Martin D-17 Question

[Ramshackle]

So, I'm new to this board, but I thought I would ask for some advice.

 

I've got my eye on a Martin D-17 at a local music store. Plays beautifully, really warm and dark sound that I like. Dreadnought shape, but not too twangy. It's going for 1100 including a setup.

 

I get home and start checking the HC reviews and see that it's got a Micarta fretboard and bridge as well as a plastic nut. All of a sudden I'm having doubts.

 

So, the question is: How much does the fretboard affect sound? Will it change how the guitar ages? Also, is 1100 steep for a D-17? It was marked at 1299 but taken down for a headstock ding. Not much of a return policy at this place either.

 

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

It's nice to be a part of this community.

[guit30]

Never heard of one,

here's a pic i found

 

http://www.bmusic.com.au/prod2935.htm

[Cldplytkmn]

i believe that 17s are the same as 15s but with gloss finishes. The D17 lists new for 1725, 40% off list brings it down to 1035... I'd say 1100 isn't bad, but with the ding, i'd try to get em down to a grand even.

[JasmineTea]

 

Originally posted by Ramshackle So, the question is: How much does the fretboard affect sound? Will it change how the guitar ages? Also, is 1100 steep for a D-17? It was marked at 1299 but taken down for a headstock ding. Not much of a return policy at this place either. Any advice would be appreciated. It's nice to be a part of this community.

Welcome.

 

Micarta is not a bad thing for fretboards, I think it's a good idea, it'll outlast wood, some may argue that it does effect tone, I don't think it does. I have a D-16GT with micarta f/b and I think it sounds wonderful.

 

It does'nt work well for saddles though. If your D-17 has a micarta saddle you can get a bone or tusq compensated saddle from a Martin dealer. Just sand the bottem to the right hight and put it in.

 

Is this guitar new? If so it comes with a lifetime warranty.

[studyscoot]

I've recently seen a few D-17's in great condition go for much less than a grand. I bet you could get one for 700-800 without too much looking. Used, of course.

[Cldplytkmn]

if anybody thinks they can tell the difference in tone between micarta and wood fretboards... i have some ebony tuning keys that will improve the bass response of your guitar over those crappy metal ones.

[JasmineTea]

That's why people buy Waverly's. There may be some merrit to the light wieght headstock argument. More wieght is supposed to improve sustaine, less wieght is supposed to improve resonance.

 

I compared two Martin OM-21s, one with Waverly's, one without. I thought the one without had more resonance. Go figure.

[54merk]

Every D17 I've ever tried was a killer. Martin discontinued this series so you should be able to get a great closeout deal. They just did not promote these guitars which are really much nicer than the plain jain 15's, not that I am criticizing 15's at all, since they are great for the price. The 17 is nicely trimmed and has the full gloss finish. I agree that a grand is a good price for a new one so it's worth asking since they've got it marked at $1100. If it's GC, I'm sure they'll take your offer.

 

Other than the asthetics of the man-made micarta fingerboard, there is nothing wrong with it. Until I read about it I had no idea from playing the guitar that it as not wood. People complain that Martin should only use wood, but they really cannot find anything truly bad about it. Replacing the bridge is no big deal. I still do not believe the nut makes any difference in tone, although I am sure that others will disagree. If you like the tone of the mahog top, and not everyone does, go for it.