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Composite Acoustics GXi-RT
submitted 6/18/2009
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Submitter |
buzzardwhiskey (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
MacNichol Guitars ~ Mandolins |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
1250 ($US) |
Sound
|
Deep, rich, full, sound. You can dig-in as much as you'd care to. Not nearly as shimmery/brassy as many carbon fiber guitars - maybe a little on the dark side. Does drop-D wonderfully. |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
|
The GXi series is very easy to play. It's fast and the set-up is good. The body is VERY comfortable. It's doesn't need (or play particularly well with) 13's because it's such a deep sounding guitar.
The neck shape is similar to a Taylor. A unique design/cutout makes access to the upper frets very easy.
The intonation is good with 11's and 12's. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
Being built from carbon fiber, it's a all black/grey. Some of the weave shows through at the spots that would normally (on a wooden guitar) be the binding (which is very cool). The RT finish is their "road tough" paint and feels a bit rough. The back of the neck is smooth and fast. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
This is probably one of the most reliable guitars made. It can withstand a great deal of abuse. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
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Mike at MacNichol guitars has been great - I haven't had to use him for repairs or anything. I know that Composite Acoustics is very easy to get a hold of via email for questions. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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The components are all first rate. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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Great guitar. Carbon fiber instruments are really progressing quickly, and Composite Acoustics are at the forefront of tone and playability. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Johnson JD-26 Carolina
submitted 5/22/2009
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Submitter |
beegee (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Daddy's Junky Music |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
Great boomy dreadnaught sound |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
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Purchased as a project with back-bowed neck, loose braces , no saddle, no case. Two back braces are loose on one end or the other...no biggie. One has been reglued, the other hasn't, I will glue it eventually..no rattles or buzzes, though |
Setup Rating |
3 |
Appearance
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Seems to have the polyester finish, Martin-style snowflake fingerbaord. Doofy-looking Johnson abalone logo and flowery peghead. Really tight Adirondack top, bone nut. Saddle missing when I got it(project, remember...) Really high stripe-figured solid mahogany.
D-28 style diamond at handstop. 1-piece neck |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
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Butterbean tuners, abalone bridge pins. After adjusting the 2-waytruss rod, and fitting a saddle, I strung the guitar with Martin Bluegrass strings and was immediately blown away by thge quality of the sound. |
Reliability Rating |
8 |
Customer Service
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Quick ship, well-packed |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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I'd like to see a nitro finish, if this isn't. It's way too shiny. |
Components Rating |
8 |
Overall Comments
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I bought this cheap to fix and resell. I was really surprised what a killer guitar this is. Greta open and clean sound, plenty of punch.
These sell for <$500 and apparently are no longer offered, but I think thi is a keeper. It's a lot better and lighter in weight than my RK RD-227 I just sold. I did like the wide neck on my RD-227. Thls plays great and notes accurately all the way up the neck. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Martin D28 Marquis
submitted 5/19/2009
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Submitter |
15bassman (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Greenville Guitars, Greenville, NC |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
3200 ($US) |
Sound
|
I already own a 40 year old D28, so my expectations of a new box were already high. Right out of the case this guitar had the punch I was looking for and enough volume to stand up to any banjo in the bluegrass world I play in. It doesn't quite have the bottom end that my old 28 has, but then it's not 40 years old yet either. The forward X pattern bracing and Adirondack top makes a great combination. It is by far the most balanced new guitar that I have played. It mic's well in a live performance setting and I have no trouble being heard on lead breaks. My old 28 is getting a deserved break nowadays. |
Sound Rating |
not rated |
Setup
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The 1 3/4" string set and modified v-neck took some getting used to, but after about a week, my old 28 felt foreign. The action was great from the factory and there was plenty of room on the saddle to lower the action...plus the availability of an adjustable t-rod should help too. The Gotoh Nickel Open-Geared Tuners w/ Butterbean Knobs are smooth and effortless. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
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From the diamond pearl inlays on the fretboard to the herringbone trim, this guitar is a beautiful work of art. The tortoise style pickguard is a throwback to the '30s model this guitar emulates. While the back and sides receive standard high gloss polished finish the top is polished gloss w/ aging toner. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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No problems so far on the tuners. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
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Got the Martin Lifetime Warranty for being the original owner. Haven't had to use it. |
Customer Service |
5 |
Components
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Did I mention Adirondack and X forward shift bracing already? Oh yeah, I did. Well it's worth mentioning again, so remember those features. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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I tried several dreadnaught guitars by Martin and others before settling on the Marquis. Some were rosewood, some mahogany, but all with scallopped bracing. All of them were great guitars, but none seemed to satify my desire for balance, volume. While many great luthiers are building great guitars, I also wanted something that I felt I could get some resale value from if the need arose. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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The Lovell Sisters In My Time Of Dyin'
submitted 5/8/2009
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Submitter |
Johnboy109 (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Amazon.com |
Overall Comments
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Tight harmonies,dobro and flatpicking. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Flatpicking Guitar Magazine Rice, Grier & Smith Live in Concert
submitted 5/4/2009
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Submitter |
Tom Smith (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Online |
Overall Comments
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I bought this because of David Grier. I hadn't heard Kenny Smith before ... so now I have a new favorite. They perform as a trio, in different duo configurations, solo, and with vocalist Amanda Smith. Plenty of left and right hand close-ups. Song List: John Hardy; Forked Deer; Tennessee Waltz; Bill Cheathum; Cotton Eyed Joe; Have You Ever Been to England; Song for Emily; Impulsive; Crazy Creek; Wheeling; Me and My Farmall; Amy Brown; Working on a Building; Bury Me Beneath the Willow; Jordan's Reel; Wildwood Flower; Nine Pound Hammer; Big Sandy River; Minor Swing; Black Mountain Rag.
Although there hasn't been much activity on the "Open or closed right hand" or "fingers anchored" topics lately, this would have answered both. I've listened to Bill Cheathum a number of times with Grier (closed right hand) Smith (open right hand) and Rice (fingers anchored), and for the life of me I can't tell who's doing it wrong. ;-) |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Homespun Bryan Sutton's Secrets For Successful Flatpicking
submitted 5/3/2009
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Submitter |
Flatpicker (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Musician's Friend |
Overall Comments
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This is a great DVD. Bryan demonstrates and teaches his technique, cool licks and some songs. Very helpful! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Santa Cruz Tony Rice
submitted 5/2/2009
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Submitter |
gutbucket (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Elderly Instruments |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
3000 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
This guitar is great for picking Bluegrass. It's got an enormous low end sound, but also lot's of midrange to cut through in a group situation. Also a nice high end for picking fiddle tunes. I give it a 9 because the "Perfect" sounding guitar is still to be built. This comes dang close for me. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
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The set-up on this guitar is as close to perfect, (for my playing style), as I've ever plyed. Some people might want it a little higher in action and string height, but I like it low. There is no string buzz anywhere on the neck. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
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The Tony Rice has a nice set of Indian Rosewood on the back and sides. Nothing spectacular, but nice even color and grain. The top is Sitka Spruce, with a little hint of bear clawing. The pickguard is red tortise with a 40's Martin look to it. There is no fret markers except for a Santa Cruz script logo on the 12th fret. The peghead is a nice figured piece of Rosewood that looks like Brazilian, but I think it's Indian Rosewood. There is nothing as far as inlay work on the peghead. The fretboard is a very even black colored slab of ebony. The bridge is also ebony. There is a zipper inlay down the center of the back. Ivvoroid top binding is on the body and along the finger board. Also herringbone top trim and soundhole rosette. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
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This guitar has Santa Cruz built tuners that remind me of open gear Waverlys. I really can't tell the diference. They tune nicely. The top is very thin and the guitar is very light, but balanced when slung on a strap. I've heard of top-cracking issues on these models in the past, but have never heard that directly from owners. I'll definatlly keep it humidified along with all my guitars and mandolins, in the winter months. Also in it's case when not in use. I have no problems with traveling and gigging with this guitar. Thats why I bought it. The finish seems thin but no different then say a Martin, or Gibson flat top. To much finish is the kiss of death for tone, anyway. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
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Never had to deal with Santa Cruz on this particular guitar yet. I've emailed and had prompt replies from Mr. Hoover, the head of Santa Cruz guitars. Didn't seem to be any problems in contacting some one from the company. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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I like the Santa Cruz built tuners on this model. Very vintage looking and smooth. I also like the clean workmanship of this guitar. I've looked at the bracing, (with a small mirror), and bridge plate, and everything is smooth and fits well. No glue gunks and blobs. All joints are clean and fitted nicely. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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I would invite any one who likes a vintage looking or sounding guitars to pick one of these Santa Cruz Tony rice models up and give it a try. It's got the umph to be heard in a group, and still has a sweet sound for picking with a friend or by yourself. It's become my favorite over a Bourgeois Vintage D, a Gibson Advanced Jumbo, and my Patrck James Eggle, all fine sounding and playing guitars. This ones a keeper. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Johnson JD-16
submitted 4/9/2009
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Submitter |
beegee (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Daddy's Junky Music |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
53.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
Bluegrass guitar. This guitar is a surprisingly good guitar. The sound is balanced and full. Plenty of punch even with light gauge strings. It's not a Martin,of course, but it's really decent |
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
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The guitar was sold on ebay as a "project" guitar because they claimed that even after adjustment by their repair department, the guitar still rattled. Since I repair guitars, I figured, "What the heck?"
I bought it, no case. It came today and I pulled it out of the packing. It was tuned 1.5 frets low. I tuned it to standard and it did indeed rattle. I checked the neck and it had a very slight back-bow. I loosened the truss rod about 1/4 turn and the rattles went away, except for the flat frets where they had filed them trying to eliminate the rattles. I plan to replace the nut and saddle and frets ASAP. I think this will be a really good guitar, especially for the $$ I paid. |
Setup Rating |
3 |
Appearance
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Solid Englemann top. Not a top-grade Englemann. The grain is wider at the outside and gets pretty even from the corners of the bridge to the center seam. There are a couple of darker grain streaks that run from the bridge corners to the top bout by the neck. Moderate silking, no bear claw. The back and sides are mahogany plywood. It has what I assume to be a polyester finish. I'd rather have a nitro lacquer on it. Single thin black strip at the center seam on back. Diamond abalone inlays and the doofy-looking Johnson peghead inlays. Ivoroid binding on the body with b/w/b/w/b horizontal binding on top and w/b/w on back and ivoroid heel cap. No fingerboard or peghead binding.W/B/W endpin seam. Kinda that reddish mahogany color, not as brown as a Martin D-18. The heel is slightly lumpy-looking, irregularly shaped. It could have been slightly smaller and cleaner-looking. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
Nickel butterbean enclosed tuners, Kluson-type housings, seem OK to me, smooth operation. No strap button on the heel, plastic button on the endblock |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
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1st time buying like this. Quick ship, well-packed, no damage. Catalog included in box. These guys buy 2nd's and QC rejects and damaged lots ,etc and re-sell them on ebay. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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A little more attention needed to the heel contour. The pickguard is slightly curled at the edges, but it's a decent tortoise color. Bridge and pinss eem well-made. The saddle is compensated, but seems a little soft and needing re-contouring as part of a quality set-up. Frets are well-finished on the ends, but as mentioned above, I will replace the frets because they have been filed flat. The inside liners(the ones that you can see through the sound-hole)and the braces are clean and well-executed, no glue smears or drips. The muslin patch on the x-brass joint at the sound-hole is little ragged. I haven't felt or examined the top bracing or bridge-plate. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
These sell for $260-300. I had a Recording King RD-227. This guitar sounds better and is lighter in weight than the RK. I bought it because it was cheap and had good reviews. I'm well-pleased and if I don't turn it over for a few quick bucks, I'll probably keep it and do a little customizing on it. So far, it's fun to play and sounds good. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Steve Reeves Vhrv Herringbone Dread
submitted 3/31/2009
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Submitter |
TBar (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
from builder |
Year Purchased |
2007-2008 |
Price Paid |
2800 ($US) |
Sound
|
A very open , warm, punchy tone with a lot of depth and richness. Balanced but a great low end, trebles are rich and singing. Guitar sounds like its much older . |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
Setup was good but I like a little lower action than most flatpickers. I've since changed saddle to ivory . |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
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Gorgeous hand rubbed varnished top with nito cellulose back & sides. The varnished Carpathian spruce top has a nice yellowish tint and is very sensitive to vibes, as well as dings and scratches! Neck is a dry tung oil finish that is similar to an old, worn neck.
Finish work is outstanding with no flaws . |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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This guitar is built to last , as long as it's card for properly. The tonal advantages of a varnished top far outweight it's
susceptability to ding easily. After one year, the neck is stable (t-bar) and action remains unchanged. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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No better builder to deal with, in my opinion. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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Neck has the non adjustable t-bar , Honduran rosewood is finished expertly , medium frets are still fine. Scalloped braces really give this guitar a good low end and the Carpathian spruce top throws the sound out like you've never heard before , in a new guitar. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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I would recommend this guitar to anyone wanting a powerful instrument with a vintage -like tone , as in older D-28's . |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Taylor 214 CE
submitted 3/30/2009
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Submitter |
Tunes (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Lauzon Music, Ottawa |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
1,100 (CDN)
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
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The Taylor sound from these "entry level" Taylors is quite loud (good) and very bright (not so good to my ear). Although the CE comes with the base level Taylor electronics, I did not try through an amp. |
Sound Rating |
7 |
Setup
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The setup seemed OK to me. Reference guitar is my 99 Martin D35. Played well at all frets. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
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The appearance is fairly plain, although the wood grain on the particular 214 I found was rather interesting comapred to 2 others on the rack. There is no custom inlay or work of any kind, other than basic binding on the body. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
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Well I only had the guitar for a couple of weeks, as my ear could not get used to the sound. It did feel like a solid guitar and would likely last for a good decade or two. I kind of doubt this is a 40 year stick, and do not think it was designed to be. |
Reliability Rating |
8 |
Customer Service
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Did not try. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
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The entry level Taylor have OK but very basic hardware. The saddle is Tusq (whatever the heck that it, its not bone) and the fret markers are some cheap imitation of MOP. For over a $1,000 you'd think they could put in the read deal.
The laminated rosewood back and sides are well made, and is real rosewood, but lamination does make a sound difference. |
Components Rating |
6 |
Overall Comments
|
Overall I can't say I love the guitar, as it only lasted 2 weeks in the house and then I traded it. However, if you do like the Taylor sound, this is a good entry level model.
In a fairly recent Guitar Player review of sticks around $1,000, the Taylor 200 series and Blueridge 160 series rated highest - for what its worth. |
Overall Rating |
7 |
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Fender Starcaster
submitted 3/29/2009
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Submitter |
Little Roy Freak (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Local Pawn and Jewelry Shop |
Year Purchased |
2009 |
Price Paid |
$99 ($US) |
Sound
|
This instrument rings like a bell. This guitar has a booming bass string. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
This guitar came brand new out of the factory, so I didn't really have to worry about the setup. |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
This instrument has the average look, but I really don't care about that. |
Appearance Rating |
5 |
Reliability
|
I think this guitar will last for years to come. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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I've never dealt with the Fender company, but the pawn and jewelry shop I did buy the guitar from were very helpful in the purchase. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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Nothing on this guitar needs to be upgraded. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
I had been looking for a guitar to start out on for a couple of months, and I went to the shop confident I would find a good guitar. I was kind of scared to try this one out because I had heard many bad things about this guitar and I had once played a brand name Fender that was absolutely terrible. When I played this guitar for the first time, I was suprisngly amazed. Then I played an Epiphone acoustic that I liked better, but then I realized I couldn't afford it, so I ended up going with this one. I really like it. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Fender Starcaster
submitted 3/11/2009
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Submitter |
Little Roy Freak (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
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Year Purchased |
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Price Paid |
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Sound
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Sound Rating |
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Setup
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Setup Rating |
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Appearance
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Appearance Rating |
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Reliability
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Reliability Rating |
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Customer Service
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Customer Service |
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Components
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Components Rating |
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Overall Comments
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I was very suprised about this guitar. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Gibson Acoustic Firebird Custom
submitted 1/25/2009
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Submitter |
krsmart8 (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Gibson Showcase Nashville, TN |
Year Purchased |
2004 |
Price Paid |
3700 ($US) |
Sound
|
I play flatpicked and finger style bluegrass, country, blues, and classic rock. Its a strictly acoustic guitar, and boasts a very full sound. Everyone I jam with has Martins....hd-28, d35, and d45's....they have all tried to buy it from me or trade their martins for it. I use .13 ga. strings on it - when they are all playing can join in and drown out what they are playing....the volume is really amazing, the bass string BOOMS and the trebble and mids are brighter and more clear than the martins. It is truly an amazing guitar |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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When I purchased it the gibson showcase set the guitar up to my personal specifications....13 ga. strings, .050 string height, if it ever needs any maintenance gibson warranty covers it....just this last year the frets needed filed and leveled, I called Gibson, they paid to have the guitar shipped to Nashville, TN, did the work, and shipped it back to me free of charge - best customer service anyone could ever ask for |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
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Its a solid spruce top with flamed rock maple back, sides, and neck. The maple is all a deep cherry finish (but not so "cherry" that it's tacky) The Ebony fretboard is custom inlaid with mother of pearl and abalony flames, the headstock has the standard gibson inlay and also a "firebird" inlay. the pickguard and truss rod cover are both hand engraved "custom" and flames then hand painted, i've seen several of them and no two are exactly the same....I was told that the production of the "strictly acoustic" model that i have was limited to 250 guitars |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
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Everything on the guitar is top quality... grover tuners, bone nut and bridge, and imitation bone bridge pins. i play for about an hour a day usually and it lasted me 3 years before i had to do the first "real" maintenance - filing and leveling the frets, and again, gibson took care of it for me! |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
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A+++++++ I couldnt ask for anything more |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
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Again, all top quality here, havent had any problems with anything since i bought it |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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dollar for dollar i think its better looking, better sounding, louder, and has a nicer action than everything elese in the price range that i have played. Hands down i find it to be the best money i have ever spent on any instrument |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Martin D-18GE "Golden Era"
submitted 12/28/2008
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Submitter |
Guitarplr1975 (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
My Favorite Guitars |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
3400.00 ($US) |
Sound
|
This is my very first NEW guitar and I was concerned about getting a "dud". I asked that the seller (Jon Garon) to pick me a great sounding box and he did. The D-18GE has a great "bright, yet adds just enough "bass" to be heard. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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The D-18GE came ready to play and setup perfect..No adjustments were needed to make this guitar turn heads. I did change the strings to medium gauge. That eliminated some VERY minor buzzing... |
Setup Rating |
10 |
Appearance
|
The D-18GE is typical of the Martin quality and appearence. This is a perfect guitar. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
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The D-18GE came stock with Waverly tuners and scalloped braces from the 1934 specs. This guitar also came with bone nut and saddle / bridge. This contributes to the great sound. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
www.myfavoriteguitars.com (MFG) is a great company to deal with. Jon Garon is a guitar player and MFG is the 6th largest Martin dealer in the nation. Jon sell hundreds of Martins world-wide and is a great guy to boot. |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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All the parts on the guitar are very high quality.... |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
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I love this guitar......I have set my 1951 D-28 aside to pick this guitar..... |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Martin OMCX1KE
submitted 11/27/2008
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Submitter |
backline steve (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Guitar Showcase, Bascomb Ave. San Jose, CA |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
649 ($US) |
Sound
|
Good all around sound similiar to mahogany sides and back OM pattern guitar, but uses HPL (High Pressure Laminate) sides and back with a solid spruce top.
I use it for all styles from Travis picking to Flatpicking Jazz; Blues; Country; Gospel; R&B; Soul; and original Folk instrumentals. OM's are great for fingerpicking with the wide 1.75" nut, but I use it for various pick styles a lot too since it's my only acoustic guitar presently.
I can play some of the simpler flatpick instrumentals like "Irish Washer Woman," but my forte is with more commercial sounds like Pop, Showtunes, Gypsy Jazz, etc.
It has a nice crisp punch acoustically when whammed on for rhythm duties but note separation for chord solos is sufficient for that style and various others too.
I don't play the standard repertoire showcase flatpicking style much, but individual lines ring out well and the sustain doesn't fall all over itself, though the body has typical flat-top wolf tones splashing around in there like reverb if you don't damp them out.
When I play out it's usually dinner-Jazz, or contemporary church Worship music through a little amp with a link out to a P.A. The onboard Fishman Classic 4T is pretty good, though I have trouble getting the under saddle pickup over to the treble end of the slot under the high E, so that string is generally a bit attenuated. Not terribly but I can hear the difference.
I install a rubber "FeedBack Buster" soundhole plug to mitigate feedback when using it plugged in.
This guitar holds up pretty well to whammin' on it and the sound doesn't start blowing apart with 12's until you're getting a lot of elbow into it.
I sometimes think it sounds quite a bit like a Larrivee D-03.
|
Sound Rating |
8 |
Setup
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As I recall it was fine as purchased, but I immediately went down to 11's because my fingers were wimpy and out of shape from years of electric guitar jobs.
For traditional flatpicking chores, the wider string spacing might seem slow for some guys, but it helps my accuracy a little. I'm not Tony Rice by any stretch.
The truss rod adjustment is functional and the neck can be adjusted concave (with the strings on) or convex with it. Works good and responds predictably.
I trimmed the edges of the fret ends on the treble side with a fine file and buffed the frets and fret ends with a Dremel and some jeweler's rouge, not that the frets or ends were bad but I like a "broken in" feel.
I eventually replaced the Tusc saddle with a bone one and lowered the action a bit. I'll go up in string gauge when my fingers are in better shape. I've been doggin' it for a while (and my chops show it).
Intonation is good with the string sets I've used (Martin standard PB in 11's, and Darcos in 12's).
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Setup Rating |
7 |
Appearance
|
I like the HPL Koa look with a nice straight grained satin finish spruce top. The Indian rosewood fretboard and bridge tie the top, sides, and laminate neck together visually, while offering some mild contrast too.
Since it's unbound I think it looks better without a pickguard for a more modern monochromatic vs traditional look.
It has the Schoenberg style cutaway common on Martin cutaway OM's now.
It's basic but I like that. It's stock with no pickguard, so I applied some clear tape to keep pick scratches off the front as well as dirt where my fingers rest on the face.
It's utilitarian and simply appointed. Real working class stuff but that appeals to me.
I guess I relate to simple proven designs. I don't care about frills.
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Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
I don't worry about it at all. It's made to be played, and the HPL seems like a nuclear isotope proof laboratory counter top.
Naturally the top needs to be protected and there's no reason to see just HOW well the fingerboard responds to humidity changes.
Outside of a steel National, this is maybe the most durable acoustic out there besides a totally HPL Martin. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
Joe McNamara is the local regional Martin rep and he is great (plays a mean guitar too).
Martin has a full lifetime warranty to the original owner for defects in materials and workmanship (including neck resets), but you have to be able to prove you're the original owner (sales receipt is fine) at the time of repair.
Believe me, having had a used '76 D-18 that needed a neck reset when I had no dough, I will be VERY careful to retain my original owner's sales receipt in a safe place for the next 30 or so years. |
Customer Service |
9 |
Components
|
Good nut and saddle material, as opposed to some competitor's plastic at this price level.
The sound of the HPL back/sides seems crisp and reflective.
The glue-lam neck is stable and I love the feel and shape. It's beefy but not sloppy fat.
Tuners are sealed mini-Gotohs I think, and work well.
The fingerboard isn't too oily. I shoot it with FingerEase to slick it up some. I've seen better, and worse.
I see a lot of ad copy about the premium woods being reserved for the upline models, but there's nothing "less than" about the top on this one. It's satin finished straight grained solid spruce with perhaps a hint of tint. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
|
Love the hand filling neck shape. It's oval with a hint of V.
I'd definitely recommend it for playing out where you don't want to risk a nice lacquered or more fragile guitar, yet still want something with good response and playabilty.
I also tried out a full HPL Martin dread with cutaway, but it sounded a bit "funny" and compressed, acoustically. Intriguing though.
The solid spruce top in this guitar makes a big difference.
Someday maybe I'll have another lacquered Martin, but this will suffice for all my needs now and for the foreseeable future as long as I am still sometimes putting my guitar in harm's way on band stands, or REALLY dangerous places like church, with uncontrolled kids running around, screaming, and orbiting through the place like little hellions during rehearsals and between services, etc.
I always thought a couple of the 15 series models or the Standard series Martins were the least I would want. This one was built in Mexico! EEeeeeewww!
But once past that, I have to admit that as a cheap alternative to a "real" Martin, a Martin can be a cheap enough alternative to its own upline stuff.
It manages to please me when couch noodling too, which is what I do mostly now anyway. I play this a lot. There's nothing I don't like about it. If I don't get rich this could be my last guitar, and that would be ok with me.
|
Overall Rating |
9 |
|
Martin D-18
submitted 11/13/2008
|
Submitter |
robin jones (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Jubilee Music |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
Sounds like a million dollars, as any "real" Martin should. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
|
They put light strings on it when I bought it. All it need was to have mediums put back on and the buzzes were mostly eliminated. It still has a few but they're very minor and the authorized Martin repairman is talking about lowering, not raising, the already low action. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
I love it. Beautiful red mahogany. Nice spruce top with with several bear claws. |
Appearance Rating |
9 |
Reliability
|
Seems like it'll survive a nuclear attack. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
Haven't dealt with Martin and hope I don't have to. Still, the lifetime warranty is a big plus for me. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
Top-shelf all the way. |
Components Rating |
10 |
Overall Comments
|
Just a beautiful, great sounding ax. The only way to improve it is to play it and let it age. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
|
Blueridge Carter Stanley BR-160
submitted 11/5/2008
|
Submitter |
rhssaxplayer (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
|
Year Purchased |
2006 |
Price Paid |
1200 ($US) |
Sound
|
I play mostly Bluegrass, thus the BR-160 is most suitable for my musical taste. It is an extremely loud guitar, being based on the exact design of Carter Stanley's personal guitar, a Martin D-28. Though mainly suited for bluegrass, the bright sound extends it's versitality into other genres as well. |
Sound Rating |
9 |
Setup
|
The guitar was setup to the best of player's specification. I made minor modification myself, but that was to suit my individual needs. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
Very beautiful guitar. Just simply beautiful wood in every aspect.
The two-piece back simply adds to the beauty of this instremunt as well as the abalone hexagonal inlay in the fret-board. Simply "breathtaking", I have been told. |
Appearance Rating |
10 |
Reliability
|
I have had the guitar for a while now, and have had good luck with it- No finish wear, etc.
I think it is reliable enough to use on a gig w/o a backup. |
Reliability Rating |
10 |
Customer Service
|
|
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
|
Components Rating |
not rated |
Overall Comments
|
I Love this guitar, as you probably can tell...
This guitar is a good as any Martin ive played (and for $2000 less, i might add). |
Overall Rating |
10 |
|
Blueridge BR-0S
submitted 10/7/2008
|
Submitter |
MitchellB (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
Janet Davis Music |
Year Purchased |
1999 |
Price Paid |
Don't Remember
historic exchange rates / currency converter
|
Sound
|
Not bad for a cheap guitar, but not enough bottom end for my taste. Medium volume level. |
Sound Rating |
6 |
Setup
|
Action was a little high. I removed the saddle to lower it and there was a plastic shim under it that I removed and I just replaced the saddle. |
Setup Rating |
8 |
Appearance
|
It had the dull lacquer finish that I do not find appealing, but there were no flaws in it. It was obviously made of plywood as the inside grain on the back and sides looked like mahogany, but the outside grain appeared to be rosewood. A plain Jane looking guitar. |
Appearance Rating |
7 |
Reliability
|
It has held up very well and sounds a little better with age. The current owner is a friend of mine. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
|
Never dealt with them. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
Nothing outstanding, but it does what it is supposed to do. If I still had it, I might consider replacing the saddle with real bone. |
Components Rating |
7 |
Overall Comments
|
It’s a decent guitar, but not outstanding. Certainly not the best Blueridge I have ever played. I originally bought it as a present but it was rejected and replaced by an electric guitar, so I sold it. I’m not looking to replace it.
|
Overall Rating |
7 |
|
Yamaha FG-365S
submitted 10/6/2008
|
Submitter |
MitchellB (see all reviews from this person) |
Where Purchased |
individual |
Year Purchased |
2004 |
Price Paid |
80.00 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
|
It sounded weak, but had a good tone. It had an under saddle piezo pickup that sounded thin and electric. |
Sound Rating |
4 |
Setup
|
It had a beautiful set up and played like a dream. |
Setup Rating |
9 |
Appearance
|
Very pretty rosewood guitar with a nicely aged lacquered finish. |
Appearance Rating |
8 |
Reliability
|
Never had a problem with it. |
Reliability Rating |
8 |
Customer Service
|
It was used and not under warranty. I never deal with the company. |
Customer Service |
not rated |
Components
|
I did not like the sound of the under saddle pickup, but it worked well as did everything else on the guitar. I replaced the worn plastic pins with new ones. |
Components Rating |
7 |
Overall Comments
|
It was a good guitar that played excellent. It had a good tone, but was very weak in the volume department, perhaps because it was heavier that my other acoustic guitars. The piezo pickup made it sound like a hollow body electric guitar. A great beginner or intermediate guitar well worth the price. |
Overall Rating |
7 |
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