 200 to 600 dollar range, I wouldn't have made the comment, and the agile suggestion would have made more sense.


I've sold and played plenty of Seagull's...it's part of my job. They are fantastic instruments, regardless of price. I think you get a lot of bang for the buck with them. Still, in this instance, I wouldn't recommend one, as the OP is obviously interested in something a little more...classic, I guess.

Spruce topped acoustic guitars have a break-in period...kind of like a speaker, I guess. The more you play them, the better they sound. If you take care of the Martin, it will age very well. Martin also has an excellent warranty policy, so if you do have problems, it will get taken care of.

Anyway, sorry for getting the thread a little off track. Best of luck to Blakejcan in getting a new axe!

It appears you dig a deeper hole with every post.

 

[RobSoundtrack]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

If you don't buy that lp now, I see you wanting it and buying one later.
Agree with the lp studio and don't forget to look into the 'faded' model.
Gorgeous and not expensive

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

...I'm left feeling like I need to buy something new.

I'd tried to buy an Epi Les Paul Custom Silverburst only to have that explode into a backwoods of Kentucky ripoff fest

Then I purchased an Epi Black Beauty where the truss rod popped loose in shipping and had to be sent back. Luckily the seller was awesome on that one.

Now I'm left feeling like I need to give up my deal hunting online and just go in and buy something new. It won't be near as good of a deal but I can live with that.

Only, if I'm going to buy something brand new for the price of an Epi Les Paul Custom or Black Beauty (about $5-$700) then I feel like, well I might as well just save up a little more cash and get the real deal.

So, with that in mind, plus the wife and I are probably going to try for our first kid in the next year, meaning I have one last gasp of being extremely selfish with guitar purchases, I'm thinking of just going for one of my dream guitars. Here they are with some of my thoughts. Any "yes go for it or you're an idiot" or "why would you even look at that barfstick" comments/insights are appreciated. Thanks


Choice #1--Gibson Firebird

--It's not for everyone but I really dig the look. The thought of mini-humbuckers and something a bit different really appeals to me as well. Yes, the neck is 20 feet long and that might be the only sticking point really. Anyone have some quality experience with one?

Choice #2----Gibson Les Paul

--I clearly want one as I was trying to buy the slightly cheaper version on the trading post. There are just so many flavors of Paul I wouldn't even know where to begin. Go type "Gibson Les Paul" into the search box at MF and there are 171 results. That's crazy. But I'm sure if I'm willing to wade through it all I could find one I love. Just not even sure how to begin a selection process there.

Choice #3--Martin D-28 Sunburst

--I realize this is a pickup forum and this choice might not get a whole lot of love here but it's on my list. I don't play a ton of acoustic and this choice is the most expensive of the 3 but I've always wanted a legit acoustic (the one I have now is a $100 beater and my first guitar) and it's something that I would hold onto forever and hopefully give to my kids one day.

As always, open to any left field suggestions but I think my head is in the space of something just left of totally normal & boring with a price range of $1k-$2.5k max

good talk

I just wanted to say that I can understand where you're coming from and given your experiences I think a new guitar is a smart investment.

Everybody should own a good Martin. I needs me a good Martin, too. :scratchch

As far as the Firebird goes, I had one almost identical to that picture you posted. The downside for me was how it would neck dive. I was constantly holding it up (even after re-locating the strap lock locations). The tone was unique though and the mini buckers have a nice brighter and tighter sound than full size humbuckers.

 

[blakejcan]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

reviving this dead thread as I am entering the "go & play everything you can find to see what you like right before you buy something" phase which is awesome.

My ideas are the same but have changed ever so slightly.

I think my #1 choice taking into account that I want something that will be a lifetime piece and baby friendly is likely going to be a new acoustic. I need to get out and play & price them but I'm still leaning towards the D-28 sunburst

However, I may get super greedy and get that and try and stuff in another purchase. Instead of a pricey LP or a full on bird I'm really tempted by this guy! anyone played one of these?

 

[Psykel]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I'd get the Firebird and replace the minihums with P90s!
Maybe pop on a Vibramate-mounted Bigsby... Mmmm...

 

[MojoMonster]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I think my #1 choice taking into account that I want something that will be a lifetime piece and baby friendly is likely going to be a new acoustic. I need to get out and play & price them but I'm still leaning towards the D-28 sunburst

Get the Martin.
Period.

My original thought was to get an actual Firebird.
This Studio thing just makes me sad.

 

[Powdered Toast Man]

My buddy is seriously considering a Dillion Phoenix, which is a Firebird copy.

 

[astrozombie]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

i would take firebird just based on how unique it is.

 

[King IzzO)))]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I'd take a FB Studio any day of the week...

 

[richard parker]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I have a Firebird Studio from the first run when they came with full sized buckers. It is the most balanced guitar I have ever strapped on - get comfy, let go and it stays exactly where you want it. It looks absolutely great and attracts a lot of questions from other players. I replaced the Gibson pups with Bare Knuckles and it's now my number one guitar replacing a very old SG that was my fave for 25 years.

 

[phil_104]

Re: after 2 failed attempts from the trading post..

I don't think you can go wrong with that Martin. They are quality pieces, and are the type of guitar you'd appreciate for a long time. I've come to love acoustic guitars, and acoustic guitar shopping. Go play a bunch, and you may find a gem that was now what you expected.

As for the firebird studio, funny you should mention that, because I just played one thursday. I sounded really good actually. To me, the neck feel was a little strange, like I couldn't grab enough of it to really dig into my notes. I dunno? Hard to describe. There was 2 at the store, and 1 was a lot more resonant than the other. They seem to be great for the money, specially if you are going for those classic 70s rock rhythm tones. Nice character behind chords, with clarity and definition that you usually wouldn't get with a LP or other Gibsons.