Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 14:42:26 EST
Subject: have you heard of this?

Mickey,

Have you ever heard of a Lincoln guitar. That is the brand name of a
acoustic dreadnaught that I bought in college 25 years ago. It was
inexpensive, and made in Japan, however it has nice workmanship. At least
itn looks nice to my novice eye. The top looks like solid spruce and it has
a beautiful 3-piece back that looks like rosewood with a wide grain. It
sounds pretty good too. Of course, it is no Martin. Doesn't have the depth
of sound. I'm just curious because I have never seen another one.

Greetings Dave,

This is the first I've ever heard of a "Lincoln"...and, I thought I've seen them all!
Sounds like an interesting specimen.

The more important question is what guitar to buy? I would like to have a
nice guitar. I have always thought that I would want a Martin, probably a
D18 or D28. Maybe HD or even HD Vintage because I want ot be proud of my
instrument when I pull it out. I mostly play Gordon Lightfoot and James
Taylor type music. Fingerpicking and strumming. I have played both Martins
and Taylors. I like the playability of the Taylors, but sometimes feel like
they are a little too bright sounding. Martins have that deep rich bass
sound, but I have played a couple that sound almost dull after playing the
Taylors. As you can tell I am confused as to what I want. My ego says
Martin because that's the name I associate with the "best". I just want to
be sure that if I buy an expensive guitar I don't make a mistake.

It appears to me you're on the right track...both Martin and Taylors are superb through and through. We currently have in our family 3 Martins and 1 Breedlove.

Will you please adise on the differences in sound, playability, and value
between the Martins. (D18, 28, 35, HD, HDV, or other recommendations?)

The D-18 will have the warmest tone of all Martins due to the Mahogany woods used. The D-28 will have a nice deep dark tone from the rosewood back and sides. Some Herringbone models, especially newer ones, have scalloped bracing which will brighten up the tone for you and even make the instrument a little more responsive. The D-35 is a nice work of art...although, I was never too sure of the 3-piece back and how it divides up the tone. For you, I'd have to recommend a vintage issue because of the scalloped bracing and the attention to reissuing the original Martin Vintage sound.

I played an HD28Vintage that sounded wonderful, but wasn't sure if I would be
happy with the "v" type neck. Any opinion there?

There you go, I guess I named it before getting to this question. You'd also love the D-18V! I'm sure over time, you can become accustomed to the neck...everything new does take some time to get used to...even so, I believe if the guitar spoke to you, then play it hours on end until you feel totally comfortable with the neck...

Are Martins good for my style of play? If not what should I consider?
Should I look for an older model instead of new?

For the styles of music you've listed, including Lightfoot and Taylor (if I'm not mistaken, I believe Gordon did play a Martin himself), I'd highly recommend a Martin. Another consideration, especially since you're divided between the Martin and Taylor, would be the Breedlove. The Breedlove has a powerful bass with crystal clear highs...a very uniquely balanced guitar with tremendous volume. Believe me when I tell you: The Breedlove surpasses my Martins in many ways!

Any other advise would be most appreciated. I could sure use the help.

Hope the above helps you in some way...good luck with your research efforts!!!

Mickey