Which Martin 00-42SC is nicer, in your opinion?

[StratLovesLenny]

Hi everybody,

I may be up in the running for either of these guitars. Both through a ton of overtime, saving, and payment plans, haha.

I'm a stickler for grain (top, back, sides, everything), but I'm having a hard time deciding which of these has a nicer grain pattern. I know that this is a personal thing to me, but I'm looking for some outside opinions. I feel like AGF has members of some of the greatest attention to detail, so I'd like to ask: which of these do you like the most and why?

#1: http://www.fullersguitar.com/Martin/...uitar?vmcchk=1

#2: http://www.musicgalleryinc.com/Marti..._p/1708338.htm

[Yrksman]

Originally Posted by StratLovesLenny

Hi everybody,

I may be up in the running for either of these guitars. Both through a ton of overtime, saving, and payment plans, haha.

I'm a stickler for grain (top, back, sides, everything), but I'm having a hard time deciding which of these has a nicer grain pattern. I know that this is a personal thing to me, but I'm looking for some outside opinions. I feel like AGF has members of some of the greatest attention to detail, so I'd like to ask: which of these do you like the most and why?

#1: http://www.fullersguitar.com/Martin/...uitar?vmcchk=1

#2: http://www.musicgalleryinc.com/Marti..._p/1708338.htm

I prefer the back of the one at Music Gallery

[PTC Bernie]

Neither. I've played both and have been underwhelmed, but that's just me. If that's the sound you're going for, have it at.

[ecguitar44]

Fuller's looks "better" to me. At least in regards to the grain pattern on the back.

[StratLovesLenny]

Originally Posted by PTC Bernie

Neither. I've played both and have been underwhelmed, but that's just me. If that's the sound you're going for, have it at.

Have you actually played those guitars? Or just have played the 00-42SC? I do love Martin 12-fretters both in concept and tone, but if those are duds, I'm staying clear. Were you looking for a 00-42SC in particular? Those shops aren't too close together, haha.

[garciatr]

I have a 00-42SC that I purchased from MFG about 2 months ago. I got to pick it up right at the Martin factory. I will say that in my opinion, these guitars are incredible. I also have an OMJM and I think that the 00 has much more presence to it's sound. The base is stronger with the elongated 12 fret body. The mids and highs are clear with tons of sustain. I can't say anything bad about this guitar. Have you seen the one that is for sale at Gruhn Guitars. It has the most incredible back that I have ever seen. They're also great to deal with there. I don't think you can go wrong with this guitar.

http://www.gruhn.com/photo/AB8668.jpg

[StratLovesLenny]

Any pictures? I'd love to see some!

Okay, well I think I'm going for this either way, but I'd still like to hear opinions. Yes, I saw that one at Gruhns but I'd rather go for a less jagged grain.

I like the super straight sides of the Music Gallery one, but the back of the Fullers really is bright and glowing. Usually I like super straight grain all around, but I make an exception for cocobolo because the waviness has a nice quality to it.

[Goodallboy]

Not to be rude, but at that price I wouldn't want either one. Not to mention a guy mentioned he's played both and was underwhelmed.

That money could get you a truly exceptional guitar and that one isn't it, in my mind.

[ferganzo]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

Not to be rude, but at that price I wouldn't want either one. Not to mention a guy mentioned he's played both and was underwhelmed.

That money could get you a truly exceptional guitar and that one isn't it, in my mind.

That price isn't really the price.

And, one person said he was underwhelmed. But, another person said it was incredible. I think we all like guitars that fit our style, which very likely differs from another's style. So, another's opinion really doesn't mean all that much. Gotta play 'em to decide.

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by PTC Bernie

Neither. I've played both and have been underwhelmed, but that's just me. If that's the sound you're going for, have it at.

You've played the exact guitars the OP linked to???? One is in Texas, the other is in Illinois.....

Jimmy

[jseth]

My opinion is... (takes a moment to think of a 'nice' way to say it...)

I think you are being extremely foolish to ask opinions of a guitar that you are willing to go WAY out on a limb for, financially, from a bunch of total (albeit friendly!) strangers! I think you should go play them; at that sort of price (or even $2,000 lower), I would have the guitar in my hands for a good while or I wouldn't buy it. I agree with whomever said that you can get a LOT of guitar for $7k (or $5k), even small hand made shop instruments... you asked for an opinion, so there it is.

Now, as to which one of the two I like most? The one at the Guitar Gallery... for one thing, it's difficult to tell much from either set of photos; the lighting in both sets was nearly inadequate, seemed like a light of the color was washed out... that said, I just liked the look of the wood sets better on the Gallery guitar.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

[davwir]

Of the two original choices, I like the music gallery one.
The Gruhn one I really loved though.
I like my coco as swirled as possible , and sapwood is very welcome. That is not the standard likes of more conservative guitar tastes, though, most folks like super straight grains on their woods.

[rmyAddison]

Ferganzo and I actually own a number of Martins in this range so maybe we know a little............

One, the prices are no where near what you should pay, just the lowest they can advertise in print.

Two, as he said I would want to play them and let my ears decide, not my eyes. For that kind of money you need to love the guitar and you can't do that with pictures. I guarantee if you were in a room with both of them for a while you would prefer one, that's the one you need to buy.

Best of luck!!

[JohnW63]

I like the more symmetrical one at Fuller's.

[Landru]

Number two - - - -

Both beautiful, and I'd love to hear either.