New Martin Guitar

[rob27284]

Hello everyone; I hope you're doing ok!

I played the guitar a lot when I was younger, and had a starter guitar which served me well, but I'm looking for something nicer to pick up now that I'm a bit older.

With the ones I'm looking at, I'm sure they'll all be much better than my starter guitar, but if anyone has any insight/experience to help me clarify and choose it would be much appreciated, especially as we're in lock down I can't go and try them!

I have found reasonable deals on the following Martin Guitars:

• OMCPA4 - US List $1,899.00, found for £1549 (New, Old Stock)
• GPC-16E Mahogany - US List $1,649.00, found for £1699 (Brand New)
• DC-16E Natural - US List $2,399.00, found for £1549 (Lightly Used)

As far as I can tell they're all quite similar guitars, with the primary differences being that OMCPA4 has Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT1 instead of NT2, and has a built-in tuner too, otherwise there might be slight differences in size, but I doubt I could tell the difference in tone.

What do you think - any recommendations? Also, if you have any other suggestions I'd be interested to hear them! I like the look/sound of the mid-range Martins a bit more than the Taylors (which sound a bit too bright to me in the YouTube vids).

Many thanks,

Rob

[ezbass]

At those prices they’re going to be good guitars. I’d probably go for the one I liked the look of best, as tone and playability should be top notch.

[Dad3353]

2 hours ago, rob27284 said:

...which sound a bit too bright to me in the YouTube vids...

Good evening, Rob...

I don't think I'd place too much credence on YouTube videos for judging tone, especially with upper-class instruments such as these. Maybe, if they were played one after t'other in a 'direct comparison' video shoot-out; if not, there are too many variables (mic choice and placing, post-production treatment, room acoustics and much, much more...). One may get a general idea, but not enough, in my view, to really skew a choice. The only real way is to hear 'em 'live'; personally I like to hear 'em played by someone else, so that I can better judge what the audience will hear, rather than the player. (Disclaimer: I don't play that well the guitar, either  ...).
I'm sorry, but I can't help separating those guitars, either; they're well beyond my pay grade. I'd jump at a chance of owning any of 'em. 

Hope this helps, if only a little. 

[rob27284]

2 hours ago, ezbass said:

At those prices they’re going to be good guitars. I’d probably go for the one I liked the look of best, as tone and playability should be top notch.

Thank you very much - I thank I might just do that! Will let you all know

[rob27284]

1 hour ago, Dad3353 said:

Good evening, Rob...

I don't think I'd place too much credence on YouTube videos for judging tone, especially with upper-class instruments such as these. Maybe, if they were played one after t'other in a 'direct comparison' video shoot-out; if not, there are too many variables (mic choice and placing, post-production treatment, room acoustics and much, much more...). One may get a general idea, but not enough, in my view, to really skew a choice. The only real way is to hear 'em 'live'; personally I like to hear 'em played by someone else, so that I can better judge what the audience will hear, rather than the player. (Disclaimer: I don't play that well the guitar, either  ...).
I'm sorry, but I can't help separating those guitars, either; they're well beyond my pay grade. I'd jump at a chance of owning any of 'em. 

Hope this helps, if only a little. 

Thanks very much; the thought had occurred to me too. Quite a lot of variables, and YouTube will be compressing the Audio too!

[Matt P]

I have played a fair few Martins over the years (although i don't think i've tried any in your list) for the most part they were nice instruments that were well made, i would shy away from any that aren't all solid wood though (that's mainly the much cheaper ones)

with the kind of money that you are looking to spend i would suggest that buying in person is the best option (even if that's not possible right now) Many years ago (15 or so) i was all ready to buy a Martin OM and was convinced that an OM-21 or an 18 was exactly what i wanted, then i played a McIlroy as25 and it totally changed my mind, i went with the McIlroy and haven't regretted it one bit (it was about the same price as the OM-18). The best advice i could give would be to play as many guitars under your budget that you can and pick the one that speaks to you the most, one of my friends has a Blueridge OM guitar that was about 400 quid new in a sale, I would put it up against a 2k Martin any day!

Of all the high end guitars that i have played over the years I think the ones that disappointed me the most were Taylors, i have yet to play one that felt special (i think i've played a wide range from the baby ones up to the 900 series) they all felt a bit Meh compared to other guitars in the same price bracket, i have one friend that bought a 312CE as a backup guitar to his Lowden and was thoroughly unimpressed and swiftly got rid (at a loss)

 

where do you live? there are a few acoustic specialists that would be worth visiting once such things are possible, Hobgoblin music for example

And are you actually going to be using it live? do you need the pickup and preamp? adding a nice after-market system at a later date can give really good results, i had an AER AK-15 system fitted to my McIlroy and the plugged in sound is excellent.

 

 

Matt

Edited January 16, 2021 by Matt P
spelling

[EdwardMarlowe]

With lockdown right now, it's a killer for getting out and trying new things, but certainly if I was spending that kind of cash, I'd want to try in person first. At the end of the market, it's really about what you like rather than 'better'. If you can wait til there's a chance to try all in person, spending that kind of cash I would.  It's a rare thing (seemingly much more common with acoustics rather than electrics, for whatever reason) to have the luxury of a significant budget and walk into the shop ready to try a range of stuff and see what works. I always wanted to do that one day with 'Lefties' @Holiday Music in Leytonstone, but alas they are long gone now. 

[leftybassman392]

All good advice so far. As I've said elsewhere, I'm not a huge fan of Martins; none of the ones I've played made me want to spend the sort of money you're talking about. That's just me though; they're all excellent instruments that will be superbly well made.

I've made a very similar point in another thread, but does it have to be a Martin? I mean, if you simply must have the name on the headstock then fine, but just so I've said it..

I also take the point made about Taylors. Not if I was spending the sort of money they cost anyway...

IMHO you could spend less and get a guitar that's just as good (yet another plug for Faith guitars - sorry guys... ). Alternatively, you could spend the money you've allocated on something else (Fylde, Lowden, L'arrivee are all names that spring to mind).

That said (and as has been pointed out), you really shouldn't consider spending this kind of money sight unseen. If you can wait a while for shops to open again, you will be able to find out for yourself.

As always, just my opinion.