Martin J-40 two weeks later

[Emil]

I’d thought i would share my humble reflections and do a small ”review” on my J-40 reimagined.

I’ve had it for two weeks now so i’ve spent quite a lot of time with it and the honeymoon phase is more or less over.
Two things worth mentioning here.
1. I dont know how big the sonical difference is between the older (pre reimagined) ones and the newer ones so i can only share my view on this series.
2. Really important to point out - im by no means a skilled player. Im the typical bedroom guitarist. In other words - i cant justify owning this given the fact i lack the skills to get the most out of it. But hey - you only live once right.

What do i like:
The tone. It is packed with the warm Martin sound but doesnt have the woofy bas. Dont get me wrong - there’s a massive amount of low end but compared to my D28 the bass is a bit more focused.
Tone separation is great and the volume is out of this world. It’s a really dynamic sound in many ways. Ask for the mids and it will provide, dig in and the base response will knock your socks of. And the shimmering highs are there as well.
It’s kind of hard to explain why but it sounds like a Martin but doesnt sound like the typical Martin.

The combination of the forwardshifted scaloped bracing, the big sound board and the large body gives you all the sustain you could possibly need.

Furthermore the small waist makes this a really comfortable guitar to play compared to a dread.
Also, it’s hard to not like the CMF headstock and hexagons on the fretboard.


What does not suit me:
Im no big fan of the MLO neck. Accessibility towards the higher frets just doest work for my hands after a couple of hours (i use my thumb a lot). So the ”big” downside is not directly connected to the J-40.
The price however is. In Sweden this will set you back 6000 USD (tax & VAT included). Thats right up there with Collings, Huss & Dalton etc.

Conclusion:
I realize that we are traditional in many ways. If it’s not a Dread or a 000 we shy away.
But dont sleep on this model it’s a fantastic Martin and I have a feeling that it will age beautifully. In short - i really like this guitar.
Would i buy it new with the price in mind? No. But on the used market this might be a steal.


Did a quick video (once again - im NOT a blessed guitarist in terms of playing capabilities).

[6L6]

Glad you like your new Martin!

I have bought and sold some reimagined Martins. The sole reason for selling them is I could not get used to the MLO neck. Made my thumb hurt with over the top grabs and some had my whole hand aching.

Many out there love the MLO neck, but I'm not one of them. I do really love the tone, however, of the reimagined guitars.

[Emil]

Originally Posted by 6L6

Glad you like your new Martin!

I have bought and sold some reimagined Martins. The sole reason for selling them is I could not get used to the MLO neck. Made my thumb hurt with over the top grabs and some had my whole hand aching.

Many out there love the MLO neck, but I'm not one of them. I do really love the tone, however, of the reimagined guitars.

Yes, thats the issue for me.
Honestly - it’s a great neck. But it’s not the best one for me.

[FingahPickah]

Beautiful model.

I actually have the dread version D40.

[caperrob]

Congratulations on acquiring a beautiful instrument. I played many Martin models, and that one blew me away. If I could have made it happen, I would have had one too.

[Cuki79]

Originally Posted by Emil

Yes, thats the issue for me.

Honestly - it’s a great neck. But it’s not the best one for me.

Same for me. I like the mod-V neck best.

Then the low profile and Performing artist.

MLO is a big frustration for me

[sinistral]

A while ago I picked up a 1993 J-40 (so not only pre-reimagined, one of the earlier versions with the script logo) at a fraction of the new price. The sound is cavernous—it almost sounds like. 12-string guitar.

I’d love to try a reimagined one. Yours is a beauty—congratulations!

[Guitar Doggy]

Congrats on your new Martin - it sounds great. BTW, I think your playing ability is way beyond Bedroom - more like Living Room or Front Porch populated with people (:

[jrb715]

Terrific guitar. I think it sounds wonderful. Enjoy.

[ssstewart]

congrats on a gorgeous guitar. Beautiful!!

[Wellington]

Very cool, I'm not a fan at all of the MLO neck either but I think this guitar would be up my alley aside from the price.

[Emil]

Originally Posted by Guitar Doggy

Congrats on your new Martin - it sounds great. BTW, I think your playing ability is way beyond Bedroom - more like Living Room or Front Porch populated with people (:

Let’s not get carried away.

[Peter Z]

To me, the J-40 is the best Martin I ever played. And luckily, I love the MLO neck best of all necks in my little collection.

[bobster7]

That’s a beautifully balanced guitar, deep but clean bass (no spongy sounds), a nice and more prominent mid-range than ‘many a Martin’ and those clean glassy 40 series trebles. I like this model, I bet it works beautifully in dropped tunings as well.

[Peter Z]

Most people like the J models or even prefer them over other Martin body shapes.
But Martin has only 1 (!!!) J in the current production. They could sacrifice some dreads or OMs for some J-15, J-18 and a cedar topped J with rosewood back and sides.

I wonder why they don’t. Are we just loving but not buying Js? I‘d buy another one and for now the J would be the only Martins I‘d buy.

Let’s make some noise, maybe they read and listen.