[Fireproof]

For whatever reason, the Martin guitar has always had a bit of "mystique" to it. Is it really the ultimate acoustic one should look forward to acquiring?

Or do you recommend other brands in the same (or less) price range?

[allthumbs]

Part of the Martin thing is the quality of the service you get. In that price range 1600 to the moon, I would personaly look very closely at some of the small bouteque guitar builders out there. Back in the day there just wasn't the choices of top quality guitars that we have today. It would come down to a matter of taste on your part. Martins may be the sound your looking for, maybe not. I myself, if I had 5000 U.S to spare would probably get a Clarkson blues guitar that Little Brother helped design a couple of years ago.

[Dan Carey]

Martin is an old established name that has earned great respect over the years for manufacturing a consistent high quality product with an honorable guarantee/service reputation.
Yes, without a doubt, there is a certain mystique associated with the brand, and, yes, it is well deserved.
Is Martin the ultimate? Absolutely not!
No one manufacturer is the "Best". A solid wood guitar is a living, breathing thing. It can be different things to different people. Some are exceptional, some are dogs. The manufacturer's name doesn't guarantee and exceptional instrument, only that they have consistantly built quality instruments in the past to establish their reputation.

The "ultimate" giutar will speak to you. You'll know it when it happens. Brand name doesn't matter when "it" happens but you will definitely form a strong preference for a certain type/sound/wood comnination during your search. Guitars are an extremely subjective instrument. That's what makes the search for the "best" such a personal experience.

Look at Larrivee, Taylor, Lowden, and private luthiers if you can. You'll never go wrong if you listen to your ears.
I hope I've clarified things a bit rather than muddy them for you. Enjoy the search, it's half the fun!
Dan

[Fireproof]

Thanks for the feedback. It makes sense that many years ago, there weren't that many quality boutique shops as there are now.

But now, it seems there are many very nice brands to choose from and in many cases, for less money.

There's no way I'm prepared to spend 5 grand on a guitar at this point in time. But I was thinking, if I were to buy my first $2000 acoustic, should it be a low-end Martin or something else. My gut was telling me that for that money, I could find probably a better instrument than a low-end Martin and I think your feedback validates that.

At any rate - the search (and the drooling, LOL) definitely is fun! I do like the sound of Taylors! Will have to see what else is out there to consider.

[guitarstrummin63]

personally, if i had $2000 to spend on an acoustic, i'd look at taylors

look at the 300 (i prefer the 315 jumbo sized) series, or the 400 series if you don't want electronics and a cutaway

[allthumbs]

Originally Posted by guitarstrummin63

personally, if i had $2000 to spend on an acoustic, i'd look at taylors

look at the 300 (i prefer the 315 jumbo sized) series, or the 400 series if you don't want electronics and a cutaway

Taylors,Martins and Gibsons are the the three most people think of when it comes to high end acoustics. I am still in shock over a 100,000 price tag for a one of custom Martin.

[Dan Carey]

Originally Posted by allthumbs

Taylors,Martins and Gibsons are the the three most people think of when it comes to high end acoustics. I am still in shock over a 100,000 price tag for a one of custom Martin.

It's only worth a hundred grand if it sells for a hundred grand....and it ain't sold yet...
Inlay is nice but that one is WAY too far out there for me 8^).
Dan