Posted by Norm on 6/23/2009, 8:54 am
I know, I know. I can look all this crap up on their site, but I'm looking to zero in on just some SIMPLE, BASIC facts...and only 3 guitars: A D-28, and HD-28 and a D-35. Someone was asking me about this at Mayville, and I kinda floundered around (we were raffling off a Martin DX-K2 "HPL" cheapie).
So, here's the deal: the "buyer" wants the "most powerful" Martin D (below the "40's" series), with the best bottom end (think of Still's opening riff on "Carry On" from Deja Vu), lack of "mud" and of course chest-rattling power when strummed aggressively.
I *think* all three of these EIR dreads have the 1 11/16ths nut spacing. Beyond that, bracing: are any of these Fwd. shifted, scalloped? (I know the 28's aren't). I also *know* the bracing in all 3 isn't Adi. The specific question I kinda flubbed on was is the only difference between the "D" and "HD" the herringbone bindings, and a few other minor cosmetics. I also hear 2 or 3 different stories on the 35's: one is they are actually LOUDER, and great in a rhythm mode, but not as ideal if you're doing flat-picking leads. The 28's will shine more there. Or so they say. Honestly, I don't think I saw any 35's at Mayville. )My quintessential KT D-28 tune for sheer power is "If You Don't Look Around" intro on "Time To Think," BTW).
So, given the criteria of this guy (who bought 6 chances on that DK-K2, but didn't win), what would you advise? I used the ol' "play all 3 and see which one 'speaks to you'." Now, not to slight Steve here, but D-18's didn't come into the picture. Again, there were precious few of them around as near as I could tell this year. I know the "Authentics" or vintage 18's are generally seen as THE "lead" stand-out-in-the-mix Dread, but if you want that thundering bass, you better lean toward the rosewoods.
OK. Have at it if anyone is interested. BTW, Martin has SOOOOO many models and variations--Adi, or Sitka; bracing; nut width; "Authentics," "GE's," "America's Guitar" with Madrose, blah, blah did-dee blah, looking at the long columns with all the various stats gets wearisome on the eyes...because I LIKE the pix, and the MAP underneath.
End of discussion.
Thank you very much!
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