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Old 05-07-2024, 08:52 AM
jcpharm jcpharm is offline
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Default Affordable options similar to Martin M-36 (0000 body shape)

i tried to search the forum and could not find an obvious thread that covered this (so feel free to send me links to threads you know of), but i really like the M-36 body shape/type but want to see if there are other options. i priced out a Martin custom shop build which runs around $6k+ and am hoping to find more affordable options.

Although, i do like the base version of the M-36, I would like to see if there are options for different stain/bursts for the top, perhaps torrified tops, different tuners (like open-gears), etc. I already looked into the J-40 and would prefer the more shallow depth of the M-36. If you know of other builders who make this body shape, would luv to hear about them and explore. Thank you!
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Old 05-07-2024, 09:10 AM
12barBill 12barBill is offline
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https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=679372

You may want to read through this previous thread.
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Old 05-07-2024, 09:13 AM
AE-19 AE-19 is offline
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Not knowing the specs, what about a Larrivee L body?
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Old 05-07-2024, 10:26 AM
jcpharm jcpharm is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 12barBill View Post
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=679372

You may want to read through this previous thread.
ah, thank you so much - definitely missed this thread - although reading thru it confirmed my suspicion that there are not a lot of affordable alternative options to the M-36 (sigh).
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Old 05-07-2024, 10:30 AM
jcpharm jcpharm is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AE-19 View Post
Not knowing the specs, what about a Larrivee L body?
i could be wrong but aren't Larrivee's L-body a little deeper than 000 depth?
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Old 05-07-2024, 11:41 AM
Jwills57 Jwills57 is offline
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I see that I did post on the aforementioned thread but to reiterate--I commissioned two OOOO-style guitars in the Martin tradition from luthier Pat Foster (patfosterguitars.com). At the time I commissioned, he didn't have a OOOO model in his lineup, but he was really keen to give it go, got his hands on a Martin OOOO-28, took all the measurements, made all the molds and jigs. I can tell you--these guitars are amazing and Pat is an amazing luthier. His attention to detail, his thoughtfulness, his passion for his craft are top shelf all the way. I think his base price is $4,800, which, considering the quality, is a bargain in the world of handmade guitars today. Might be worth your time checking out his website and giving him a call. He's a super nice guy and will listen to your ideas with great care.
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Old 05-07-2024, 01:24 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Default Affordable options similar to Martin M-36 (0000 body shape)

Not a lot of options for the M body outside of the standard from Martin, used customs, and the occasional luthier built instrument. The Larrivee L comes close but it’s not scalloped by default. You may find more Martin J bodies, which have more bass and a deeper body.
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Last edited by martingitdave; 05-07-2024 at 02:24 PM.
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Old 05-07-2024, 02:07 PM
abn556 abn556 is offline
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When I started looking at the M-36, the J-40 seemed like more guitar for not much more money.
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Old 05-07-2024, 02:31 PM
zplay zplay is offline
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A used Bourgeois Grand Auditorium/JOMT would probably be your best option if you can find one. Nut width might be either 1 3/4 or 1 23/32 ".
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Old 05-07-2024, 02:59 PM
Br1ck Br1ck is offline
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I know, it's only money. But an M 36 prorated over the twenty years you might expect to play it, is really the cheapest option. I had one as my only acoustic for 25 years.
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Old 05-07-2024, 03:02 PM
llew llew is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by abn556 View Post
When I started looking at the M-36, the J-40 seemed like more guitar for not much more money.
Having owned both I agree!
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Old 05-07-2024, 03:07 PM
phavriluk phavriluk is offline
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Why the fixation on body shape?
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Old 05-07-2024, 03:20 PM
martingitdave martingitdave is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phavriluk View Post
Why the fixation on body shape?

My experience is that the 0000 body shape has some voodoo going on. I can’t explain it, but they sound different from other body shapes - wide width and shallow depth.
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Old 05-07-2024, 03:26 PM
LAPlayer LAPlayer is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jcpharm View Post
....tried to search the forum and could not find an obvious thread that covered i priced out a Martin custom shop build which runs around $6k+ and am hoping to find more affordable options.
A used M36 would be the most affordable version of the M36. You might want to post what your idea of "more affordable" option is to you.
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Old 05-08-2024, 05:19 AM
jcpharm jcpharm is offline
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Thanks for all the great input and feedback. appreciate the suggestions for J-40, but i've playd one and it didn't quite click with me - i think i prefer the shallower depth of the M-36.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LAPlayer View Post
A used M36 would be the most affordable version of the M36. You might want to post what your idea of "more affordable" option is to you.
Yes, i know i could just get a M-36 but the picky side of me would like to change some of the appointments such as the tuners, staining on top, fretboard markers etc. so i wanted to see if there were other options out there. you're right, if i just want a M-36, i could just get a M-36 (new or used) but when i said "more affordable" was comparing to the custom build i priced out on Martin Custom Shop which will run just over $6k - so by "affordable" i guess i am thinking cheaper than that.
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