Best Dread for my needs

[richardhomer]

Martin.

Larrivees are lovely guitars, beautifully made and play very well, but have a much more modern bright tone and less bottom end. A friend of mine has three of them, and the only one with much real bass is the 12-fret slot-head one. Much more a fingerstyle player's guitar.

Yamaha - not in the same league as a Martin or a Larrivee in my opinion. Consistent and well-made, but no character. Also a brighter, thinner tone.

Faith - not sure, but I am sure that they don't have the long-term brand value of a Martin, if you ever want to sell it. The ones I've played have been very nice for the money but they are still a long way below a Martin really, again in my opinion.

Sorry to be a traditionalist/luddite, but American Pie was recorded on Martins and nothing else is really going to make you happy - if you get something else you'll always have that nagging doubt that you should have bought the real thing.

If you're *really* lucky, you might find a slightly beaten-up D18 or even D28 for a grand, it's not totally out of the bounds of possibility.

You may not wish to believe this, but a Martin really is the only way to go. I recently played the new standard series D18 (above your budget) - it was outstanding. A used Martin will always pay you back, if you need to sell. I bought a D28 20 years ago, which equates to a few pence a day in cost of ownership. And it sounds like a Martin...

[Big Paulie]

If you're *really* lucky, you might find a slightly beaten-up D18 or even D28 for a grand, it's not totally out of the bounds of possibility.

There was a 28 on Gumtree Glasgow a while ago at £750!

Sent the seller an email, and unsurprisingly it was gone.

I think in my heart of hearts, it's got to be a Martin. It's that sound which is so distincltly Martin that epitomises acoustic guitars for me.

I just want to make sure there's nothing out there which can do the job as well, or nearly as well.

[richardhomer]

I just want to make sure there's nothing out there which can do the job as well, or nearly as well.

In my experience 'nearly as well' in satisfaction terms always ends up as being 'nowhere near as well'. Sometimes you just need to bite the bullet and pay out for the right guitar...

[Rox]

There was a 28 on Gumtree Glasgow a while ago at £750!

Sent the seller an email, and unsurprisingly it was gone.

I think in my heart of hearts, it's got to be a Martin. It's that sound which is so distincltly Martin that epitomises acoustic guitars for me.

I just want to make sure there's nothing out there which can do the job as well, or nearly as well.

Well, what about an early Japanese Sigma? Or even a Martin Shenandoah? Was lucky enough to get hold of a Japanese Sigma which was the D35 equivalent - stunning. I'll never afford a Martin, but with the Sigma, I won't need to.

[Big Paulie]

Well, what about an early Japanese Sigma? Or even a Martin Shenandoah? Was lucky enough to get hold of a Japanese Sigma which was the D35 equivalent - stunning. I'll never afford a Martin, but with the Sigma, I won't need to.

Funny you should suggest that. I've actually already got a Sigma DR-41. Not a Japanese one, but not one of the newer ones either.

Its tone is definitely in the Martin ballpark, but it needs a refret after about 15 or more years of regular playing. I also seem to remember back in the day shimming both the saddle and nut and wonder if having replacements professionally fitted along with a full refret would bring it to life, negating the need for a new guitar at this time.

I don't want to go and spend the £200+ on this work if it's not going to make a huge difference.

[Rox]

I've had a mid-80's Sigma, and to be honest the 70's Sigma with the Σ logo on the headstock is head and shoulders above it. You can just see the difference in quality in the fit, finish and woods. Will PM you will links to some pics. Actually, that sounds sinister...

[dotcottonbluesexplosion]

'I think in my heart of hearts, it's got to be a Martin. It's that sound which is so distinctly Martin that epitomises acoustic guitars for me.'

Some people really rate these earlier Martin D16 models , this ones nowt to do with me, but thought I might stick up a link anyway.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-Marti...item2a286f8b36

Shame you're not after a Larrivee Om 02 as my local shop has one reduced to £650 with a hard case (new).

[bandmaster188]

martin for me.
my mate has the d16 and although they are a bit bland to look at, it is a wonderful sounding guitar.huge projection and very warm. i actually prefer his d16 to my martin dc aura which is a £2000 model. they are very consistant too so buying one without trying it shouldn't be too much of a worry although it is best to try before you buy.

[BigLicks67]

I used to have a Tanglewood TW15 dread which was all solid wood and an excellent guitar, mine was about £300.00 but they retail for about £500.00. I have a Martin OM and I'm not saying it was as good but it had great bottom end and ideal for singer songwriting stuff. However, I agree with ICBM if you want a Martin then get one, because you may never be satisfied with a 'copy'. I'd go for a second hand D18 with your budget.

[stevenguitars]

'I think in my heart of hearts, it's got to be a Martin. It's that sound which is so distinctly Martin that epitomises acoustic guitars for me.'

Some people really rate these earlier Martin D16 models , this ones nowt to do with me, but thought I might stick up a link anyway.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rare-Marti...item2a286f8b36

Shame you're not after a Larrivee Om 02 as my local shop has one reduced to £650 with a hard case (new).

I was very close to buying this one


but he bought it in december stripped the m1 active and relisted( make of that what you will)

I emailed the original seller and asked ' would you buy it back' his answer was NO id get a d18 or a d28

buyer beware

Larrivee seem promising and kennys music in Glasgow sell them, but I think if you want a Martin the larrivee will just fill a gap short term and youll want a Martin again.