Martin Guitar Discontinued Instruments

[William2]

I was watching a video last week of the Martin DSS-17. It is an instrument I sold months ago and have been having second thoughts about this and maybe buying another. One of the commentors on the video while praising the instrument and the performance noted that Martin has decided to discontinue the DSS-17. Indeed, checking the Martin discontinued tab on their site they have cancelled it. This cancels that whole series of instruments. I've had this love hate thing with Martin. They seem to be only monetarily driven while having quality issues, overpriced instruments, and producing a bunch of crap "new instruments". That said, this irritated me so much that this morning I listed my recently purchased Martin D-15 Street Master. While I have to see the money, I got an accepted offer within two hours. That name is a powerful brand. I've sold other Martin's in the past and they didn't take long to sell. Do you think a discontinued Martin model will become less attractive to future buyers than one that is in current production? I've never particularly liked most Martin instruments. The exceptions being the 15 series and the 17 series. I thought the 17 series was the perfect response to the Waterloo and Iris brand of instruments with that certain sound. And they did it in a more authentic construction manner and at a much lower cost. Should I look for a new lefty DSS-17 or just let this thing go?

[Rockysdad]

I've been playing since '72, I've not wanted a *Martin* in all this time.
The more I read about binding problems, neck issues, makes it all the less likely I'll ever purchase one.

If you really like the guitar, then buy it, to each their own.

[William2]

I've been playing since '72, I've not wanted a *Martin* in all this time.
The more I read about binding problems, neck issues, makes it all the less likely I'll ever purchase one.

If you really like the guitar, then buy it, to each their own.

I agree. I've only been playing the steel string instrument for 6 years now. So, I never got caught up in the Martin mystique. After reading about all these QC issues with the brand I decided to sell the two I had. They do make the instruments eye catching but how could company have these issues when others don't? While I liked the instruments when I decided to downsize, the two Larrivee's were never considered. I'll pass on the DSS_17 and hope the D-15 sells also.

[eded]

I have never and would never buy a guitar based on what it might sell for in the future.  I have always bought guitars because they were what I wanted at the time.  My tastes and preferences have changed over the years (and are much more stable now then they ever were) so I have changed guitars, but I still never buy guitars hoping for a good resale or increased value.

Ed

p.s.: rethinking that, I could see instances where I would buy a guitar for what it might sell for.  Like if I got a real steal on something, like a 1939 Martin D-28 for $50.

[William2]

I have never and would never buy a guitar based on what it might sell for in the future.  I have always bought guitars because they were what I wanted at the time.  My tastes and preferences have changed over the years (and are much more stable now then they ever were) so I have changed guitars, but I still never buy guitars hoping for a good resale or increased value.

Ed

p.s.: rethinking that, I could see instances where I would buy a guitar for what it might sell for.  Like if I got a real steal on something, like a 1939 Martin D-28 for $50.

LOL! I was just wondering if Martin people don't like the looks of the slope shoulder dreadnought. Maybe they just like the D-18 body style. They did cancel the DSS-15 a couple of years ago.

[StringPicker6]

I once owned a Martin 00L-17 in black smoke satin finish with an ivoroid pick guard. The binding started to separate at the bottom waist and the thin neck profile was too thin for me so I sold it fast. It was a cool looking guitar, but I don't miss it.

[William2]

I once owned a Martin 00L-17 in black smoke satin finish with an ivoroid pick guard. The binding started to separate at the bottom waist and the thin neck profile was too thin for me so I sold it fast. It was a cool looking guitar, but I don't miss it.

I was wanting the 000-17 and was told there would be a 10 month wait. I later find out it was discontinued. I'm glad I got rid of Martin fever. That binding thing I've read about. The head of the organization should have been fired for it. I think that was why I bought the D-15, no binding LOL. Well, 24 hours later and my Reverb buyer still hasn't paid up. It makes you realize how classless some people are. Can't wait to get off Reverb for good.

[Silence Dogood]

Martin has probably discontinued more models than most companies have ever produced.  I mean, can they really be all that different?

[eded]

LOL! I was just wondering if Martin people don't like the looks of the slope shoulder dreadnought. Maybe they just like the D-18 body style. They did cancel the DSS-15 a couple of years ago.

I'm nearly certain that the first dreadnought built was a 12 fret slope shoulder built by Martin for Ditson in the 1920's. Similar guitars have been built by Martin off and on since. Exact models usually have to do with wood types and selection, and trim levels. The bodies were shortened (in the 30s ?? I think) to give access to a couple extra frets (demanded by switchover banjo players of the time) and resulted in the familiar 14 fret dreadnaught we know today. As opposed to some guitars like 12 vs 14 fret OO or OM vs OOO where the body is essentially the same with the bracing and neck and bridge shifted up or down for 12 or 14 fret neck join, the whole body was shortened and the bridge is in the same place on the dreadnoughts. For Martin guitars at least.

Ed

[guitarman001]

Best Martin I ever played was an OM18 custom, adi + sinker hog. Cost 5G.

I brought in my (0.6G) OM-02 to compare the next day as was a lot of cash. They were of a level. Decided against. Way overpriced now in the UK and the QC issues are also a put-off. Larrivee does way better guitars at way more affordable prices.

However, it's good we all have choice and different preferences. Each to their own etc, it's not cool to bash. I guess I'm just saying I'm more of a Larrivee guy and the only Martins coming close to the standard models were very expensive custom shops.

[teh]

I bought my first new Martin in 1977 and my first new Larrivee in 2004. Since then, I have purchased two Martins (standard OM35 and Custom 000 12 fret) and two Larrivees (Custom 12 and my most recent purchase, a Forum VI).

The three Martins are all gloss finish and the Larrivees are all satin finish. In the states,  the list prices of similar models is pretty close. I.e. the list price of a Satin Larrivee D03 and a recently introduced Satin D18 are within $60 of each other. For sake of comparison, there was less than a $300 difference between the cost of my FVI in 2021/22 and my Custom 000 in 2015 (pre Covid prices). With the exception of my D35, 4 of my other guitars were purchased through Trinity Guitars (now closed) and the FVI was purchased through the Larrivee Forum.

My 47 year old D35 had binding and pickguard issues about 20 years ago that were fully covered under warranty with zero hassles. None of the other 5 guitars have had a single quality issue. I would buy either brand again.

I think Larrivee makes the finest Satin finish guitars available and their wood choices are exceptional. I have three in the 03 series including spruce/flamed maple, all mahogany and moonwood/walnut. I am also confident that at least one Larrivee Family Member has had their hands on my guitars. On the other hand, I have toured the Martin Factory 12 times over the years and never fail to be impressed by the experience. 

At the end of the day, I enjoy looking for the right guitar as much, if not more, than buying the right guitar. One thing I find interesting is that there is very little discussion about torrified (aka baked or toasted)tops on this forum. I have not played or been driven to try one even with all the hoopla. Two of my nicest guitars are my OM35 that was discontinued at the end of 2006 for lack of sales (I presume) and my FVI which is an LSV body and not available as a standard offering.

One of the coolest companies I've found is Bent Twig Guitars run by two guys in Montana. If I caught my wife on a good day, I could secure her blessing to buy one of their mini-dreadnoughts. In the meantime, I most likely will continue to stick with Larrivee and Martin.

[ducktrapper]

https://www.openculture.com/2016/02/priceless-145-year-old-martin-guitar-accidentally-gets-smashed-to-smithereens-in-tarantinos-the-hateful-eight.html

[Silence Dogood]

On the other hand, I have toured the Martin Factory 12 times over the years and never fail to be impressed by the experience. 

Wow, 12 times!  I was able to take the tour in 2019 with my son (it was his 19th bday) and we had a great time.  It was/is a seriously impressive operation and looks like a great place to work.  Beautiful little town, too.  If there ever was an old-school American Dream company, Martin is it.  I wish them well. 

After our tour we spent some time playing some of the guitars they had on display.  I've played lots of Martins in shops that were just ok, but I've picked up a few over the years that let me know what all the fuss is about. There was one on display for playing that day that was one of the latter.  When you pick up one of their truly great guitars, there's really nothing like it.  Of course, the same is true for any maker. 

I've always liked Martins but have never owned one. 

I have probably posted this here before but it's worth a repeat.  When I got my Larrivee (20 years ago) there were three guitars I was looking at: the Martin D16GT, the Taylor 314, and the Larrivee D-03.  I really liked all the particular ones I had it narrowed down to.  I came ridiculously close to buying the Martin but the "micarta" FB was ultimately the deal-breaker.  I figured I'd be keeping the guitar for the rest of my life and wasn't sure how that material would hold up.  With Larrivee I'd be getting ebony, so buying a $1000 guitar with a pressed-wood FB made no sense.  The Taylor lost out because I knew I'd always want a dread, but that particular 314 was really a great guitar, as was that particular Martin.  I went with the Larrivee and have been playing it ever since.

[ducktrapper]

I bought my first and only Martin, a 1975 sunburst (or shade top) D-35, for my 60th birthday. What I had found over the years was that all the Martins I liked belonged to someone else. When I tried them in music stores, then looked at the price, I was never as impressed. I'm not sure why unless newness doesn't go well with Martins. I saw the sunburst D-35 and fell in love with it. My only beef is that when the pick guard started peeling and I took it off, the guitar top underneath was unfinished. The Martinistas on the UMF bent over backwards to defend that decision by the folks in Nazareth but since they don't leave the top unfinished anymore, I think I was right. Other than that, it is a great guitar.

Funny thing. I assumed that the shade top Martins were rare birds. I went to an open mic a few years back and played that guitar. Another player there got really pissed off because he thought I'd taken his guitar on stage without asking. We later had a good laugh when we discovered that we both had mid 70's era sunburst Martins. His was a D-28 but, of course, he couldn't tell that without seeing the back.   

[Silence Dogood]

I bought my first and only Martin, a 1975 sunburst (or shade top) D-35, for my 60th birthday. What I had found over the years was that all the Martins I liked belonged to someone else. When I tried them in music stores, then looked at the price, I was never as impressed. I'm not sure why unless newness doesn't go well with Martins. I saw the sunburst D-35 and fell in love with it. My only beef is that when the pick guard started peeling and I took it off, the guitar top underneath was unfinished. The Martinistas on the UMF bent over backwards to defend that decision by the folks in Nazareth but since they don't leave the top unfinished anymore, I think I was right. Other than that, it is a great guitar.

Funny thing. I assumed that the shade top Martins were rare birds. I went to an open mic a few years back and played that guitar. Another player there got really pissed off because he thought I'd taken his guitar on stage without asking. We later had a good laugh when we discovered that we both had mid 70's era sunburst Martins. His was a D-28 but, of course, he couldn't tell that without seeing the back.   

I used to know a fellow with a D35.  It was the regular natural-finished top, but man, what a nice guitar.  It was from the 70s as well and had a full and complex tone.  He was also a monster picker, something I've never been myself.  His had one of the old (ugly) blue cases.  It turned out that someone in a church service years before had just randomly given him the guitar.  He had been on stage playing some junker acoustic and a guy in the congregation went and got that D35 and gave it to him.  Apparently the other guy never learned to play it and wanted someone to have it who would use it.  Pretty cool, but nothing like that has ever happened to me! 
 

[ducktrapper]

I used to know a fellow with a D35.  It was the regular natural-finished top, but man, what a nice guitar.  It was from the 70s as well and had a full and complex tone.  He was also a monster picker, something I've never been myself.  His had one of the old (ugly) blue cases.  It turned out that someone in a church service years before had just randomly given him the guitar.  He had been on stage playing some junker acoustic and a guy in the congregation went and got that D35 and gave it to him.  Apparently the other guy never learned to play it and wanted someone to have it who would use it.  Pretty cool, but nothing like that has ever happened to me! 
 

Ugly blue cases? Bite your tongue! We use to call it The Steal Me case. And yes I have one. 

[Silence Dogood]

Ugly blue cases? Bite your tongue! We use to call it The Steal Me case. And yes I have one. 

Yeah, those cases were like a sign pointing that it's a Martin.
 

[StringPicker6]

I'm lucky to live about an hour away from the Martin factory and took the tour three times. You get to walk right past the workers which is a bit mind blowing. I distinctly remember standing next to a a guy hand shaping a guitar neck with a file. It was a pleasure to see American hand crafting still happening in this 21st century.

[ducktrapper]

Yeah, those cases were like a sign pointing that it's a Martin.
 

Along with MARTIN in raised chrome letters. Sitting in amidst a dozen plain black cases, it deserved its name. Ovation had similar ones in brown. I'd prefer the case to say ESTABAN!   

[William2]

I'm not really angry at Martin, just disappointed. The prices, quality issues, and the discontinues, I wonder what the future is for Martin. I thought the 17 series had a special sound even if it isn't for everyone. I actually thought the DSS-17 kicked the D-18s -CENSORED- and did it for a $1000 less. But when I decided to downsize my instruments, I had the Martin D-15, DSS-17 and the two Larrivee's. I just always grabbed the Larrivee's first for playing without thinking about it. When I did think about it, it came down to a sound or tonal preference. For what I play, the rosewood body is just more effective to my ears. And the Martins, while good guitars, they had the mahogany body. My background was in classical guitars, and I am used to that sound of a rosewood body. The other thing was that I always owned minimal finish instruments with French polish on my lutes or guitars. I've always hated the gloss look. Until recently, Martin has only offered their better instruments in the gloss finish. And listening to demos, I never thought Martin had what I wanted as a fingerstyle player. Occasionally I get the urge for a mahogany instrument, but I don't really have any repertoire that is effective on these instruments. So, I don't see another DSS-17 in my future. After selling the two Martins, I bought an Eastman E-10DL to experience an Adirondack top. It has a mahogany body. It has a very powerful sound and most impressive to me is the sustain on the treble strings. But I have to say that my Larrivee D-40R is just as powerful and has an equally impressive sustain. I do however prefer the sound quality of Sitka or Moon Spruce for a sound board. But at least I know now. Selling an Eastman sure isn't going quickly, at least in this economy. On the sale of my Martin Street Master that I listed a few days ago on Reverb, I've had 3 bogus offers. One offer wouldn't pay, one was supposedly a congregation that wanted it for their church, and a Tracy who wanted it for her daughter and said I should send the instrument to her address, and she would send me a check LOL!!!