Best Martin under $3500

[Kahn]

What kind of Larivee do you own Kahn?

2001 OM-09FM Special Edition. Bearclaw top.

BOOYA

[baseballjon9]

im very interested in a Taylor 414ce, anybody own one?

[Kahn]

If you must get a Taylor, skip the "e"

I, and a lot of people, aren't very impressed by the Taylor ES. You can get a top of the line pickup for much cheaper than the difference between the price of the c and ce models.

Also, the 414 is satin finished back and sides... do you really want to pay over 2000$ for that? It is more susceptible to knicks and wear without a strong gloss finish. Some people would argue that it makes no difference, but I have seen enough guitars to know, I would much rather have a small crack in the gloss of my guitar, that is reparable, than in the wood if it were satin finished.

One more thing, as with any popular brand, with Taylor you are paying more for that brand name on the headstock. For 2000 you can get a masterfully crafted guitar, but thats the bottom of the barrel for Taylors. Why? Because of the brand name.

Personally, I think the only thing Taylors got going for them are playability and brightness, which is great if you need to cut through a band. I think the Taylor sound is severely lacking in comparison to another guitar of equal price i.e. Martins, Breedlove, Larrivee, Gibson, etc...

Im telling you, with that kind of dough (3500) go vintage, you will not be disappointed. At least try some out. I suggest against a new Taylor though. Big rip off.

[whatshername]

i just bought a DC-16GTE for 1500 and i absolutely love it. it's got everything i want. solid body, electronics, cutaway, great sound unplugged. and you could save yourself 2 grand. but if you're looking to spend less than 3500 you might be interested in something more expensive.

[Kahn]

Whit, the 16 has solid back and sides?

[whatshername]

yep. mine is all solid wood.

[cberner27]

I think that I am one of the few Breedlove players on these boards, but I can't speak highly enough about the company. Although they have a weird headstock, and are a bit heavier than a typical Martin/Taylor, their sound is wonderful. IMO the sound is very well balanced across the spectrum - not as deep and boomy as a Martin dreadnaught, nor as bright and tinny as the typical Taylor. In this price range, I definitely recommend playing some American made Breedloves.

Also, I can vouch for Kahn in the production value of Martins going down the shitter. I was recently dicking around at the local guitar center, and was talking to one of the employees who have had to send four Martins back for repair, one of which was a HD-28 that was completely cracked from the bridge to the butt.

[Kahn]

My only gripe with Breedlove is actually the weight. Those things are fucking HEAVY

[baseballjon9]

ya im definately looking into a Larrivee, they seem like high quality guitars without the Martin and/or Taylor price tags. personally im a fan of cutaways, and im liking the LV-05. i like florentine cutawyas better (most of the time), but wouldnt go far out of my way for one. thanks for pointing me in the Larrivee direction.

[Kahn]

Good luck shopping, let us know what you decide on.

[CWMCALL]

I love my HD-35

[baseballjon9]

will do, its gonna be a while cuz i gotta save up but ill let u guys know. ya the HD-35 is nice.

[freshead16]

you should check out the 18s if your into mahogany. The standard, vintage, or GE are all spectacular in my opinion. Theres a pretty significant difference from rosewood to mahogany. It might be something to think about. For sure good luck and like others have said, let us know what you get!

[baseballjon9]

I finally had the opportunity to play a D-35 yesterday, and all i can say is wow!! without question the best guitar ive ever played. Im in love.

[Kahn]

Heed my warning about new Martins.