Martin Guitar

[locster]

Just noticed on another website about the Martin Signature series Lightfoot guitar. I recall posting a while back that this would be a good idea, and zowie! here it is. I'm sure they'll be great guitars, but I'll stick with my Mossman.

[Bill]

Just noticed on another website about the Martin Signature series Lightfoot guitar. I recall posting a while back that this would be a good idea, and zowie! here it is. I'm sure they'll be great guitars, but I'll stick with my Mossman.

[scottwp]

I found info on the GL Signature guitar on http://www.mguitar.com/SoundingBoard/index.asp if anyone is interested. It will a special version of a D-18. There only going to produce 61 of them. I just bought a HD-28, last year. Now I wish that I had waited. They didn't list a selling price for the guitar. Will be availble early next year.

[Steve]

I found info on the GL Signature guitar on http://www.mguitar.com/SoundingBoard/index.asp if anyone is interested. It will a special version of a D-18. There only going to produce 61 of them. I just bought a HD-28, last year. Now I wish that I had waited. They didn't list a selling price for the guitar. Will be availble early next year.

[CanadaGirl38]

I E-mailed Elderly Instruments. They are the #1 seller of Martins and got a total allocation of one! They are taking reserves in case they can get any more - something like $2,600 discounted. Oh, well....

[fezo]

I E-mailed Elderly Instruments. They are the #1 seller of Martins and got a total allocation of one! They are taking reserves in case they can get any more - something like $2,600 discounted. Oh, well....

[BuddyP]

I live a few miles away from Elderly Music and they told me the same thing. A little less than $3,000, it looks like beautiful axe though. MY Martin only cost me $1,200.

[Bill]

Knotty -- I know what you mean; my Martin only cost $800 back in 1980. I've seen some of these specialty Martins, and they tend to be a cut above even their own regular axes. But still, past the gee-whiz factor you can get as good of a guitar cheaper. Hey, Gord doesn't play one!

What I'd like to see is a retooled Gibson B45 model (the originals are hard to play)...but Gibson has never gotten behind that guitar, dropping it from their line several times. Still, they have done some artist commemorative guitars -- ones that are less associated with the artist than the B45 is with Gord!

[charlene]

If I had the bucks I would buy one! (I have to transfer the Can.$ to US$) I haven't a lick of talent in my body for playing it but I want one anyway! If you can strum the damn thing - get one - run to the store and grab it while you can!
Char

[charlene]

If I had the bucks I would buy one! (I have to transfer the Can.$ to US$) I haven't a lick of talent in my body for playing it but I want one anyway! If you can strum the damn thing - get one - run to the store and grab it while you can!
Char

[scottwp]

Bill,

What is the problem with the original B-45?
Why does it need to be retooled? I would buy one if I could find one anywhere. Gibson dosen't list them in their catalog or website. Have tried several other brands of new 12ers. The one I liked best was a Taylor, I forget the model, it was about $1,100.

There is a article about Gord and the B-45 in the Jan 2000 issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Also a review of Songbook and a side article about his guitars, even tells which strings and pick he uses.

[Steve]

Bill,

What is the problem with the original B-45?
Why does it need to be retooled? I would buy one if I could find one anywhere. Gibson dosen't list them in their catalog or website. Have tried several other brands of new 12ers. The one I liked best was a Taylor, I forget the model, it was about $1,100.

There is a article about Gord and the B-45 in the Jan 2000 issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine. Also a review of Songbook and a side article about his guitars, even tells which strings and pick he uses.

[Bill]

The best B45s are generally considered to be mid 1960s models ('64 - '65) bacause materials and workmanship were superior. They came in a variety of bridge configurations (slot through, pin, and tail piece). Early in his career Gord played a blonde slot-through, then switched to the cherry sunburst (pin now, slot earlier). They are not highly prized in the vintage market as pro guitars go, but a clean one will still run $800 - $1200. Later years are said not to sound as good (laminate woods?) They were reissued in the early 90s, but quickly went away. The originals were solid mahogany with rosewood fingerboard & bridge. Hard to play because the neck is 2" wide at the nut (wider than most 12 strings). The increased mass of the neck could contribute to the unique sound though. Also hard to play because of neck bow over the years from string tension. Bridges tend to "belly up" and detatch also...basicly a high maintenance guitar if not cared for well. So people go for Takamines or Taylors -- very easy to play, but so little soul! And Martin twelves have always been "tinny". Interesting side note -- my two favorite artists Gord & Leo Kottke both have been B45 players.