Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

[phil_104]

Well, I'm still fairly new to the acoustic world, and as I stated in my last few posts on the subject, I decided that with the purchase of this said guitar, I wasn't going to do what I did with electrics, and just buy 1 guitar after a lot of playing and research, and stick with it for years to come.

After many, many hours of playing, I think we have 2 finalists that I'll be looking for. Both guitars have sitka spruce tops, mahogany backs sides and neck, rosewood boards, and are dreadnaughts. I just really dig the sound of mahogany. Not as bloomy as rosewood for sure, but I like that punch and thump they have. Anyways, here are the contenders.

1- Gibson J-45

Strong points :
- Really, really dig the shorter scale length.
- Comes pre-loaded with a preamp and volume control
- The ones I have played have that really powerful mid-push that just takes up a lot of room in the mix.
- The high ends are really warm, and really sound "woody"
- The sunburst, minimalist look is to die for.

2- Martin D-18

Strong points:
- Feels somewhat sturdier than the Gibson.
- A little cheaper, and I get my pick of electronics to put in, for the price difference.
- Doesn't have that power mid sound the Gibson has, but has a really, really defined high end and really tight lows that give off a really polished sound.
- The finish on the neck is so smooth, and doesn't really feel like it needs to be broken in like the Gibson. Just pure playability.

What it comes down to essentially, is a battle between a precise, polished sounding instrument, or a guitar that just has the old school vibe and presence. I honestly don't know what I'm going to get, lol. I think it will depend what I can play the most of, and if I find a good example of one or the other.

Martin would probably have the advantage here, because they seem to be more consistent, so if I was a betting man, I would probably say that I'd end up with that one. I'll be buying from my usual spot, and they are really, really good for bringing in prime, prime Gibsons though. I've yet to play a bad Gibson at this store, as they will refuse anything that isn't prime.

So we will see. Might be tomorrow, might be in a few months, but I will find the guitar I want, and I will play it until I can't play it anymore. Don't know why I'm posting about this, but I guess I want to share the excitement of the search. I think with both of those guitars though, I get a really good instrument for a good price, with no useless frills or fancies. That's pretty much what I want.

 

[Scott_F]

Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

None of the Taylors made the cut?

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

None of the Taylors made the cut?

It's funny you should mention Taylor, because the shop where I buy my guitars has the biggest stock of Taylor guitars in the province. Regardless, for some reason, I just cannot for the life of me connect with them. It's not as much feel as it is sound I think. Don't know why, but I'm just not drawn to them. They are one of those guitars I thought would be the answer to what I wanted when doing research, but wasn't moving me in person.

 

[Nagash]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

Taylors have a very good reputation but there are many brands who build guitars of the same quality but MUCH cheaper.

I have no idea what Martin guitars sound like, never found one where I live, but I know that Gibsons are generally too expensive... that goes for electrics, and for acoustics even more. They do sound awesome-great, but at a venomous price IMO.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

Taylors have a very good reputation but there are many brands who build guitars of the same quality but MUCH cheaper.

I have no idea what Martin guitars sound like, never found one where I live, but I know that Gibsons are generally too expensive... that goes for electrics, and for acoustics even more. They do sound awesome-great, but at a venomous price IMO.

Actually, when compared to other brands in the same bracket of features, they are right in the middle of the pack in terms of price (this is compared to Taylor and Martin mostly). Some companies like Larrivée make good guitars for slightly less, but I still don't get the same vibe from them as from a Martin or equivalent. Maybe it's because I'm use to the sound from a lot of my friends having them around, but I still wouldn't call Gibson prices venomous. I've always been of the opinion that if it's an instrument I connect with, and will cherish for a long time, it's worth every penny.

So yeah, bran new around here, we are looking at 2260$ish for the Gibson, and about 2k even for the Martin, plus electronics and installation.

 

[Nagash]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

At this point I'd say "Breedlove". I've found some Breedlove guitars sounding a lot better that most Taylors, and for around only a third of the price.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

At this point I'd say "Breedlove". I've found some Breedlove guitars sounding a lot better that most Taylors, and for around only a third of the price.

I've been pretty unimpressed with their offering, simply because the sound is pretty far away from what I am looking for, if you read my original post. Very bright, very clinical in it's sound. Sort of why I'm not digging the Taylor as much. The feel is also very modern, which (as shown in my shortlist) is not really what I'm going for.

So yeah, honestly, the Taylors I played where awesome. The 100 and 200 series (all under 1200) destroyed every breedlove I played. Regardless, neither of those are what I'm looking for. I think if I was to stray from the ones I have in mind, it might be for a D-28 or D-35, depending on how the specific piece of rosewood that makes up the back and sides delivers in the mids. I know some gibsons also have similar features, so I might end up looking at other round sholder gibbys.

So yeah, NGD anytime now.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

There's something very beautiful about a Martin with a solid rosewood back and sides. I think you should scour your area for a new/used D-28 for several hundred less than new.

The reason I say that is I've owned several mahogany back acoustics from Martin and Taylor, as well as played all the Gibson models, and they never matched up to a well set up D-28.

There's a reason the D-28 is the standard, and most recorded acoustic in history.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

There's something very beautiful about a Martin with a solid rosewood back and sides. I think you should scour your area for a new/used D-28 for several hundred less than new.

The reason I say that is I've owned several mahogany back acoustics from Martin and Taylor, as well as played all the Gibson models, and they never matched up to a well set up D-28.

There's a reason the D-28 is the standard, and most recorded acoustic in history.

Yeah, I've played a few D-28s. Personally, I'd be more inclined to get a D-18 just because the highs of mahogany sound "warmer" to my ass opposed to glassy, but I might just find one that I dig.

Thanks for the advice dude!

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

The only Taylor that has grabbed me is a Koa model. So, I bought it.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

I would recommend a Martin. The D18 is one of the most underrated guitars ever made, but The J45 is also a great guitar. I don't think you can really make a mistake it really comes down to preference. I think you made up your mind!.. Good Choice either way.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

I would recommend a Martin. The D18 is one of the most underrated guitars ever made, but The J45 is also a great guitar. I don't think you can really make a mistake it really comes down to preference. I think you made up your mind!.. Good Choice either way.

Yeah, I mean, I never go into a situation buying blindly, but at the same time I'm not completely shut down to other models. It's more a question of looking for features I dig, and in that respect, I really do think I found what works for me.

Now the hard part : hitting the stores on a regular basis, to try and find "the one".

 

[guitfiddle]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

Just as the D-28 is the standard for a rosewood dread, the 18 is the standard for mahogany. You can dress em up more, but all the essentials are there on a good D-18.

For recording, yeah a 28 is gonna be fuller and warmer, but in a live jamming situation, the way an 18 cuts is to be appreciated. Especialy if there's a mandolin or banjo, plus three more guitars there.

 

[MichYank]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

Wow dude, you have a decision and you did great homework! I have a Gibson Songwriter and a D-28. Both have strong points but these days I lean towards the Gibson.

You should be happy with either!

Best wishes

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

Just as the D-28 is the standard for a rosewood dread, the 18 is the standard for mahogany. You can dress em up more, but all the essentials are there on a good D-18.

For recording, yeah a 28 is gonna be fuller and warmer, but in a live jamming situation, the way an 18 cuts is to be appreciated. Especialy if there's a mandolin or banjo, plus three more guitars there.

If it's any indication of how I like to sit the in mix, for electric I play a Les Paul, into a Mesa Stiletto, into celestion V30s. I'm in a 3 piece, but I have a very, very busy bass player, and a drummer that can really hit that brass, and on top of that, my voice has prettty strong mids and upper mids, so I really want something that can pierce that wall and find a spot. That's why I love mahogany. My acoustic at the moment, an Aria oversized Sandpiper, is Mahogany with Sitka top, and I've been player that guitar for almost 11 years now. It just sounds right to my ears.

As far as the essentials being there, I agree. I've never been one to dress up much of anything. I mean, I play nice guitars, but I always try and find the bang for buck. If it's Gibson, it'll be a LP Trad or SG standard. If it's fender, I realy dig the highway 1 line.

But yeah, I'm just wanting a good guitar I can pass on to someone in 50 years, and have them go "wow".

Wow dude, you have a decision and you did great homework! I have a Gibson Songwriter and a D-28. Both have strong points but these days I lean towards the Gibson.

You should be happy with either!

Best wishes

Honestly, my ideal right now would be to find a Gibson that just speaks to me, because I feel right at home on that short scale. It can take some time to find just the right Gibby though. We'll see. And yes, lots of homework under my belt. I've gone through to many electric guitars trying to find "the one", and I don't want to repeat the same thing with acoustic.

Cheers!

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

I have seven Martin dreads and a 2002 Taylor 710CE with the Fishman system. I think I'm about done with the Taylor, though it is good for performing live. I just like the Martin tone so much better.

I have:
1975 D-28
1996 MTV-1
2002 D-28
2003 D-35
2004 D-18
2008 DC-AURA
2009 HD-28V

You might want to look into the D-18 Vintage. Slightly bigger feel to the neck, but a scalloped-braced top gives it more power and volume, makes the Standard Series guitar a little boxy sounding. Thinking about swapping my Standard D-18 for the V--especially since my experience with the HD-28V--this guitar is wonderfully lively.

Now, if you can handle a big fat, wide neck and want a CANNON, go for the D-18 Golden Era. These are amazing guitars--they just have so much resonance, they feel alive. If you really want an heirloom, the D-18 Authentic is made with hide glue; and about as close to a vintage guitar as you can get--but you'll pay big bucks for one.

Another mahogany guitar I would recommend you look at is the Santa Cruz D-PW mahogany. And if you are looking at a Breedlove, go for the Revival Series, though I still prefer the Martin.

One more thing to consider is ordering a D-18VA Custom from someone like Elderly Instruments in Michigan. This is the D-18 Vintage--with an Adirondack top. Little more money, but a good alternative to the Golden Era if you can't handle the big fat neck.

So many guitars, so little money!

And of my guitars, my favorite? Why, the one I'm playing, of course!

Good luck!

Bill

 

[Bones]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

The simple answer is to buy both.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

I have seven Martin dreads and a 2002 Taylor 710CE with the Fishman system. I think I'm about done with the Taylor, though it is good for performing live. I just like the Martin tone so much better.

I have:
1975 D-28
1996 MTV-1
2002 D-28
2003 D-35
2004 D-18
2008 DC-AURA
2009 HD-28V

You might want to look into the D-18 Vintage. Slightly bigger feel to the neck, but a scalloped-braced top gives it more power and volume, makes the Standard Series guitar a little boxy sounding. Thinking about swapping my Standard D-18 for the V--especially since my experience with the HD-28V--this guitar is wonderfully lively.

Now, if you can handle a big fat, wide neck and want a CANNON, go for the D-18 Golden Era. These are amazing guitars--they just have so much resonance, they feel alive. If you really want an heirloom, the D-18 Authentic is made with hide glue; and about as close to a vintage guitar as you can get--but you'll pay big bucks for one.

Another mahogany guitar I would recommend you look at is the Santa Cruz D-PW mahogany. And if you are looking at a Breedlove, go for the Revival Series, though I still prefer the Martin.

One more thing to consider is ordering a D-18VA Custom from someone like Elderly Instruments in Michigan. This is the D-18 Vintage--with an Adirondack top. Little more money, but a good alternative to the Golden Era if you can't handle the big fat neck.

So many guitars, so little money!

And of my guitars, my favorite? Why, the one I'm playing, of course!

Good luck!

Bill

Thanks for the great info dude. Might not have enough cash to climb up to high on that ladder, but I will totally, totally have a look at the D-18V. Going to the store today, so I'll see what the consultant there can tell me about getting one in to try.

The simple answer is to buy both.

I know, right? I can find the money, it's not like I need, or even want two kidneys.

 

[phil_104]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

UPDATE : (for no other reason than my own amusement)

Went to my favorite store, and as I expected, they have prime examples of both guitars in stock, and set up to the highest standards. Great instruments, both on their own. Both would cost the same, given the D-18V would need to have a pickup installed. Both played fantastically.

Incoming NGD might be sooner than later. Checking out the finances, and I might make a move.

Not saying which one though.

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: Narrowed down the acoustic search to 2 guitars....

Just remembered, if you like Taylors, they do make a short scale version of the 710 called the L9. And I think their Build to Order program can get you any of their guitars with a short scale.

Still--go Martin. Your grandkids will be fighting over it before the first shovel of dirt hits your coffin!

Bill