Two very different acoustics

[AniML]

I've played neither (yet) but both have my attention. Which would you choose, and why?

Yamaha AC3R - concert-sized sitka/rosewood, cutaway, active electronics $900
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AC3RVN--yamaha-ac3r-are-concert-cutaway-vintage-natural

Martin 000-15M - all mahogany, no cutaway, no electronics $1300
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/00015M--martin-000-15m-natural

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Two very different acoustics

I've played neither (yet) but both have my attention. Which would you choose, and why?

Yamaha AC3R - concert-sized sitka/rosewood, cutaway, active electronics $900
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AC3RVN--yamaha-ac3r-are-concert-cutaway-vintage-natural

Martin 000-15M - all mahogany, no cutaway, no electronics $1300
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/00015M--martin-000-15m-natural

Where will you plan to use this guitar? Home, Studio, In a Band, Solo performances etc etc

 

[AniML]

Re: Two very different acoustics

Home mostly, maybe small gatherings with friends etc.

 

[NegativeEase]

Re: Two very different acoustics

Home mostly, maybe small gatherings with friends etc.

I mean, if you want a great sounding but basic acoustic or you are worried about resale value -it's the Martin all the way.

but if you want a great guitar, and a lot of quality and value, plus features, and you can take it places with worry of nicking it up -I'd go with the Yamaha.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Two very different acoustics

I have a Martin 000CE1

And I have owned several Yamaha acoustics

If you don't need the electronics then why pay for them

The Martin is a fine instrument, but so is a stripped down Yamaha

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Two very different acoustics

The Martin is the way to go. The 15 series punches way above its weight class. Two things:
-explore other “smaller” acoustic focused dealers, you can get a discount below the MAP price
-get it setup by a good tech/luthier, the action is a mile high from the factory on purpose, get it setup to your liking

I was debating the 15 series when I got my HD-28V, it’s a different tone, but almost as good.

 

[AniML]

Re: Two very different acoustics

I have a Martin 000CE1

And I have owned several Yamaha acoustics

If you don't need the electronics then why pay for them

The Martin is a fine instrument, but so is a stripped down Yamaha

I bought a couple F series Yamahas over the years. They are a great value. I am looking at the AC3R (or maybe the AC3M) as a slightly different flavor of the Taylor 114 I already have, and a plus to add the electronics.

The Martin appeals to me as a more traditional instrument and something I have never had anything like before.

If you've tried either or their siblings please chime in.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Two very different acoustics

For a straight up pure acoustic for the acoustic ness of it all? Martin - not even a question. $1300 is a good price.

If you seek prince/performance/flexibility etc....Yamaha. All day everyday.

Personal advice: You know how we say play Les Pauls, because out of ten one will speak to you? NEVER EVER EVER buy any acoustic without it in your hands and ears. Wood means something, so does construction, and in acoustic it all varies widely.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Two very different acoustics

I say go for the Martin. I find pickups on an acoustic are extremely hit or miss, so if you need to be plugged in, it's better to buy your own aftermarket. I prefer LR Baggs's Anthem (or Anthem SL if you want it $100 cheaper) pickup, it has a microphone and an under saddle pickup, so you can make it sound exactly like your unmic'ed sound, or brighter/darker without feedback.

As was mentioned earlier, the strings are set extremely high from the factory, so if you don't know what you're doing, get a pro to look at it. It's a really simple job that mostly consists of filing the bottom of the bridge and maybe nut, but it's better to pay for someone else to do it than ruin the guitar.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Two very different acoustics

For a straight up pure acoustic for the acoustic ness of it all? Martin - not even a question. $1300 is a good price.

If you seek prince/performance/flexibility etc....Yamaha. All day everyday.

Personal advice: You know how we say play Les Pauls, because out of ten one will speak to you? NEVER EVER EVER buy any acoustic without it in your hands and ears. Wood means something, so does construction, and in acoustic it all varies widely.

My Martin, when brand new was stiff and clangy
Sounded like every other $500 acoustic I had played
But as the wood drys and ages its tone has mellowed
Acoustics have to be "played in"

Sitting in the case for 20 years doesn't make it better
Played for 20 years makes it sing

 

[AniML]

Re: Two very different acoustics

So I went and played them both. I liked the Yamaha unplugged, but did not try the electronics. Felt really comfortable. Sounded ok, a little muffled, but maybe the tired factory strings.

The Martin? I fell madly in love instantly. I even tried a few other similar guitars, some same $, some less, but I was ruined. Such a basic looking guitar, but just wow. What a sleeper

It will be mine. It will be mine.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Two very different acoustics

My Martin, when brand new was stiff and clangy
Sounded like every other $500 acoustic I had played
But as the wood drys and ages its tone has mellowed
Acoustics have to be "played in"

Sitting in the case for 20 years doesn't make it better
Played for 20 years makes it sing

That's nice, but then shouldn't we only be shopping for those that have been aging in the playing cellar* for a decade?

*The playing cellar is a temperature-humidity controlled area under the Martin factory, where nude Asian virgins with a delicate touch gently play the finest of Martin guitars in a variety of styles, evenly across the fretboard, using a touch so slight as to only generate vibration without fret or finish wear. They are selected prior to the onset of puberty based on the composition of their sweat and tactile sensitivity and motor control testing. This playing cellar, with it's beautiful nude musicians is said to be as close to a tonal and musical Nirvana as can be attained on Earth.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Two very different acoustics

That's nice, but then shouldn't we only be shopping for those that have been aging in the playing cellar* for a decade?

*The playing cellar is a temperature-humidity controlled area under the Martin factory, where nude Asian virgins with a delicate touch gently play the finest of Martin guitars in a variety of styles, evenly across the fretboard, using a touch so slight as to only generate vibration without fret or finish wear. They are selected prior to the onset of puberty based on the composition of their sweat and tactile sensitivity and motor control testing. This playing cellar, with it's beautiful nude musicians is said to be as close to a tonal and musical Nirvana as can be attained on Earth.

Or have different expectations from newer instruments

Either or

You know

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Two very different acoustics

That's nice, but then shouldn't we only be shopping for those that have been aging in the playing cellar* for a decade?

*The playing cellar is a temperature-humidity controlled area under the Martin factory, where nude Asian virgins with a delicate touch gently play the finest of Martin guitars in a variety of styles, evenly across the fretboard, using a touch so slight as to only generate vibration without fret or finish wear. They are selected prior to the onset of puberty based on the composition of their sweat and tactile sensitivity and motor control testing. This playing cellar, with it's beautiful nude musicians is said to be as close to a tonal and musical Nirvana as can be attained on Earth.

Yes, but it’s the tonal equivalent of mag swapping. Starting with a good guitar and good wood is most of it. Also, I think “playing in” is closer to Neil Young than your example above.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Two very different acoustics

So I went and played them both. I liked the Yamaha unplugged, but did not try the electronics. Felt really comfortable. Sounded ok, a little muffled, but maybe the tired factory strings.

The Martin? I fell madly in love instantly. I even tried a few other similar guitars, some same $, some less, but I was ruined. Such a basic looking guitar, but just wow. What a sleeper

It will be mine. It will be mine.

I’m telling you, for a pure acoustic guitar the 15 series is awesome.

If you want to amplify the K&K Pure Western or the LR Baggs Aura systems are great. The K&K needs a Preamp though.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Two very different acoustics

So I went and played them both. I liked the Yamaha unplugged, but did not try the electronics. Felt really comfortable. Sounded ok, a little muffled, but maybe the tired factory strings.

The Martin? I fell madly in love instantly. I even tried a few other similar guitars, some same $, some less, but I was ruined. Such a basic looking guitar, but just wow. What a sleeper

It will be mine. It will be mine.

I’m telling you, for a pure acoustic guitar the 15 series is awesome.

If you want to amplify the K&K Pure Western or the LR Baggs Aura systems are great. The K&K needs a Preamp though.

 

[Chistopher]

Re: Two very different acoustics

^^The Aura is Fishman, not LR Baggs.

As for breaking in an acoustic, there's this thing called ToneRite that is supposed to do it for you, but I've never personally tried one because I only own one acoustic and you don't really need to break in electrics.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Two very different acoustics

The reason for buying an acoustic is the acoustic sound and how it plays. So I would judge first by sound and second by feel. Electronics are an afterthought on acoustics and are only needed if you are gigging.

Consider that Martins entire century+ long legacy has been making acoustic instruments. For Yamaha, making an acoustic is more of a me-too venture.

I would side with the Martin, but play them both first.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Two very different acoustics

^^The Aura is Fishman, not LR Baggs.

As for breaking in an acoustic, there's this thing called ToneRite that is supposed to do it for you, but I've never personally tried one because I only own one acoustic and you don't really need to break in electrics.

Sorry, the Lyric/Anthem.

 

[AniML]

Re: Two very different acoustics

The reason for buying an acoustic is the acoustic sound and how it plays. So I would judge first by sound and second by feel. Electronics are an afterthought on acoustics and are only needed if you are gigging.

Consider that Martins entire century+ long legacy has been making acoustic instruments. For Yamaha, making an acoustic is more of a me-too venture.

I would side with the Martin, but play them both first.

See post #11 above. Exactly how it played out