DM3MD Wanted

[dmbfrosty]

Obviously I'm not the only one looking to buy one of these beauties but if anyone out there is selling, let me know.

Please & Thanks.

[MartinDM3MD]

What's the going rate?

[whatshername]

around $5000+, at the minimum

[Klondog]

Check the Martin guitar boards and frequent ebay. I know several people that hang around here have DM3MD's, but they aren't selling any time soon.

[HD18JBGuy]

around $5000+, at the minimum

I got one about seven weeks ago on Ebay for just under $4k. If you pay more than $4k, you are getting ripped off. People often forget that this guitar is basically a D-16RGT with an African Padauk wedge in between the rosewood and an Englemann spruce top. Yep, there is some bling and it is a limited edition guitar that adds value, but in terms of tone, it will sound very close to the Martin 16 series. It has the same bracing (Hybrid X Scalloped) and the same neck joint (mortise/tennon).

People often confuse this and think it will sound like a D-35 or HD-35. Both of these guitars feature all rosewood backs, different top bracing patterns, and a dovetail jointed neck, all of which impact the tone. The fact that both the DM3MD and the 35 series have a three piece back is coincidence and has little to nothing to do with comparability with respect to sound, rather it is more cosmetic than anything. Want to know what a DM3MD will sound like...go play a D-16 Adirondack or a D-16RGT. This will give you the closest comparison in terms of sound. I have a DM3MD, an HD-28V, and two Jimmy Buffett HD-18JB limited edition guitars (all are made by Martin). While the DM3MD is a great sounding guitar, it doesn't hold a candle to the other guitars in terms of sound and sustain. I have played a few of these, so I know mine is not a dud, in fact mine is one of the better sounding examples I have played.

My point being is unless you are dieing to have this thing and have massive disposable income, regardless of price, then wait it out until you find a good deal on one. Given the used guitar market right now, if you are patient, you will find one for a good price. They come and go all the time, whether it be Craigslist, Ebay, or the Martin Guitar Forum. At one point, they did go for $5k, at the minimum. That was also when the Dow was at 14k+. Now it trades at around 8K, so if you do the math, you should pay about $3k, or right around list, for one of these guitars. Better yet, buy a better sounding guitar for the money. Dave plays his Martin HD-28V more than the DM3MD these days anyway. That should tell you something right there.

So the moral of the story, even at under $4k, I got ripped off.

Happy shopping and be patient. Heck, wait long enough and I may just sell you mine.

[dmbfrosty]

Thanks for taking the time to post such useful info and insightful opinion...very much appreciated.
I'm actually heading to a guitar shop today and will try the other Martins you mentioned while I'm there.

Have a good one and Keep strummin'!

[MartinDM3MD]

there's one for sale now

http://cgi.ebay.com/Martin-DM3MD-Dave-M ... 7C294%3A50

[dmbfrosty]

Thanks for the heads up....much appreciated.

[Byrdman]

I have a DM3MD, an HD-28V, and two Jimmy Buffett HD-18JB limited edition guitars (all are made by Martin). While the DM3MD is a great sounding guitar, it doesn't hold a candle to the other guitars in terms of sound and sustain. I have played a few of these, so I know mine is not a dud, in fact mine is one of the better sounding examples I have played.

Hey, how do those HD-18JB's play? I have always wanted one of those...

[HD18JBGuy]

I have a DM3MD, an HD-28V, and two Jimmy Buffett HD-18JB limited edition guitars (all are made by Martin). While the DM3MD is a great sounding guitar, it doesn't hold a candle to the other guitars in terms of sound and sustain. I have played a few of these, so I know mine is not a dud, in fact mine is one of the better sounding examples I have played.

Hey, how do those HD-18JB's play? I have always wanted one of those...

They are great guitars. I think they are my favorite of the bunch I have. Expensive yes, but I am huge Buffett fan, plus the guitar is amazing sounding. To me, I prefer mahogany dreads over rosewood. They have a more fundamental sound to them. Not to say that the rosewood guitars aren't great sounding, just different and to be used for different types of music.

[HD18JBGuy]

Wow! That thing went for $6800 on Ebay. Considering I got mine for just shy of $4k only about two months ago, I should throw it on Ebay while the bidders are still hot in their pants!

[dmbfrosty]

I was in it for awhile....maybe next time.