Where to find a martin

[BigBrekkieFan]

Hi! I'm a professional beginner from Australia... been playing a crappy Monterey and can strum ok. Trying to learn some fingerpicking also.

I'm thinking of getting a decent guitar and looking at the Martins... have tried the DC16RE and OMC16RE (both Aura) and they sound amazing! Any opinions good or bad, including alternatives, would be appreciated.

I'm going back to Singapore (left >10yrs ago, go back to visit every 3-4 yrs) and am interested in buying a Martin as they are a heck of a lot cheaper (plus hopefully get GST refunded). Any shops recommended (and expected price would be a bonus)?

Are the martins cheaper in US because my bro may be going next month.

Thanks for any advice!
BBF

 

[leecs]

Welcome to City Music!

 

[Indigo_blues]

What's a professional beginner?

 

[cmjordan]

What's a professional beginner?

yeah, wat's that?
you're a beginner but you're professional?
hahaha

 

[Zarin]

yeah, wat's that?
you're a beginner but you're professional?
hahaha

i think he meants to pro to be a noob? hahaa i dunno.. dude wat u mean by that?

 

[leecs]

He wants to be a professional, but now hes still a beginner?

If it is, don bother getting Martins. You take care of it more than you play it. Get a something like Cort, Yamaha, Seagull or Godin for a start. those are good acoustic guitars too.

 

[Poolo]

I think he meant it in a sarcastic or, a friendly way. Either one.

"Professional beginner". Means he is being modest?

 

[BigBrekkieFan]

Maybe I should have said "perpetual" beginner. I have played on and off for 10+ yrs. Good enough to be in a decent church band, and also small group stuff.

Been busy the last few years (yes I know some people will say if you have the passion then it doesn't matter how busy you are you can make time to practice) so I haven't done exercises or worked out licks and solos etc.

But, hopefully this will all change in the middle of the year and I will be a lot freer. I would really love to get back into playing a couple of hours a day and learning more technical stuff.

I know you don't need a Martin for that and a cheap guitar will do. I'm not a guitar snob (seriously!) and have played cheap guitars for many years. It's just that I've just accomplished a huge career hurdle and it's sort of a reward for the years of slogging.

So, any opinion/suggestions?
BBF.

P.S. <waves to Leecs> Thanks man!

 

[cherns]

There aren't that many Martins out there, and it'll be a little difficult to land yourself a really nice one unless you have an unlimited budget for it. The majority of the market here tends to prefer Taylors... though I don't quite understand why, since they end up selling their "omg, it's the best sounding guitar I've ever had" within the next year or so for yet another, more pricier one.

Apart from that, you'll find SG to be a treasure trove of custom/boutique guitars. A great place to hunt for a deal on a very nice acoustic would be the G4C forums - I've come across custom brands like Breedloves, Mcphersons, Santa Cruz's, and of course, Matons as well

 

[fgl]

I saw the most beautiful Martin D 45 at Blackwood music - if only I had the cash for it .......

 

[Indigo_blues]

you can check out Lakewood as well.. its german made and sounds quite good.. slightly less pricey than the equivalent Martin but just as good.

Santa Cruz is also very nice..

 

[Anteopiz]

Since your in Australia... look into Maton

 

[BigBrekkieFan]

Phwoar! If I had the money for a D45, I probably would go on a holiday to US and buy a 16-series!!! I think my talent (or lack thereof) would be wasted on such an expensive guitar. Besides, I will get frequent requests from others "can i try... pleeeeease?"

I've tried a couple of Breedloves and they sound ok, bit like the Taylors but w/o ES. The lower-end Matons sound crappy imho, the more expensive ones sound quite good, but then you're talking Martin kinda money so I thought I'd just get a Martin.

Why is Aus gear so much more expensive???

 

[5stringwonder]

This guy's bringing in some high-end guitars. Here's his webbie...

SG Guitars

 

[cherns]

...Why is Aus gear so much more expensive???

Because of taxes and import regulations, but more because of how the music gear industry is structured there. The incumbents are able to command a high pricing for their stuff because they stronghand anyone else who tries to come into the market to offer more reasonably priced gear. Thus they manage to maintain an oligopoly over the major brands there.

 

[ebenex]

where there's a will, there's a way.

 

[the_insomniac]

Here you go.. Citymusic is the dealer for Martins: Welcome to City Music!

While you're at it, you could go pop into Guitar Gallery in the next building!

 

[cherns]

where there's a will, there's a way.

Indeed - and I wish you all the best of luck with it

 

[ebenex]

thanks.

yes, do go to city music.

look for burn or adam. they are among the most helpful staff around!

 

[sea_bass]

For the record, Martins are generally cheaper in the US

Have u tried the HD28 or the HD35?
I strummed one chord (just one) and was left speechless for a few minutes with the goofiest smile on my face...