#1
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Martin CEO on embracing radical change.
Interesting article. Be curious of others opinions.
https://guitar.com/features/intervie...adical-change/ |
#2
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I agree with everything he said.
But I still don't see what makes the Inception a $4000 guitar. It's not a new design. It's a shape that has already failed for Martin in everything except its least expensive guitars. Maybe if it was a deep body SC it would seem inovative. It has lesser tone woods It has a nice pickup in the Baggs Anthem, but now anything cutting edge. Machine cut braces Satin finish But I really want to try one! |
#3
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I worry a little about the thinned channels in the top on the pictures of the new bracing, it seems like a neat scored line to break along, or a stress riser for cracks to form, and it doesn't look like it would be easy to repair that cleanly.
__________________
Gibson G45 Standard 2020 Eastman E1OM 2021 Cedar/Rosewood Parlour 2003 (an early build by my luthier brother) Also double bass, electric bass, cittern, mandolin... |
#4
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I was thinking along the lines of what PineMarten stated about the channels potentially weakening the top...
All in all, I applaud the effort at sustainability and sourcing locally. While rosewood and mahogany seem to be the most revered woods for B&S, Waterloo has been making some wonderful guitars with maple and cherry; and they do so unapologetically. Tonewoods matter, but so does craftsmanship. I got a great deal on an OM-15 in the middle of the "Sipo and Sapele is not real mahogany" uproar. It is a wonderful guitar and will bring a lot of joy for the rest of my life and probably my kids' lives too. As for "technological advancement"... some new ideas have benefits while other ideas are seeking differentiation in a crowded market. I think I would rather spend up on FSC certification than laser-cut brace holes. |
#5
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Quote:
__________________
Martin D-18, 00-18, 00-15M, 0X1E Larrivee 00-40MH Fender '91 Strat Plus, Mustang P90, MIJ Mustang Bass Schecter SV Shredder “Trust gets you killed, love gets you hurt, and being real gets you hated.” ~ Johnny Cash (1932-2003) |
#6
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If they had done a SWAT analysis on the business 10 years ago this issue would have stood out like the dogs *****.
__________________
I'm learning to flatpick and fingerpick guitar to accompany songs. I've played and studied traditional noter/drone mountain dulcimer for many years. And I used to play dobro in a bluegrass band. |
#7
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If it's not broken, don't fix it.
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#8
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I'll say this... I just bought a Gibson HP 635W that was made as part of a 'new effort' by Gibson to build a line of high performance guitars. They made them in 2017... I think there were 4 models, and all were made from wood sourced entirely from North America. I believe the line didn't last beyond 2017.
Why? Nobody wanted something different from Gibson. The same is almost surely true of Martin. No one wants something new. Both brands are steeped in a tradition that defines them. It's very hard to break out of that mold. As for the Gibson HP 635W... it's freaking amazing! The neck is flatter and faster... like playing an electric, and the sound is fabulous. Great balance and tone, sustain, harmonics... sweet, sweet guitar. It is different, and honestly, it's just really, really good! I'd give Martin a shot, but I'd feel a lot better about it if they could get it under $3k. The Gibson retailed at something like $2100 when it launched, I believe.
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Be curious, not judgmental. |
#9
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Sounds highly promising. In fact, it's the first Martin that isn't a D-18, D-28, D-35, or D-45 that I've actually wanted to try. (Even though I know I can't afford one.)
Thanks! |
#10
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Godin has been doing this since day 1 with many of their lines (locally sourced cedar and spruce from forests they manage and wild cherry back and sides). Taylor has been experimenting with wood from locally sourced “nuisance” trees that San Diego City/County culls for a while with Ash and Urban Ironbark (a type of eucalyptus).
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2004 Simon & Patrick Folk (Cedar High Gloss Sunburst) Yamaha FS800 Takamine GC5CE Fender FA100 Yamaha LS16M |
#11
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I also found it interesting as well. The article is certainly about much more than just one guitar (eg, the Inception). As a nearly 200 year old company steeped in tradition that for decades (all of our life spans really) based their branding on that tradition, Martin has a huge challenge in front of them. Chris Martin bringing in an outside CEO was a huge statement recognizing the company will not hold its market position by simply implementing the "tradition card". Most of us on the Forum 50/60/70+ yo's are not the future of Martin. I do think Ripsam is looking through rose colored glasses if he really believes they are currently positioned to be on the leading edge of the curve because -IHMO- they are already behind AND much of the current Martin faithful don't want that change. However, I agree it's a change they need to make if they want to remain one of, if not the biggest acoustic guitar maker. Just one guy's opinion.
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“The tapestry of life is more important than a single thread.” R. Daneel Olivaw in I. Asimov's Robots and Empire. |
#12
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Bad, bad, bad idea, right? They want people to buy the new guitar. So they're pitching it to sell. Earth-friendly. Innovative. And a terrific instrument. Quote:
Just to cut them a little slack, their whole business model was built around tradition — that is, mahogany, rosewood, and ebony. So it's a big change. Often, bringing in new management is an acknowledgement that big changes are needed. Quote:
Which means that strategic planning tools are dull, flimsy, flawed, and useless. Their only real value is that they distract leadership from the hard work of doing even more damage. So let's see if the new axe cuts it. Maybe it's not the beginning of the end. Maybe it's the beginning of a beginning. What's the worst that can happen? Another dinosaur goes extinct and makes room for a few more evolved species. |
#13
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I suppose someone has already remarked on the obvious, it is not taking Martin in a new direction for 4K. If they did it as a cheap line then yes but as it is, no.
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#14
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#15
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Did he discuss the radical change of keeping Martin binding from separating?
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