Members DeanBCR Posted September 10, 2004 Members Posted September 10, 2004 Greetings: I don't live in an area that I can conveniently try out a Martin D-42. I played one years ago and really thought it an excellent guitar. Would it be reasonably safe to assume that if I purchased one sans auditioning it I'd get an excellent sounding guitar? I am competent at setting up acoustics so I can address the playability issues. I am wondering about the overall sound. Thanks for any replys...
Members Quake17 Posted September 10, 2004 Members Posted September 10, 2004 I bought my D-42 3 years ago from the original owner off eBay. I feel it sounds even better now but you're not likely to get a dud in this series. However, if you are buying new I would still look for an approval period to make sure it's the one for you.As for myself, I became so smitten with the '42 series that I bought the koa versions a year later (one from Buffalo Brothers and the other from the Martin Forum), so all were "ear unheard", but I am very happy. Ironically, my local Martin dealer has a D-42 and D-42K in stock now (too late for comaprisons though). Best of luck, Grant
Members SLO100 Posted September 14, 2004 Members Posted September 14, 2004 I bought my '42 new in 1999 and have not looked back. I played more than a few and they sounded consistent to me. I rarely buy new guitars but I wanted this one to be "mine" so I ordered a new one so I'd get an un-shop worn example. I did not regret the decision and play and enjoy the guitar often. I also think you are very safe buying sight unseen. It is a great instrument.
Members guitarcapo Posted September 15, 2004 Members Posted September 15, 2004 I also think you are very safe buying sight unseen. It is a great instrument. I disagree. Always look for an approval period. Acoustic guitars vary a lot in sound, and if you are putting out that kind of cash you want to get something you absolutely love. Every manufacturer has a few dull sounding guitars that make it through. Wood varies in it's density and response, and all the building tolerences are constant. I knew a guy who custom ordered a Brazilian D-45 with his name inlaid in pearl in the fingerboard. He was committed to buying it but hated the sound.Don't make the beginner's mistake that they all sound the same because all the labels on the headstocks match.
Members riffdaddy Posted September 16, 2004 Members Posted September 16, 2004 Originally posted by guitarcapo I disagree. Always look for an approval period. Acoustic guitars vary a lot in sound, and if you are putting out that kind of cash you want to get something you absolutely love. Every manufacturer has a few dull sounding guitars that make it through. Wood varies in it's density and response, and all the building tolerences are constant. I knew a guy who custom ordered a Brazilian D-45 with his name inlaid in pearl in the fingerboard. He was committed to buying it but hated the sound.Don't make the beginner's mistake that they all sound the same because all the labels on the headstocks match. I absolutely agree with this. On a standard model such as the D-42, no dealer in their right mind would object to offering an approval period. I think the story is quite a bit different on a custom D-45 Brazilian with the purchaser's name inlaid on the fingerboard, however.
Members SLO100 Posted September 16, 2004 Members Posted September 16, 2004 My dealer offered me of an approval period for my guitar. My point was that I did not need one. A D-42 is typically considered a high end instrument and is a safe buy. I naturally assumed that the buyer above would be able to return the guitar if he hated the tone/playability of it. I guess I should have been clearer. I don't know many (any) beginners who'd buy an expensive Martin like this without due diligence.
Members Andrewrg Posted September 16, 2004 Members Posted September 16, 2004 It`s all very well saying try before you buy and generally I would agree,however D42`s ain`t exactly that common and the likelihood of being able to compare several examples at the same time is remote.Even if you could compare a few within the space of a few days how good is your memory? I bought mine mail order and it sounds just fine.Is there a"better"one? Thats down to your taste;some days I like chocolate,some days I prefer vanilla.
Members guitarcapo Posted September 16, 2004 Members Posted September 16, 2004 That guy's Brazilian Rosewood custom D-45 sounded really bad. Like a plywood topped guitar. I don't know why. Maybe it went through different channels when being made. He was really disappointed and really couldn't sell it easily with his name inlaid in it and all. This was back in the early 90's. After playing it I decided it's better to just go to guitar stores and cherry pick the good ones than to buy a guitar without playing it or custom ordered.
Members Andrewrg Posted September 16, 2004 Members Posted September 16, 2004 Actually I,um,did have a nasty experience with a SCGC dread.It arrived with a graunched peghead where it had been hanging in the shop,a banana neck,green frets and unspeakable strings.The scratchplate looked as though a grizzly had attacked it.Needless to say it went straight back.The guys at the shop were initially disbelieving when I called-like I was lying about a $$$ purchase! Nevertheless said guitar was upgraded to a Tony Rice for no extra charge.Decent guys,held their hands up and came through for me.I have bought many instruments unseen and I guess I was past due for a duffer-law of averages!
Members SLO100 Posted September 16, 2004 Members Posted September 16, 2004 Ooohh, that is a tough spot to be in. Good thing they did right for you. I am sure there are stories where unhappy buyere were not so satisfied. In this market space dealers should do everything they can to keep customers happy as this would certainly impact referral business! Look forward to hearing how the D-42 experiement goes. After all this I am in the midst of making a deal for a '97 Blonde Guild Jumbo JF 30-12 sight unseen. Every one I have played has been stellar so I am rolling the dice...wish me luck!
Members DeanBCR Posted April 18, 2005 Author Members Posted April 18, 2005 Waaaaay late... Thanks for all the replys. I had to wait for the "right one". Getting it "sight-unplayed". My 2005 Martin D-42K should be here Wednesday. Second one made at the factroy with stock bone nut and saddle. I am eagerly anticipating receiving it, since I haven't owned a quality acoustic in 15+ years...
Members Quake17 Posted April 18, 2005 Members Posted April 18, 2005 Dean, Congrats on the decision to go with the D-42K! I hope it's everything you're looking for.Mine is a 2000 model and I've had it described as a D-18 on steroids. Different than the rosewood model but a very nice guitar. Oh, and the koa is not too hard on the eyes either. All the best, Grant
Members Andrewrg Posted April 18, 2005 Members Posted April 18, 2005 Boy what an ancient thread! Sounds like a mouthwatering guitar,well done.
Members DeanBCR Posted April 21, 2005 Author Members Posted April 21, 2005 Thanks for the well-wishes... Got the D42K today. It is a magnificient looking/sounding instrument! So crisp and articulate. Light as heck! I'll set it up to my liking over the next few weeks and enjoy it for the remainder of my days on earth.
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