I've Got The Itch (Page 2 of 2)

Hey Pete, if you are interesting in getting the most sound for your dollar, don't overlook the various all solid wood Blueridge guitar line.  I constantly get positive comments from my buddies who have swore by their Martin guitars about how great my Blueridge 160A model sounds, at at least half the price of their Martins.  I play mostly old time or country music and purchased mine after my local music store owner turned me on to them.  He had me close my eyes and placed a guitar in my hands and told me to play it with my eyes closed.  He then took it and handed me another.  After playing and hearing both, he had me open my eyes and say which I liked best.  Guess what, it was the Blueridge over his Martin HD-28.  He has since sold his Martins and purchased Blueridge and he sells Martins in his shop.  This from a guy who played professionally in a band at one time with the likes of Vince Gill and others. 
I am not trying to discount the great Martin guitar line, just saying that for alot less money their are others out there that sound and play every bit as good.  I wouldn't necessarily get locked onto a "name", instead giving more consideration as to how it plays and how it sounds.  Try the blindfold test and see just what you want to spend your hard earned dollars on.  I decided the $900 was better in my pocket and bought the Blueridge for about half.

Pete,

You can't go wrong with either guitar. I have a HD-28 and I think it is one of the best sounding guitars in this part of the country. It is a deep warm rich sound and I can't ever see parting with it.

The J-45 has a better action and is easier to play , it has a very different voice than the HD-28, I really like them both, the J-45 is a Spruce top with Mahagony back and sides and the HD-28 is a spruce top with rosewood back and sides.

I feel very fortunate to have them and I would have a really hard time deciding if I had to give one of them up. In my opinion
you can't go wrong with either guitar they are both  quality instruments.

Hope you find the one that's Calling your Name !

j-45, j-45

badeye                                                 

Pete, start saving, but promise yourself to not buy the Gibson until your Martin looks lived in...like you've put some miles under the wheels.

That's the way I always see it Patrick.  A little pain up front for a lot of satisfaction down the line.  You are definately not alone in wanting more guitars.  It becomes a passion.  I've told my wife every other day that I will get another one after the first of the year.  She says fine.  She does not know how much it costs, but it is money, I alone, have saved and it doesn't take anything out of her pocket.  I feel good about it.  Thanks for the advice guys. I will also check into the L-00 tandm3.  Thanks.
I'm working on that lived in look, but I can't hold off that long for the new one.

Pete... 
You had to say the Gibson J45..  I absolutely love that guitar.  I currently have a Martin HD28... and I adore it.  I play gigs often and it just cuts through and sounds so rich and warm..  but there's something about that Gibson..  I had the pleasure of test driving a 1951 vintage gibson at a music shop in Catonsville, MD..  it was sweet.. a little too much $$ for me but it was cool to try it out.  Bottom line..  get the Gibson.  Sooner than later... life is short.
Deb

Benson, if it will help you out, and you buy the Blueridge, the Gibson, or whatever, then decide you wished you had bought the other, I guess I would  be willing to let you send it to me so you will have room for the one you buy next. It would be a hardship on me to go to the door to sign for it from the postman but I guess for you I would do that. Here's hoping you get what you want and that you'll love it as I'm sure you will.

Cam

I've introduced my wife to the concept of a "guitar fund". In fact it is now a frequent part of my lexicon. Occasionally (rarely actually) when I but her something I find a subtle way to let her know the money came from my guitar fund. You've got to be careful with this but incrementalism works. A sign of success is that she has mentioned this term to ME. The on-going battle is keeping the fund liquid. No magic here, just scrimping and saving, and an occasional profit on a guitar.

I am ALWAYS in the market for the next guitar it seems. Within hours of my last purchase I was rifling through Craig's List! Unbelievable! I have managed to pare my inventory to three. One is listed on CL with ever-changing plans for the cash I receive.

I had the itch after a year of playing my starter Ibanez. I just purchased a Martin D- 18.  The sound is awsome and keeps me picking it up and pushing to play better. Starting bar chords now. I too went to buy a taylor and was not even considering a dread until I picked it up and played it. Now I am going to lower the action in hopes to make it even better.

There is not enough Calamine (sp?) lotion in the world to thwart NGI (New Guitar Itch)!

Glad to see youre still taking your time Pete. Half the fun is in the research.