Martin knowledge?

[Hamhand]

I picked up a used (but like brand new) DR Custom recently. It has creamy white top and bottom plastic binding (which is all I can see different from a regular DR). It is apparently about 6-7 years old. I got a really good price on it and pulled the trigger. My question is this; Is there a place to pick up specs for most of the Martin models? This model is super easy to play all the way up to the twelfth fret, but the neck is just a little narrow. But, I'd like to find another model with better quality. This one's gonna be the wifes' since she found out how easy it is to play. I think this guitar sounds pretty good but I really don't like the satin finish and the laminate. I'm still lookin' for 'The One". Thanks.

[DonK]

Why not just go the Martin site? They have specs there for all models, including discontinued models.

 

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/size.html

 

When you say the neck is a little narrow, I'm not sure if you're referring to the nut width and string spacing or the neck shape (profile). The DR has a nut width of 1 11/16th" with string spacing at the bridge of 2 1/8" Both of those are the basic Martin standard. The wider 1.75" nut width and 2 1/4" string spacing are typically found only on vintage-style and certain signature models, which are higher-end and on the expensive side. There are a few exceptions like the OM-15CE (which isn't a dread, though), and there are few odd-ball nut widths and string spacing combinations.

 

On the neck thickness/profile, the basic shape is the "low profile", the lesser-priced models tend to have the "modified low oval"; the vintage and some signature models are more likely to have the thicker "modified V".

 

Here's a link to a comparison of the profiles:

 

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/features/neck/index.html

[Freeman Keller]

DonK is right on - the Martin site has the specs for every current model, as well as information on bracing patterns, neck profiles, etc. Another good reference is the FAQ at the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum (UMGF), for example there is a comparison of the 000 and OM models, and lots of other information

 

http://p082.ezboard.com/ftheunofficialmartinguitarforumfrm19

 

There are also sound clips (and spec) for many Martin models at Maury's Music and the Podium

 

http://www.maurysmusic.com/martin_guitar_video_clips

 

http://www.thepodium.com/t-soundsamples.aspx

 

Last, but far from least, get out and play as many as you can (and have some fun while you are doing it!)

[Hamhand]

Thanks guys. Sorry for my rambling post. I tried to edit it, but couldn't figure out how. I was referring to the close string spacing, narrow at the nut. I did eventually find the Martin site last nite. I have 9 acoustics and 1 electric guitar in my house, and have paid for set ups on 4 of them. But none of them is as easy to play near the 12th fret. I am wondering whether other Martins are as easy to play, (action wise). I like the neck profile on the DR, though I'd prefer it slightly wider. I have a new Guild D-55 that sounds fantastic, but again it needs a set up if I want ease of play up the neck. This little Martin is stealing all it's playing time. (Well, some of it anyway). There I go, rambling again. Work is kickin' my butt.......