Acoustic Guitar Decision

martin. age is everything.

I'd have to play them to decide. 

Don't be afraid to get that Taylor.

They make nice guitars, and the Martin name doesn't carry the reputation it once did.

I have an HD-28 I bought in 1998.

Which feels and sounds better to you?

get both..

^^you just answered your q

I tried a few new Martins and didn't like them. Played a Brazilian rosewood Taylor that was really nice. YMMV. 

I don't even contemplate guitars in the four-digit price range

Went in to buy a Martin walked out with a Laravee after playing both along with some Taylors

Buy used. 

Most of my guitars were previously owned.  The ones that I bought new tended to be the least interesting. Buy used and put a little money into a good setup. 

I own and play a Martin HD-28 and a Custom D-35.

I love them both.

I've played many Martin's and Taylors.

But IMHO other than boutique builds from makers like Bourgeoise, Huss & Dalton, Goodall, Santa Cruz and others the very best guitar that's factory made is from Collings.

These are great guitars because they are hand built from CnC cut materials which makes them consistently great.

This is just my opinion.

The downside is - they are costly.

Personally I am in the Martin Camp but never ever buy a guitar without playing it enough to know that it's alive and breathing fire.

You need to play everyone of the same model in whatever place you buy them (if you go the retail route) cause all guitars differ even when they are the same model.

Good luck!

a work colleague almost got hired by taylor. he's a shop/machinist guy. he didn't get the job because he didn't actually play guitar

Martin all the way. You can pound on those fuckers!  Just my opinion but the D-28 is probably the holy grail of acoustics.  I love my Martin D-16.  Couldn't afford the D-28.   I would love to own one. Good luck with whatever you purchase as they are both mighty fine instruments. 

Was playing an old Gibson acoustic the other day and it was fantastic. I don't like either of the new Martina or Taylor's being made today. They have been cheating out on supplies. Just not built the same way anymore.

I've found some great deals on Guitar Center used online line. 45 day trial period. Return to any GC and all you pay is shipping (about $30). Got 2 great guitars that way. Bought a vintage  amp once and it arrived beat up because they didn't pack it well. They took it back and ate the shipping cost. GC sucks on many levels but the used thing is pretty good. 

I own a Taylor so I may be biased but..

TAYLOR!

Given certain factors (Temperature & Humidity control + playing and cleaning) my belief is that a well-constructed Solid-Top guitar plays nicer about 5-8 years after its Birth compared to brand-new.

Even if you don't believe that, someone selling a "used" acoustic guitar of that age might give the next owner a pretty great deal, and it has already been 'broken in'.

Anyway, besides the brands already mentioned, I think the USA-made Breedlove acoustics out of Bend, Oregon are nice. They have some Asian models which came out after they got too busy. Maybe some of them are OK ?? 

Personally, the final decision to spend big bux on an instrument has a lot to do with the feel and sound to me, and whether I can grow to be a better musician. If I really enjoy playing it, I'll spend more time and maybe learn some scales. 

The Gibson J 200 never get much mileage in these threads, I do not know why

^

Here is a great video of Greg Lake (RIP) explaining "Why the J-200"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQI3ePeIJiI

got a Gibson Hummingbird Pro (cutaway).

I checked out the comparable Martins and Taylors- and I liked the sound and feel of the Gibson.

Nice looking guitar.

Slot heads can be a hassle but I suppose you'll get used to that.

Enjoy!

Looked that one up, see that it's Rosewood & Lutz Spruce. Never heard of it until now (hybrid of Sitka and White Spruce).

Have fun playing !!

Congratulations. 

Made me think of a High School teacher from decades gone by, Mrs. Lutz. She was one of the super Cute ones. I forget if she was Librarian, Math or what.

Nice axe. Pretty

I own a Tacoma DM10.

Tacoma was a small manufacturer that produced hand crafted acoustic guitars and basses out of Washington state from 1997-2001 (about) and sold to Fender.

The DM10 is often compared to the Martin D-18. It's the loudest most responsive guitar I have played.

I love the experience of getting a 'New' or second-hand Acoustic that's been treated well, kept in a case within a climate-controlled space.

They smell so great, and feel good on the hands, and sound pretty with the right touch.

Almost like the Dream Girl, except they don't put 300 different hair-care products in the shower ledge. 

Just one bottle of guitar polish and a flannel square. I always liked the "Clayton Shine" but it is difficult to find.

Ovation

OK, they still make the stuff, I guess they are doing just fine.

http://www.steveclayton.com/polish.php

I always liked it for the fine aroma and luxurious feel to neck & body wood.

Not too many shoppes carry it. I have a bottle or two of the Martin stuff on hand, but I don't think it's any better than dollar-tree spray can furniture polish (fake Lemon Pledge).

Nice!

Enjoy.

She sure is pretty.  Congrats.  

I just sold my Guild parlor size guitar.  Rarely played it.  I doubt I'll ever buy another acoustic.  My Yaria is all I ever want out of an acoustic.