I want a Martin, but I dont want a Martin

I want a Martin, but I don’t want a Martin…

Time for some controversy. To begin with, I’m not bashing Martin. I think they are a great American company. More importantly, I’m not bashing the people who work day in, day out at Martin in the factories- they are hard working individuals doing great work. Has Martin had slips (think 1970’s)? Sure, but who doesn’t slip up every once and again over a nearly 200 year period? I do, however, think there are two sides of Martin- the make great guitars side and the sell as many guitars as possible side; the two aren’t necessarily bedfellows.

I’m not going to get into what my issues are with Martin. It doesn’t matter. For the “Martin or nothing” camp, it will always be Martin or nothing. For the “never Martin” camp, it’ll always be that. For what it’s worth, I do think some of their guitars are great instruments.

I am speaking to the people in the middle- the people who want a great guitar and whose brand affinity is weaker than that desire. For you, here’s the controversy- there are better for the money, and I’m going to point them out. Truth be told, it’s not the sub $1,000 or even sub $1,500 guitar we’re talking about. Many of the Martin’s in that price range are plastic or plastic adjacent. If that’s your price range, go for it. However, if you waited just a little bit and banked up some funds, you could find yourself playing a much better instrument for not much more. The controversy starts in that mid to upper $1,000 range and up.

Lets start with Furch Vintage. They start nicely in the upper $1,000 range. Yes, they use Martin’s original body shapes, but who doesn’t. They are the iconic American guitar shapes and everyone uses them. Beyond the shape though, they use all solid wood, a fantastic open pore finish, and have innovative neck designs to include the new Active neck that is very easily user adjustable on the fly. They are production guitars, like Martin, but are very high touch with each soundboard being individually voiced. Controversy alert- they are better built guitars. They offer wood combinations that Martin doesn’t and their premium series are less expensive. What about sound? They sound great and play easily. It’s no secret that many lower priced Martins come out of the box with very high action- maybe that works for you if you’re a bluegrass player, but it makes playing harder for most people- especially newer players that are more likely to be in that lower price range. Furch doesn’t have that problem, but even if they did, you can adjust the action in a matter of moments.

You could climb the series ladder in Furch to more expensive guitars and that would be a great option. If you wanted something handmade, but still more affordable than a high end boutique brand, Cirrus is a great option. You’ll find all of the familiar body shapes and traditional woods, with some options for upgrades. Most importantly, you’ll find an American guitar, hand made in Michigan for under $3,000. That’s right, actually hand made, one by one, in the U.S. for under $3,000. You can even go the custom route and add touches to make it uniquely yours- and still be under $3,000. Again, they are better made guitars and you’re getting higher quality materials for less than you would on an equivalent Martin.

What about the high end Martin’s? Yes, there are better options there too.  We believe Huss and Dalton is the finest builder of American guitars in the world. Admittedly, that’s our opinion. For you, maybe it’s Collings or another builder. The point is, once you are into the $5,000 plus market, hand made boutique guitars far exceed Martin’s in quality and tone. Martin cannot spend the time on each guitar to bring out the best in the woods that boutique builders do. The fact is, a custom hand made boutique guitar, even with rare or exotic woods or personalized options will cost you the same or less than a high end Martin- and it’s a better built and sounding instrument.

So, If you want a Martin because it’s a Martin- have at it. There’s nothing wrong with that. I’d even say I like to see it because it helps keep a great American company around. However, if you want a great American style guitar and don’t care about seeing Martin on the headstock, there are options- better options for the money.  Maybe, in the end, you like Martin's more than the others, but it's worth playing them to find out. You may save yourself some money and end up with a better guitar.