Which Martin for solo gigging

[Zissou Intern]

If I was you, and I could find one, I'd buy a Martin D45 Gene Autry.

[hotroad]

[QUOTE=L20A;7450140]

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

I'm confused by, "doesn't need a pickup." You are plugged into a pedalboard. Is it safe to assume you use a soundhole pickup? Or that you're going to install your pickup of choice in it?



Or using an instrument mic.

I will use my own pickup/ transducer . Lord knows I have too many of those things from 60 years of gigging.

[rabbuhl]

First question is what is your budget?

[rllink]

[QUOTE=hotroad;7450617]

Originally Posted by L20A

I will use my own pickup/ transducer . Lord knows I have too many of those things from 60 years of gigging.

After 60 years of gigging, what do you think would be best? You're not new to it and you seem to have plenty of experience. I should think that you would have a pretty good handle on it all. You are the sort of person new players ask that kind of question of.

[martingitdave]

I adopted the Martin M-36, but I got a custom version with Adirondack VTS top. I think the Sitka toped ones I played were great too. It’s a great balanced stage guitar with some balls. I’ve only played dreads until this guitar. I still play dreads for different situations, bluegrass, some country bars, etc. Martin’s modern stage shape, the SC, plays like a dream and sounds “good”, depending on which one you get. The GPC was the predecessor and also sounds good.

[GmanJeff]

Depending on what effects are on your pedalboard, the answer may be that it makes no difference at all, apart from what you find comfortable to play. That is, the tone going out to the audience is not going to be the unadulterated sound of the instrument, but will be the sound of the instrument as modified by your pedals/mic/pickup.

To the extent you're projecting an "effected" sound, probably almost any guitar, of any brand, will get the job done if the effects are dialed in to suit. If so, pick whatever is most comfortable to play, and what you might enjoy playing unamplified when the opportunity to use it that way arises.

[Charlie Bernstein]

The scooped sound of a D-28 goes well with most vocals. If you don't sing alto or baritone and you like playing it, you're there.

[rollypolly]

Martin makes some stage instruments like the GPC style models. I’d look at one of those. Or the new SC models. If I had a big budget I’d probably get a sweet 000-28 ambertone.

[DBW]

A 000-18 with a K&K pure mini and a Vox acoustic amp…

[Groberts]

Surprised nobody said D18. There are so many great Martins that work well for my solo gig. I have D18 Cutaway and lately I've been bringing my HDC-28 (cutaway). I have to dial down the bass EQ on my amp quite a bit to tame the prominent low end and it sounds incredible.

(I also love the idea of the M-36. Super comfortable guitar and well balanced frequency response)

Here's my cutaway HD-28 Cutaway (Baggs Anthem PU) from a gig I played 2 nights ago.

[alex0811]

If you already have a D, then trying om/000 is perfect choice.

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by Groberts

Surprised nobody said D18.

Post #5 but it's a good idea nonetheless.

[LAPlayer]

Originally Posted by hotroad

I play out a lot doing covers and originals covering a variety of styles .........

[QUOTE=hotroad;7450617]

Originally Posted by L20A

..... I have too many of those things from 60 years of gigging.

I missed this ...... Gigging a lot, with 60 years of gigging experience and, at least, 6 gigging guitars (including a capable Martin), I'll call you for advice sometime ..... if I unretire.... I would drive over to Eugene and play some Martins and find the one that speaks to you.

[Slothead56]

I’ve played out with at least 6 different Martin models. I think the OM-28 and D-18 top the list.

[mattwood]

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