No luck with Martins

[lmacmil]

Since I have two Taylors and I like a little variety, I bought a used Martin off Ebay a couple years ago.  Although it was only 3 years old at the time, it had relatively high action and not much saddle left so I eventually sold it, even though I loved the sound.  Had a milestone birthday recently and decided it was time for another Martin.  I bought a GPC-15me which is all-mahogany, their GPC body (similar to an x14ce) with built-in electronics because I do open mics regularly.  Had to order it because the store didn't have one in stock.  Arrived with a crack in the side near the endpin.  There was no damage to the box and it did not look like a crack from being dropped to my untrained eye.  Anyway, they ordered another one and I've had it about a week.  I like everything about it but sad to say, the neck angle is not very good.  It has high action and in my opinion, shaving the saddle down to get to an acceptable action with not leave enough saddle left so it's going back.  I have read threads on other forums about Martin neck angle issues and even seen it mentioned in a magazine review so it's not just me.  OTOH, I know there are thousands of Martin owners, many with multiple Martins, who have never had a problem.

At any rate, if I want a Martin I'll have to go someplace that has what I want in stock because my track record of buying before seeing is abysmal.

[Earl]

Hmmmmm....... at 0/3 maybe the universe is telling you that you are really a Taylor guy.   

At the very least, audition anything else in person.  And bring along your current best guitar for direct comparison.  Bringing along a known quantity has kept me from buying more than one that would move on rather quickly.

[lmacmil]

Hmmmmm....... at 0/3 maybe the universe is telling you that you are really a Taylor guy.   

At the very least, audition anything else in person.  And bring along your current best guitar for direct comparison.  Bringing along a known quantity has kept me from buying more than one that would move on rather quickly.

I'm about 90 minutes from Sweetwater so that will be my next stop if I decide to pursue the Martin thing.  They typically have more than one of the popular models.

[StrummingMadMan]

Hmmmmm....... at 0/3 maybe the universe is telling you that you are really a Taylor guy.   

At the very least, audition anything else in person.  And bring along your current best guitar for direct comparison.  Bringing along a known quantity has kept me from buying more than one that would move on rather quickly.

I'm about 90 minutes from Sweetwater so that will be my next stop if I decide to pursue the Martin thing.  They typically have more than one of the popular models.

I’m about an hour from Sweetwater and if you’ve never been, it’s worth the trip. The selection is unreal. They are also very good with trade-in prices. I’ve never sold anything to them flat out though.

[lmacmil]

I'm about 90 minutes from Sweetwater so that will be my next stop if I decide to pursue the Martin thing.  They typically have more than one of the popular models.

I’m about an hour from Sweetwater and if you’ve never been, it’s worth the trip. The selection is unreal. They are also very good with trade-in prices. I’ve never sold anything to them flat out though.

Google Maps says 1:45 so a little longer than I thought but still doable.  A buddy has asked me to go with him to Gearfest a couple times but haven't been able to make it yet so I have not been there.  Chicago Music Exchange is about the same distance in theory but Chicago traffic always adds 15-30 minutes so I probably won't go there.  My only potential trade would be a Tanglewood dread but I can probably get more locally on Craigslist when/if I get its replacement. 

The best part about this entire disappointing episode is that I don't need to do anything if I don't want to.  I certainly don't need another or a different guitar but acquiring a new one is always fun.

[Jersey tuning]

This thread made me think about what kind of guitar jazz fingerstylist Martin Taylor plays.

Apparently he plays Martin Taylor archtops.

[Earl]

It also reminds me of our first trip to Aloha Music Camp on Moloka'i.  There was a talented young man there, maybe age 12, named Taylor.   His guitar of choice for Hawaiian and slack key music - a Little Martin.  He got some friendly ribbing for that from us adults, but the kid could PLAY!

[ClassicRock]

This is probably too late to help the OP but with their glued-in dovetail neck joinery, Martins are very responsive to small adjustments in the truss rod. 1/4 turn did wonders for my two year old HD28V.

[DenverSteve]

That's a bummer indeed.  I've been playing Martins for professional use for over 30 years without a single issue including several from 2016.  I know everyone today is an expert on everything but, sometimes a little information on the internet is a little too much.  I would take the guitar to a Martin authorized, or excellent tech/luthier, and have them do a good set up for you.  Also, certainly, no used guitar can be part of an evaluation of a company's offerings.

[JuanValdez]

Plus 1 for Sweetwater.  I'd be in the poor house if there were a Sweetwater 90 minutes from me.  They are just way too accommodating on he phone with my gift cards and make it so easy to come away feeling like my money was well spent. Never felt like I had success getting a guitar sight/unseen. Scheduling two trips to Sweetwater will likely be well worth your while. First one to see what you like and option two to trade em dollars for that instrument you found on your first trip. Who knows, you may come away with another Taylor.

[steelstring]

This is probably too late to help the OP but with their glued-in dovetail neck joinery, Martins are very responsive to small adjustments in the truss rod. 1/4 turn did wonders for my two year old HD28V.

Truss rods only adjust neck relief (straightness) not neck body/angle.

[Bigperk66]

I'm new here, so what i'm going to say is "for what it's worth.".

I love Martins, so let me throw that out there. I do agree that they tend to come with some baggage. Of the 4-5 that I have owned, I've had to have 2 neck resets. My recommendation would be to buy them used, and well played. When you do this (of course), ensure you check the neck angle, and also ensure there is plenty of saddle left. I know I am preaching to the chior, but again, I love Martins. I also owned a 1991 SCGC, D model, and that required a neck reset. It was light as a feather, and played remarkebly well.....after the neck reset. I sold it to someone who could really play. That guitar deserved a better player than me. I've only owened 1 new Martin. I have to say that I didn't love it. Nothing wrong with it. I just like older Martins more. I own a 2003 D-28 right now that I bought for a song, but it needed much work. I have 1200 buck's into it now, and without question, it's the best sounding guitar I have ever owned.

I know my 2 cent's are on worth 1 right now, but this is just my opinion. Remember, all other companies copy Martin. This in itself say's something to me. I know the counter argument....they aren't what they use to be. I couldn't agree more. I wish I could go buy an OM-42, but that is way outside of my budget.

[TaylorGirl]

Remember, all other companies copy Martin.

I'm not too knowledgeable about the other companies, but I can say with great confidence that Taylor does not copy Martin......never did, never will. Since the beginning, Taylor has set out to make their own guitars and has done well setting its own course. One of the reasons I hold them in high regard.

[Bigperk66]

I 100% agree with this....this is why I came on this forum. Becoming more familiar with Taylors is important to me right now. I think i've been bitten by the "taylor" bug....

Let's see if my stable grows....

[TaylorGirl]

I 100% agree with this....this is why I came on this forum. Becoming more familiar with Taylors is important to me right now. I think i've been bitten by the "taylor" bug....

Let's see if my stable grows....

You will fit right in, a great group of folks here. And, we are all good at helping folks satisfy that Taylor itch.