D-60 Vs. Martin H-28lsv

[FNG]

Gang,
    Spent yesterday at the shop playing some Martins.  The HD-28Vs really sounded nice, especially the one with the enlarged soundhole.  How do the D-60s compare?  Seemed to be similar in design, similar bracing, enlarged soundhole, bone nut/saddle, but little more bling on the Larrivee but lots cheaper.  I would love to play a D-60, but closest one is about an hour + drive.

Anyone had the chance to A/B these?  Similar sound, playability, etc??

thanks...
Pat

[jimmyd]

I've had a chance to play them both but not side by side. I did like the D28VLS. Big voice. Classic Martin tone. The D60  does have the traditional Martin look. IMHO it sounds very much like other Larrivee rosewood dreads and not like a Martin D28. That can be a good thing if you like the sound of Larrivee. I recently bought a D03R and am very pleased with it.  

[drdan]

I chose the D-60 and love it.  The main things that sold me were sound (the D-60 has more mids and highs and about equal bass), the feel (the D-60 has a thin easy to play neck and I just hate the feel of V necks), the looks (IMHO the D-60 looks better - you get the herrigbone and the Maple binding), and the price (The list is less on the D-60 plus I got mine at over 50% off list - try getting that big a discount on a Martin).  

My friends have said that the Larrivee sounds has more of a Gibson dread sound than a Martin dread sound.  Not sure if I agree as I have only played one Gibson (a '50s J-45 top and neck resored with new rosewood back and sides) that came close to sounding as good as the Larrivee.

Given the size of the investment - I suggest you try them out side by side even if you have to drive an hour.  Also consider the ensemble you will be playing with.  I have been told that in a bluegrass arragment the D-50 sounds better and cuts through more than the D-60.  

I love my D-60 and have never regreting the purchase.  I knew if would be a cannon for strumming but I have been pleasantly suprised that it is great for fingerpicking too.

My main advise to you is to decide which neck you like best because to me that is the biggest difference between them.  The necks are very different.  That is really what won me over for the D-60.

Dan

[Imapickn]

It's all about YOUR ears...  ;)
Don

[jimi thing]

take the drive..... if you are looking for the peace of mind!!

I've tried a lot of different guitars lately as I am looking for a smaller bodied acoustic to compliment my D-60.

IMHO I still get chills playing my D-60 (93'), nothing really has come close to the tone, playability, and value.

Good luck!

Kit

[FNG]

Good input, gang.  Looks like a Elderly trip is in order.