NGD: Third Try is a Charm

[Skibum00]

I have always wanted a Martin dread ever since I first played one at 16. Now married with kids I started saving up a couple years ago, but once I had the money I felt guilty spending it on myself. Last year my wife said as much as I talk about it it was time to find the one and pull the trigger. I was set on a Dread with a 1 3/4 nut as I have been playing a lot fingersyyle lately.
First I found a used Martin HD28 Marquis on guitar center online for a great price. When I got to Guitar Center to pick it up they informed me an employee dropped the guitar and split a 4 inch crack down the center of the soundboard. So they refunded me my money. As punishment I let my 3 year old play the drums for 15 minutes.
Next, I found a Martin HD28MP, also on Guitar Center online for a great price (picture below)

Upon getting it home I noticed it had some binding separation on the back binding. I had a luthier look at it and he said it had a repair done and a bad one at that. After paying for that repair the guitar would no longer have been a good deal, so I again returned it.
In my search I played a lot of standard series stuff and realized I didn't mind the 1 11/16 nut, it feels like it is spaced much wider than my Blueridge that is listed as a 1 11/16 nut but feels much narrower. I decided to go with a brand new standard series D35. I have heard a ton of people on here singing the praises of Ted at LA Guitars so I called him to get prices on D35. Everything I have heard is correct Ted and and Helene were an absolute pleasure to work with, I can't say enough about how positive my experience was with them. The Guitar arrived today, sounds amazing, very rich bass and a nice high sparkle; setup is surprisingly good out of the box, really love it so far. At long last, I will stop my blathering and post pictures:

[BrunoBlack]

Great outcome from a great dealer. Enjoy that beauty.

[Godfather]

Congrats on the new D-35. Sure is a beautiful guitar!
I too cannot say enough good about Ted and Heleane

Play it in good health

[JakeStone]

Way to go!

Can't go wrong with a new Martin.... That D35 looks wonderful !

[Rev Roy]

Great story, wonderful guitar...and working with Ted and Helena is always a joy. Congrats!

[chitz]

Congrats on the 35!

I have one and it is a stellar dreadnought.

[TBman]

Excellent, enjoy it!

[Goat Mick]

Dang that sure is a pretty one. Now play it until that top turns nice and dark!

[Mbroady]

All roads lead you to were you are meant to be. For you it lead to a D-35

Congratulations on a wonderful looking (and no doubt, sounding) Guitar.
I always loved the look of the 3 piece back.

[Cibby]

Smart choice the D35 is a beautiful Martin with a big sound if you flatpick. It can be finger picked and the sound is amazing a real multi purpose dread. You just can't find anything that looks as good as the 3 piece back and that one is really nice. Enjoy it!

[Gmountain]

Congratulations!!

[DupleMeter]

Congrats! Looks like a beauty. I bet it sounds as good as it looks.

[Gallopinghost]

Congratulations! I love it when a plan comes together. Wouldn't be the first time Ted was involved with a happy ending either.

Originally Posted by Skibum00

When I got to Guitar Center to pick it up they informed me an employee dropped the guitar and split a 4 inch crack down the center of the soundboard. So they refunded me my money. As punishment I let my 3 year old play the drums for 15 minutes.

That's hysterical. Please tell me you announced this to the store before you let Animal have his go at it?

[brencat]

Very nice looking D-35 !

Many of the D-35 backs don't have as nice a contrast between the center wedge and outer wings as yours.

Congrats on a great Martin

[DenverSteve]

Congrats. Sounds like it was meant to be. Good things come to those who are delayed by corporate stores......