[MakoMako]

I've been playing just about any decent guitar I could get my hands off the past couple of days, and I think I've finally got a guitar to set my eyes on. Although I'm also torn on the idea that it comes down to two separate guitars.

The two guitars in mind are both Martin guitars: the D-35 and the HD-35. I played both of them for probably about half-an-hour today, and both of them were absolutely wonderful guitars. I'm very much torn between them, since I can get them for very close to the same price at the store that I go to. The guy who owns the store knows me, and gives great deals as it is.

What I'm curious is if anyone can give me any added info on the guitars that could lean me one way or another. I have a very percussive playing style, and I tend to stay on the bass strings more than the treble strings, if that helps at all.

Thanks in advanced guys.

[Wes Dakota]

Play each guitar without knowing which one you are playing. Pick the guitar that sounds and feels best to you. You can't go wrong with either. In the long run, the most important thing to consider is-- which guitar are you most likely to be motivated to pick up and play.

[dadfad]

...I have a very percussive playing style, and I tend to stay on the bass strings more than the treble strings, if that helps at all...

Although either of those Martins is probably going to be a great guitar, Gibson's are known for the "ballziness" of their bass-response.

Between those two I'd slightly prefer the scalloped bracing of the HD, but for the final decision I'd go with what Wes said. Play both extensively (and if possible like he said not knowing which was which would be good). Then just pick the one that feels best to play. To me, in guitars of very similar sound-qualities, the feel of the guitar is the most important factor. Not a relatively insignificant difference it tone.

[matt_theripper]

Another good trick for picking acoustic guitars is to go to the shop with someone who plays, and turn your back to them while they play both guitars. That way you hear both from a listeners perspective, as well as hearing them both objectively.

[dadfad]

Another good trick for picking acoustic guitars is to go to the shop with someone who plays, and turn your back to them while they play both guitars. That way you hear both from a listeners perspective, as well as hearing them both objectively.

Good advice, because a guitar does sound different up-front listening than from-above in the playing position.

[MakoMako]

Thanks for all of the advice and tips, I was actually at the store not too long ago. I took a friend with me so I could hear the guitars from a listeners point of view.

I decided on getting the D-35. It'll cost me about $1700 before you add the tax in, but its still a really good deal since the Martin site lists the guitar for $2900. I asked probably a million questions on the guitar and their policy, and so far it seems really safe to go with it (as the low price worried me at first).

Thanks for the help guys. Now I just gotta start earning that money.

[matt_theripper]

The D-35 is by far my favorite Martin. It has a very nice rich tone. In fact, the only guitar that I like more is the Gibson J45.

[MakoMako]

The D-35 is by far my favorite Martin. It has a very nice rich tone. In fact, the only guitar that I like more is the Gibson J45.

Thats saying something. I've not played the J45, but I've heard it to be one of the most popular, and most well-built, acoustics out there.

[dadfad]

They are nice, the four or five I've played. Once about ten or fifteen years ago I played a vintage D-35. I'd played a couple before, but not for really an extended period of time. A young guy I was giving some lessons to brought it over to show me. It was his girlfriend's dad's guitar and he'd let him borrow it. Her dad picked a little but not much and had bought it new in the late 40s. Pretty good condition too, and so I guess it was pretty valuable. I played it for about forty-five minutes and kinda really got into it. When I was done I said to myself "Damn, this is a nice guitar. I like it almost as much as my J-45."

It's kind of just a matter of preference. I guess just like the Lincoln/Cadillac thing. You know both are top quality, but one thing or another makes you favor one over the other.

[jones991]

They are nice, the four or five I've played. Once about ten or fifteen years ago I played a vintage D-35. I'd played a couple before, but not for really an extended period of time. A young guy I was giving some lessons to brought it over to show me. It was his girlfriend's dad's guitar and he'd let him borrow it. Her dad picked a little but not much and had bought it new in the late 40s. Pretty good condition too, and so I guess it was pretty valuable. I played it for about forty-five minutes and kinda really got into it. When I was done I said to myself "Damn, this is a nice guitar. I like it almost as much as my J-45."
It's kind of just a matter of preference. I guess just like the Lincoln/Cadillac thing. You know both are top quality, but one thing or another makes you favor one over the other.

don't say that. don't ever say that. don't even THINK it!

haha