dadgum it!... again!

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

dadgum it!... again! Jan 12, 2023 9:45:52 GMT -5

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Post by Garland on Jan 12, 2023 9:45:52 GMT -5

I read a thread on AGF about Guild's M20 series guitar- small body (which I'm not interested in BTW) -

which, of course, piqued me interest in Mahogany, again, since I love the warmth of Mahogany - and I do want a Mahogany Dreadnaught-

Anyway, I looked at the price of the D-20 Guild

Of course I like my Martin 00015M, so, I looked at the price of a D-15M

not going to get either one, just yet... but... yeah, I know, look at and play one in person before...

The Guild specs says it comes with a hardwood case, the Martin a "soft shell" case... whatever that means.

I guess that accounts for the 100 extra dollars of the Guild - keep in mind also, the price(s) are not final and will be lowered by at least 10% ...

Also, the 00015M I have seems fragile in build and I don't really like using it at open mic so I don't use it much at home for practice so it doesn't get played enough to "open up(?)" .... but, it does have great projection...

There are some differences in specs, but... they both check all the boxes for me.

I'm pretty sure I'd not be disappointed in the Martin... not so sure about the Guild but am cautiously optimistic...

dadgum it! again!

Last Edit: Jan 12, 2023 9:47:43 GMT -5 by Garland

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Derick
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 7,595

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

dadgum it!... again! Jan 12, 2023 14:02:07 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by Derick on Jan 12, 2023 14:02:07 GMT -5

Garland ,

It all comes down to what you prefer.

But over the years I've had a few All Mahogany guitars, a top of the range Tanglewood
all solid Mahogany, a Seagull all solid Mahogany Dreadnought, a Sigma 000M-15 with solid Mahogany top with and laminated Mahogany back and sides, and others I can't remember now. But at present I don't own a Mahogany guitar, and have no plans to have one as my personal choice is Solid Spruce top don't mind what type of Spruce as they all sound the same to me, with solid or laminated Mahogany back and sides.
I have a Faith Guitar with solid Spruce top and solid Rosewood back and sides, beautiful guitar, but slightly on the bright side.
MY Sigma J45 clone has a solid Spruce top, with laminated Flame Maple back and sides, beautifully looking and sounding guitar, in theory should be a very bright Guitar, but it is slightly mellow sounding.
My Sigma OM size guitar has a Solid Spruce top with Laminate Lime back and sides, it has a very slight bright tone, again very nice tone.

Last Edit: Jan 12, 2023 14:07:38 GMT -5 by Derick

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

TonyKgull
Global Moderator

Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

dadgum it!... again! Jan 12, 2023 15:01:34 GMT -5 Derick and Garland like this

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Post by TonyKgull on Jan 12, 2023 15:01:34 GMT -5

Garland , said, "....Also, the 00015M I have seems fragile in build and I don't really like using it at open mic so I don't use it much at home for practice so it doesn't get played enough to "open up(?)" .... but, it does have great projection....."

You should get used to that; it should become something you actually love about it. Play that thing and enjoy it.

(not saying "should" to tell you what to do, I'll explain)...

When it comes to natural wood guitars, generally speaking, the lighter the guitar is, the better it will sound. Without exception, the best sounding guitars I've ever had or have now have all also been the lightest guitars I've ever had or have. (Cole Clark, Taylor, Martin and Alvarez).

As soon as you start introducing laminate, and thicker bracing, and non-scalloped bracing, and thicker tops, cheap clunky tuners, heavy finishes, etc; it all adds up to a heavier, overbuilt guitar with very "meh" sound compared to a light, precision crafted guitar.

My Alvarez Masterworks dread, an all solid mahogany guitar, actually feels like it weighs less than the last Godin folk sized guitar I had....and I love it. My baby projects like a canon.

I don't fear taking my guitars anywhere cuz I take care of them. No weather is going to harm or destroy a good guitar in one day if the guitar has been taken care of. I know this from experience in the frozen wastelands of Canada. LOL.

So again, don't be afraid to actually play that Martin. Such a waste to have a beautiful guitar and let it collect dust most of the time simply out of some sort of fear or concern. Life is short, enjoy the quality while you have it.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

dadgum it!... again! Jan 12, 2023 15:41:52 GMT -5 Derick and TonyKgull like this

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Post by Garland on Jan 12, 2023 15:41:52 GMT -5

Jan 12, 2023 15:01:34 GMT -5 TonyKgull said: