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Post by Johnkenn on May 16, 2019 14:01:27 GMT -6
I guess I’m trying to get someone to talk me off the ledge. I’m lusting hard after that sinker mahogany D-18...but I already have an heirloom guitar. There is definitely something to be said for a new guitar inspiring you to write - and a new song on the charts is worth 100x the price. Not many DAs inspire new songs. But it’s a loooot of money. Maybe I should just pay off debts.
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Post by Tbone81 on May 16, 2019 14:10:50 GMT -6
If you’re talking about ROI I’d say you nearly always better off with a new instrument over outboard. Room/Instrument/Player...Bla, bla, bla...you know the cliche already. The thing is, it’s a cliche for a reason. Hell, even a $5 set of strings can have a bigger effect on your tone than $10k microphone. So I say buy that guitar! BUT! Don’t go into debt for it! That’s never a good decision
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Post by mikec on May 16, 2019 14:26:32 GMT -6
If you don't have a good acoustic with Mahogany back and sides(which this one is), in my biased opinion, you should have one as a singer/songwriter/recording artist. I have numerous acoustic guitars including McPherson, Collings, Taylor, & Martin and I only have one with Mahogany back and sides because I never really thought I wanted a Mahogany acoustic. After a guitar guru friend kind of talked me into getting serious about one, guess which acoustic now gets played the most, the Mahogany one. Just sayin. I guess that means I'm behind you on the ledge giving you a little nudge.
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Post by jeremygillespie on May 16, 2019 15:15:00 GMT -6
John what are you rocking now? Isn’t it an D-28?
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Post by Blackdawg on May 16, 2019 15:36:13 GMT -6
Are you an Engineer making your money from your gear or an Artist making your money from the music creation directly?
That should answer the question.
(not saying engineering isn't an art)
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Post by jeremygillespie on May 16, 2019 15:40:46 GMT -6
Are you an Engineer making your money from your gear or an Artist making your money from the music creation directly? That should answer the question. (not saying engineering isn't an art) I don’t know If that’s the right way to look at it. I make money both ways, but when I’m working with artists, they will 85% of the time use my instruments. That definitely makes my life easier as they are setup properly and all play in tune, I’ve always got fresh heads on my drums, etc. 🤷🏻♂️
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Post by geoff738 on May 16, 2019 15:43:04 GMT -6
What do you have already?
I’d lean to an OM or Ooo over a D style for recording as an all rounder or maybe even a OO but maybe a J 45 or if you’d prefer something a bit of not what every kid on the block has a J 185 even, if you lean toward the Gibson sound over the Martin thing.
But that’s just me and also depends what you already have, if you’re selling something to fund this etc.
A good D18 is a beautiful thing though. But do you need all that low end and volume?
How much is the premium for the sinker mahogany?
Cheers, Geoff
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 16, 2019 16:52:52 GMT -6
Instrument over gear every day of the week, but since you have the Martin family covered maybe a Gibson?
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Post by Blackdawg on May 16, 2019 18:24:26 GMT -6
Are you an Engineer making your money from your gear or an Artist making your money from the music creation directly? That should answer the question. (not saying engineering isn't an art) I don’t know If that’s the right way to look at it. I make money both ways, but when I’m working with artists, they will 85% of the time use my instruments. That definitely makes my life easier as they are setup properly and all play in tune, I’ve always got fresh heads on my drums, etc. 🤷🏻♂️ True there are certainly those that have both and use both like that. I'm sure John falls in the same category too. But even then. I bet you can break it down to what actually get you the most income. Your instruments and skills writing music and developing it or capturing, cleaning, polishing and presenting it. Of course there is lots of overlap but I'm sure even you could say that either your a better engineer or a better writer/player/producer. Like me for example, I am definitely an engineer. I am a very good recording engineer and decent mixer and producer. But I'm not that good at writing music and while I was a very skilled trumpet player at one point I haven't made momey doing that in years. Now sure I know when an arrangement needs tweaked and can help with that or adding parts or whatever. But people come to me to record first and develope second. That's my world. I'm sure everyone's is different.
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2019 18:38:29 GMT -6
i personally find debt to be a creative killer. Boring answer i know..
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Post by popmann on May 16, 2019 19:42:07 GMT -6
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Post by Johnkenn on May 16, 2019 20:15:07 GMT -6
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Post by geoff738 on May 16, 2019 20:48:59 GMT -6
That’s a lotta coinage for paint. Cheers, Geoff
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Post by Johnkenn on May 16, 2019 21:35:19 GMT -6
Are you an Engineer making your money from your gear or an Artist making your money from the music creation directly? That should answer the question. (not saying engineering isn't an art) I’ll always be a songwriter first. In the last 4-5 years I’ve morphed into producing...Mixing too because songwriting and publishing had taken such a gigantic shit in the last decade. But things are coming back around. Finally. I have a D-28 Authentic already, and it’s a beast. Brought it in and played the D-18 next to it. My D-28 absolutely holds its own and is even bigger. The 18 is sooo balanced though. Definitely very recognizable as the same family and if you had them panned left and right I’m not sure you could tell they were two different guitars. The ceramic bridge J-45 kinda threw me for a loop. I had seen Sweetwater offer one exactly like this in 2013 and allllmost pulled the trigger but wasn’t sure obout the bridge. But playing this one - it is everything everyone loves about an old Gibson. Or at least that thunky singer-songwriter sound I think of. Not a ton of sustain, but super punchy. I have to say it was kind of inspiring...and that might push me over the edge. It probably wouldn’t be the best investment - I.e. it’s the one I probably couldn’t get as much of a resale on. While it’s a custom shop, I’m not sure how many people want that bridge (it’s what scared me away in the first place.) But it’s hooked me a little. There’s an even better deal on a J-45 Vintage (the newest iteration) on the inter webs, but it won’t have that same thunk. The D-18 Sknker would be an heirloom - although I think they’ve been selling these and have about ten in stock. Sigh.
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Post by geoff738 on May 16, 2019 21:44:52 GMT -6
Ok, tell me what the sinker mahogany brings.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by Blackdawg on May 16, 2019 21:54:51 GMT -6
Are you an Engineer making your money from your gear or an Artist making your money from the music creation directly? That should answer the question. (not saying engineering isn't an art) I’ll always be a songwriter first. In the last 4-5 years I’ve morphed into producing...Mixing too because songwriting and publishing had taken such a gigantic shit in the last decade. But things are coming back around. Finally. I have a D-28 Authentic already, and it’s a beast. Brought it in and played the D-18 next to it. My D-28 absolutely holds its own and is even bigger. The 18 is sooo balanced though. Definitely very recognizable as the same family and if you had them panned left and right I’m not sure you could tell they were two different guitars. The ceramic bridge J-45 kinda threw me for a loop. I had seen Sweetwater offer one exactly like this in 2013 and allllmost pulled the trigger but wasn’t sure obout the bridge. But playing this one - it is everything everyone loves about an old Gibson. Or at least that thunky singer-songwriter sound I think of. Not a ton of sustain, but super punchy. I have to say it was kind of inspiring...and that might push me over the edge. It probably wouldn’t be the best investment - I.e. it’s the one I probably couldn’t get as much of a resale on. While it’s a custom shop, I’m not sure how many people want that bridge (it’s what scared me away in the first place.) But it’s hooked me a little. There’s an even better deal on a J-45 Vintage (the newest iteration) on the inter webs, but it won’t have that same thunk. The D-18 Sknker would be an heirloom - although I think they’ve been selling these and have about ten in stock. Sigh. If its inspiring to write I don't see why not. Other than possibly finical reasons haha If you can sell something to offset it I would get it. You're already sold on it by how you're talking about it so you don't need much of a push haha
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Post by sean on May 16, 2019 22:23:34 GMT -6
I think a new guitar that inspires you the play and write is well worth. Especially an acoustic because one that feels and sounds right is so hard to find. I haven’t been able to find one that I can justify for several years
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Post by veggieryan on May 16, 2019 22:51:05 GMT -6
Yeah, you will know when you play it if its the one. You also know which of the guitars you own that should really be up for sale. They are the ones you have to talk yourself into keeping. Took me a long time to learn that lesson.
For me, a great acoustic guitar could be a once in a lifetime find so if that one spoke to you I would sell off other gear that is more easily replaced later.
People say back/side wood doesn't matter but to me it matters a ton. You can often tell by the pattern and weight if its going to have great tone. I can see how that sinker mahogany would sound great as the time and elements have changed it and the grain was already special to begin with. Martin used some of that deep jungle ribbon or "holographic" grained mahogany on some of its golden era and war time D-18's and many of those have holy grail tone. Some of it has an almost 3D or holographic quality to the grain as you tilt it back and forth in the light. Does this sinker wood do that?
I have a golden era Adirondack/Brazilian dreadnaught that took me 2 decades of constant searching to find one that I could afford. Bought it as a project and waited patiently for the doctor to bring her back. Every note that comes out of it is just pure gold. The difference between a great and mediocre guitar is considerably wider than the difference between great and mediocre recording gear IMHO.
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Post by geoff738 on May 16, 2019 23:06:24 GMT -6
Going to bed.
Not saying don’t go for it.
Just saying what does it give you and beyond the 28?
I will say I had a J 185 built for me so, yeah, I get the good wood thing. I believe it is a real thing. I’m on a hold for a 56 junior. I am not immune to the old wood is just better thing,in fact I enthusiastically subscribe. But,. I’ll leave it there.
Cheers, Geoff
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Post by chessparov on May 17, 2019 2:12:17 GMT -6
Like the 'Ol Puppy Dog close... Sounds like if it ever comes home, it's never leavin'. Chris
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Post by M57 on May 17, 2019 8:46:28 GMT -6
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Post by veggieryan on May 17, 2019 14:18:44 GMT -6
I was thinking about this thread last night and I just want to share my personal experience that I think a vintage guitar is going to give you more tone for your dollar in that price range. In your case already having a D-28 Authentic you already have the cream of the crop when it comes to "new" guitars. I would be looking hard at a scalloped braced pre-1955 Gibson J-45 or J-50 in the sub 5k price range as a sweet spot for value and mojo and something that is very different to what you already have. There are definitely duds out there so try and get a trial period on anything bought online but when you find a great one its really something. Even better would be to go into the forties to find a rough one with that magical old Adirondack top but I have owned a '56 J-45 with Sitka top that had a very Adi' like quality to it. I regret selling that one. Example: reverb.com/item/21518698-1953-gibson-j-45-sunburst-acoustic
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Post by Johnkenn on May 17, 2019 14:32:55 GMT -6
I was thinking about this thread last night and I just want to share my personal experience that I think a vintage guitar is going to give you more tone for your dollar in that price range. In your case already having a D-28 Authentic you already have the cream of the crop when it comes to "new" guitars. I would be looking hard at a scalloped braced pre-1955 Gibson J-45 or J-50 in the sub 5k price range as a sweet spot for value and mojo and something that is very different to what you already have. There are definitely duds out there so try and get a trial period on anything bought online but when you find a great one its really something. Even better would be to go into the forties to find a rough one with that magical old Adirondack top but I have owned a '56 J-45 with Sitka top that had a very Adi' like quality to it. I regret selling that one. Example: reverb.com/item/21518698-1953-gibson-j-45-sunburst-acousticI’ve just never found one sub $5000 that sounded as good as a new one in the same price range.
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Post by indiehouse on May 17, 2019 15:17:52 GMT -6
Thoughts on the 0000-18 vs the D-18?
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Post by veggieryan on May 17, 2019 15:55:30 GMT -6
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