FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Martin Guitar D1

Question:
I understand it both the Martin D-1 and budget Seagull models (S6 & +) are made via cad technology. If both are made with the same materials, are materials that are equally good, does it make sense for me to spend an extra $300 on the martin? Am I paying for the Martin name on what is essentially any cad made guitar with solid top and back?

Answer:
However, as your playing skills increase, your ear may develop to where the sonic differences between the two guitars becomes remarkably audible. Comparing a small bodied cedar-topped guitar, with laminated cherry sides and back against a spruce-topped dreadnaught with laminated mahogany sides and a solid mahogany back seems to be apples and oranges to me. Side by side comparison of the two will revealed huge differences between the feel of the two guitars, though this is certainly a matter of personal taste. There is a world of difference between construction of a Seagull S6 and a Martin D1. The differences include: 1.) Martin uses a new bracing pattern, where the top braces tie into the neck block, reinforcing the area between the end of the neck and the soundhole, an area that has been problamatic for all X-braced guitars. 2.) Martin uses a patented, glued-in mortise and tenon neck joint. Seagull relies primarily on 1 big stove bolt to affix their necks to the guitars. Martin has historically offered great resale value. As Martin says in their ads, after 164 years, you learn a few things.