Why are Martin guitars so hard to play?

The problem is that every Martin I've played has been orders of magnitude more difficult to play than the comparable Taylors. The person at the music shop says that it's because Martin ships their guitars with high action and heavy strings opposed to Taylor who ships them with lower action and lighter strings.

Is Martin guitar hard to play?

Playability is 95% about setup. If you have it set up properly, a Martin is as easy to play as any other guitar.

Is a Martin or Taylor easier to play?

Some people find barre chords easier to fret on Taylors because of the slightly smaller radius. The reverse of that is that melody and lead lines might be easier to pick out on the Martin, with the slightly flatter neck.

Are Martin guitars really that good?

When it comes to acoustic guitars, Martin Guitars are one of the best out there. From the Avett Brothers to David Gilmour, many musicians use this brand and they have a solid reputation. Martin Guitars have been around since 1833, so their history goes way back and they have made many great guitars.

Is Taylor better than Martin?

The main differences between Taylor vs Martin guitars are: Taylor Guitars are often described as crisp and modern, whereas Martin guitars have a classic sound. Taylor Guitars has a 15-inch fretboard radius as a standard, whereas Martin guitars usually have a 16-inch fretboard radius.

GSWJ - Why Do I Hate Martin Guitars?

Are Martin guitars fragile?

a martin is no more fragile than any other acoustic guitar. in fact, most makers get their woods from the same place, especially the tops.

What is the easiest Martin to play?

The Junior Series was designed to be comfortable and easy to play so Juniors are the perfect first guitar. They even include some full-sized Martin features like scalloped X-bracing.

Is Gibson better than Martin?

The Quick Answer. Gibson acoustic guitars often sound fuller than Martin's which usually sound more delicate. Martin offers guitars for all price ranges whilst Gibson only make high end guitars. Gibson mainly make dreadnought and jumbo guitars whereas Martin mainly make dreadnoughts, mid-sized and smaller shapes.

Who plays Martin acoustic?

Willie Nelson

The amplified Martin N-20 nylon-string acoustic guitar has been the legendary country star's iconic companion since 1969.

Are Taylor Guitars as good as Martins?

Taylors are generally known for having a very bright yet rich sound, with more clarity but perhaps less body than a Martin. The company is also praised for guitar-to-guitar consistency and build quality.

What famous musicians play Taylor Guitars?

Though our roster of partner musicians includes major contemporary artists such as Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Zac Brown, and Jason Mraz, we also work closely with Taylor players who are working hard to share their music with a larger fanbase.

Which acoustic guitar is easiest to play?

Do Martin guitars sound better with age?

Why is the tone of older Martin guitars more robust than those fresh off the shelf? One key reason is that the tonewoods will gradually lose moisture as they age. As a result, they become lighter, and more resonant.

What model Martin guitar does Eric Clapton play?

Its body size is based on Eric's favorite Martin model: the 14-fret 000. Eric uses resonator guitars (also called dobros) on occasion. According to Lee Dickson, Eric's guitar technician, he plays an old resonator guitar that was purchased many years ago. It is a composite of two separate resonator guitars.

What does 000 mean in Martin guitars?

000 = Auditorium. The 14-fret version introduced 1934 (see below.) 0000 = Grand Auditorium aka size M. Introduced in 1977 as a flattop guitar that uses the body shape from Martin's Size F archtop Jazz guitar from the 1930s.

Who plays a Martin D 18?

Performers throughout music history including Elvis Presley, Doc Watson, Peter Rowan, Paul Simon, Jerry Garcia and Kurt Cobain were all known to favor the D-18, an 18 Style Dreadnought with the rich tone versatile enough to suit performers from any era.

What is the most sought after Martin guitar?

The most expensive guitar ever sold at auction is a 1959 Martin D-18E acoustic which was famously played by Kurt Cobain during Nirvana's 'MTV Unplugged' performance. It sold for $6 million at Julien's auction house in June 2020.

What is the most affordable Martin guitar?

Most Affordable – Martin X Series D-X2E. The Martin X Series D-X2E an affordable guitar made of sustainable, less costly materials. Still, it's a nice-looking guitar, and the quality is superb! It plays and sounds like a Martin; loud and proud with lots of low-end.

What is the most iconic Martin guitar?

The D-28 is the classic Martin guitar. Revered by musicians the world over, it is one of the go-to instruments for the world's most talented guitarists.

Do Martin guitars need to be set up?

The salesperson replied, "If you want one you can get one at a 50% discount, BUT 95% of the time Martin guitars are perfect right outta the box. Low action with no buzzing. No set-up needed."

How do you maintain a Martin guitar?

Your instrument is made of thin wood which is easily affected by temperature and humidity. C. F. Martin recommends that you keep your instrument's humidity level between 45-55% and temperature between 72-77 degrees Fahrenheit. A rapid change in temperature or exposure to cold can cause small cracks in the finish.

What wood are Martin guitars made of?

The most common top tonewood is Spruce. Martin uses a variety of different types of Spruce including Sitka, Engelmann, Adirondack, Red and Italian Alpine, each with their own distinct tonal characteristics.