Just sold my Martin 000-16gt. Gibson or Martin next?

[tev87]

Not much happening over at TGP when it comes to acoustics, so here's to my first post on AGF!

Well, I just sold my Martin 000-16gt, and now there's a void to fill. I have to say, I'm not much of an acoustic player, but I like to have a good one around as I'm often called out to play at different events.

My question is:
Should I go for fun, a safe choice or looks on my next (and hopefully last) acoustic buy?

Fun:
Gibson L-00 Standard
Gibson L-00 TV
Martin 00L17

A safe choice:
Martin D-18
Martin D-28

Looks:
Gibson J-45 Standard
Gibson J-45 TV

I'd love to hear from owners or people who have tried either of the ones listed above. I love the Martin sound, but I'm so intrigued by the Gibson look.

Edit/specification:
In this list, I've narrowed it down to possible "upgrade guitars" for me. By that, all models have something to it that leaves it in a price range above my last guitar. Different builds, woods, necks, scale lenght, fingerboard width and of course different tonal distinctions. It would definitely be fun to buy a Gibson J-45 TV at 4500 USD, pure by looks, but I'll have to dissapoint the trolls at this point. I won't waste two months of income, on a guitar that does not sound like I want it to. "Fun", "A safe choice" and "Looks", are my last but most light hearted evaluations before I step up my search. If you care to join in, great!

[jpd]

1st timer....howdy! Go for that L-00

[stinger23]

In my opinion nothing beats a great j45, just does everything so well, it's really one of the most versatile guitars out there, I love the Martin D18 as well, another do all acoustic, but the 45 with the easy playing short scale and the voice that begs to be sung with...just wins for me

The j45 sound kind of hugs and surrounds you as your play and really sounds good with vocals, just blends so well....and that Gibson burst!!!!

No one does a burst like Gibson!!!

[simpl man]

What about something like this (no affilliation):
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=434881

Got the Martin sound AND Gibson looks.

[TBman]

I've only played the J-45, D-28 and a 00017 Black Smoke. To be honest, if I could, I would get both the J-45 and the D-28 because....

The J-45 has that blues mojo, good looks and short scale (= less tension)

The D-28 sounds great and looks great.

The 00017 is sort of a one trick pony, but is good at that.

I didn't vote because you left out tone/sound.

Don't forget the J-15 and AE2 Gibson sells.

[ddown]

I'd try the Gibson J-15 a unique sound American Tonewoods, Built in Montana, Nitro Finish, LR Baggs for playing out a fun safe choice and it won't break the bank try it out.

[dr461]

J-45 for sound and versatility. To me, it is better than the D-28, but that is just my opinion.

[GibbyPrague]

Originally Posted by stinger23

In my opinion nothing beats a great j45, just does everything so well, it's really one of the most versatile guitars out there, I love the Martin D18 as well, another do all acoustic, but the 45 with the easy playing short scale and the voice that begs to be sung with...just wins for me

The j45 sound kind of hugs and surrounds you as your play and really sounds good with vocals, just blends so well....and that Gibson burst!!!!

No one does a burst like Gibson!!!

What he said ^^^^^^^^^

Besides it ticks all the boxes, great fun, great looker, safe as houses.

[cmd612]

It depends on how you're going to use it, what you like, and, maybe, why you sold the 000-16 (was there something you didn't like about it?).

But if I'm going to take a shot in the dark w/o knowing any of those things, I'll say J-45.

[pdx]

I'd check out a J-35, but the new D-18's are mighty fine instruments.

[Nyghthawk]

D-18 Ambertone. Beautiful and a great tone!

[tev87]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm sorry to leave out tone/sound in the poll, but my intention is to pick one of the mentioned guitars in the first post, all of which one expect to have a good individual sound of their own.

Nothing wrong with the Martin 000-16gt that I sold. A great guitar. Easy to play and wonderful sounding, but the value of it here in Norway had increased so much that I had to take the oportunity. I bought it used for 800 USD, and could sell it for 1500 USD. So, it's a great chance for me to upgrade.

I'm weak for the Martin-sound, so the D's are absolutely in the draw. Tried some J-45 Standards last weekend, but sadly they did not impress me much. The J-45 TV spoke more to me, and is pointing itself out to be a strong candidate.

Post deleted by author

[Sarasin]

Yeah, go for looks so you can stare at the guitar all day and take great photos of it.

[picassov7]

I voted looks...IMO it is real hard to beat a good J45. Definitely, want to go play some regulars and TV's to see what suits you best if you go that route.