NGDE (Page 1 of 2)

Pics or it didn't happen!

Happy new Martin day Zurf!

What Unclejoe said.

It would be my luck that it was gone when I went back the next day. Got my fingers crossed for ya!!!

Drum Roll please.................

Doug - That's why I like the idea of a stratabond neck and the high tech body and back.  They are less likely to be affected by temperature changes. 

Piecing together what I've read about it, I think the HPL is a resin based product similar to fiberglass or carbon fiber except that the fiber content is from wood rather than spun glass or spun carbon. 

The stratabond is a laminated wood product similar to plywood, except all of the layers of wood are tonewoods and all the grain is going the same direction.  This gives tremendous stiffness and resistance to warping AND is inexpensive to produce.  Plus I think it's real pretty.  I preferred the earlier stratabond necks that had more of a V shape.  This one is more C shaped, but is very, very similar to the neck on my Breedlove OM Retro.  That shouldn't be too surprising because Breedlove was going for a classic Martin feel when they made it. 

Anyway.  I'm extremely stoked.

Sorry Uncle Joe, but I won't be buying that classic Epi from you.

Zurf, welcome to the "12 Strings R Us" club. As you will soon find out the joy's of a 12 string is spending 1/2 of your playing time tuning the guitar and the other 1/2 of your playing time playing outta tune. Also, when changing strings you will spend twice the amount of time as with a 6 string. BUT, it is all worth it! Before you leave the store with the new 12 string, check the "set-up" - low and easy on the fingers is what you want. Have the intonation checked all across the fret board. Purchase a good quality capo made for a 12 string guitar. Find out what brand of strings are on the guitar and buy another set. My string of choice is Earthwood Lights 9/42 - 9/26. The tuners you already have will work fine on the new guitar but while you have the "Go Ahead" from the "Lady of the House" get a new one. After you are able to spend some quality time with the 12 string you will find it is hard to put down. Again, get it set up right. With my 12 string I can make a B chord in at least 3 different positions.

Just kidding about spending all your time tuning - but thats part of the fun, anyway.

Nela

I  like!💒🌄

Sure is a pretty one, happy NGD Zurf.

That's a beaut Zurf.  Congrats!!

I love to see un-cased guitars.  I can hear them calling from here.

Cheers!
Jim

But how does she play? Is she gentle on the fingers? Does she put a grin on yo're face?
Does she "jangle" in all the right places? Have you stuck yo're nose in the soundhole and smelled the essence of a great new guitar? Admit it - it's something we all do.

Nela

Plays nice.

Gentle on finger tips, but not on finger muscles.

She puts a grin on my face.

She jangles a lot.  I've learned that she jangles a lot more with a soft pick and a lot less with a stiff pick.  That's useful information to have.

I have not stuck my nose in the soundhole.  The back and sides are a resin based material like carbon fiber or fiberglass, except that the fiber content is wood fiber.  If I took a big ol' whiff of that, it might take me a while to find my feet again.

Thanks for all the well wishes folks.  I've been wanting a Martin for some while.  I really like the way they sound.  Though this isn't a traditional Martin with the high tech materials, it surely sounds like one.  I'm going to work on lowering the action a little.  Shave down the bridge a little, and take some relief out of the neck ought to do it.  My fingers are getting stronger, that's for sure.  And I'm having to be a lot more precise about where I place them to get both strings.  I have a feeling this guitar will force me to become a better player. 

Now it's time to start working on an arrangement of Sundown...

- Zurf

Schweeeet Zurf !!!!

As I don't play my 00016-SRGT much anymore, I'm thinking about taking it to GC and see if I can trade it for something I like better.  If I get rid of it, I might have a Martin strap to give you at Chordiestock.

DE