Martin guitars are getting very expensive!

[DaveyO]

I was just at Guitar Center recently, and I noticed that Martin has raised their prices alot!
used to be you could buy a mid level for about 1 grand,not anymore.
anyone notice the same?
Dave

[George]

All the more reason to keep buying Larrivee guitars; simply more bang for the buck and lots of great choices for every kind of player.

[teh]

I think it's true on the 03 series or lower but not on the standard series. A couple of years ago,  I was offered 3 times what I paid for my D35 new in 1977. I paid $500 less for my two Larrivees together than I paid for my OM35 by itself.

List price on a D09 is $3,298 and a D28 is $3,299 (source company websites)

D05 lists for $2,798 while D18 list is $3,099 or $301 more ($180 more if using 40% discount)

Didn't feel I overpaid on any of my guitars but it all comes down to what sounds, feels and looks better to the buyer.

[Mikeymac]

I think it's true on the 03 series or lower but not on the standard series. A couple of years ago,  I was offered 3 times what I paid for my D35 new in 1977. I paid $500 less for my two Larrivees together than I paid for my OM35 by itself.

List price on a D09 is $3,298 and a D28 is $3,299 (source company websites)

D05 lists for $2,798 while D18 list is $3,099 or $301 more ($180 more if using 40% discount)

Didn't feel I overpaid on any of my guitars but it all comes down to what sounds, feels and looks better to the buyer.

Good compare, teh. I bought my D-35 locally in May for around $400 under MAP; you just have to be have a good relationship with your local dealer. I ordered mine (lefty), so the store knew when it came in, it wouldn't hang on the wall for 6 months, so they were willing to give me a great price.

There are good prices to be had, you just have to deal (and be a good, consistent customer with a good relationship with a good local guitar shop).

[ducktrapper]

Yeah but as the Martin rep said as she strummed a chord, "That's the worst this guitar is ever going to sound and should you want to sell it, it will retain its value better than almost any other guitar." So there's that.   

[skyline]

I was just at Guitar Center recently, and I noticed that Martin has raised their prices alot!
used to be you could buy a mid level for about 1 grand,not anymore.
anyone notice the same?
Dave

I've found guitars and bicycles have maintained interesting parallels since the 70's.
Used to be the $1k mark was the sane limit for either.
But while the top kept rising a lot of companies and builders came in with products arguably as good at much lower prices.

[nctom]

Both Martin and Larrivee are getting more and more expensive. I've got bad GAS for a gloss 00 and can't afford either one. Same as it ever was I suppose.

[ducktrapper]

I find that life is getting more expensive even with cheaper gas. Now that I'm retired, cheaper GAS, is what I really need.

[rbpicker]

Recently played a 0017 Black Smoke model at Elderly. No grain filler, dull black finish, really cheap looking ( and sounding), marked at $1800 and change.  what is that ? I know, I know, they are trying to compete with Waterloo, but come on folks.

Rb

[skyline]

Recently played a 0017 Black Smoke model at Elderly. No grain filler, dull black finish, really cheap looking ( and sounding), marked at $1800 and change.  what is that ? I know, I know, they are trying to compete with Waterloo, but come on folks. Rb

If so, maybe they should change the name to Napoleon Black Smoke

[Mikeymac]

Now that I'm retired, cheaper GAS, is what I really need.

I thought once you retired, GAS was all you had left...

[ducktrapper]

I thought once you retired, GAS was all you had left...

Hey speak for yourself! It was the dog, I tell ya! 

[nctom]

When I got my Martin CEO-7 a while back and posted about it, it was not that well received here. That guitar is an example of a Martin that is somewhat reasonably priced, gloss finished, and great sounding. I think the 00-17 models are an (unfortunately failing) attempt to get something into the line that is similar.

[Mikeymac]

When I got my Martin CEO-7 a while back and posted about it, it was not that well received here. That guitar is an example of a Martin that is somewhat reasonably priced, gloss finished, and great sounding. I think the 00-17 models are an (unfortunately failing) attempt to get something into the line that is similar.

I agree - for the specs and finish level, the CEO-7 is a good value. It's month those that would tempt me if I thought I needed another guitar...

[nctom]

In reference to another thread, I had to polish the head plate of the CEO-7; the satin just didn't look right!

[fongie]

Yes they sure are, like all other things.........that is why I purchased use, if possible.