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Date: Sun, 27 Oct 2002 13:49:33 -0600

Hello,

I am interested in buying a Martin D-15. Could you please tell me what you think about the overall quality of the product. Mainly what I want it for and this forms my next question, is playing solo works meant for the classical guitar. Now my second question; What would be wrong with playing such solos' on a steel string guitar in particular the D-15? If I may add a third question; Is it plausible to put classical guitar strings on a steel string guitar?

Thank you so much for your time, answers and any additional comments you might want to make pertaining to these questions. God bless!

Greetings John,

Glad to assist if I can:

I believe the Martin D-15 to be a tremendous value...they are very well crafted...and appear to have a monster sound (at least the ones I've played)...however, they do have a matte finish...which, of course, is what keeps the price down.

The Mahogany top will serve well for fingerstyle approach...I've studied classical music and have adapted many pieces to steel string. Even so, I believe if you're truly serious about performing classical music, then I would have to recommend a classical guitar over a steel string. Unless you're attempting to introduce something completely innovative in the acoustic guitar realm, by playing classical music on a steel string, you'll find it far easier, and well accepted, by following the traditional nylon string classical approach. It is possible to install nylon strings on a D-15; however, expect horrible results. A steel string is braced for the added tension of metal strings; a nylon string guitar is braced for nylon strings which is very light in tension. Hence, the bracing on a classical guitar designed for nylon strings is very light...which allows the top to respond well to the nylon strings. On a steel string braced guitar, there's very little response from installed nylon strings. Keep in mind, although you wouldn't have a problem structurally by installing nylon strings on a steel string, if attempting to install steel strings on a classical guitar designed for nylon strings, you'll most definitely cause structural harm. Mickey

We just recently sold a used D-15 as follows:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2543.htm

Martin D-15 Mahogany: (Near Mint...only a 2 minor dings on bottom bout edge and on back) 14-Fret Dreadnaught * 1-Piece Back * Rosewood Bridge * Rosewood Fingerboard * Solid Mahogany Top * Solid Mahogany Back and Sides * Mahogany Neck * Martin Labeled Tuning Machines * Tortoise Shell Patterned Pickguard * Includes Hardshell Case (Current Sale Price: 500.00) Click Here to See Images of One and the Same Instrument SOLD

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Date: Fri, 3 May 2002 13:14:38 -0700

Please add this really dumb question to my earlier post (Im a mandolin guy...)

What is the difference between an "Acoustic Folk" and a "Spanish Classic" guitar (eg. Durango DF150 and DC150)?

Thanks again, Rich

Greetings Rich,

the Acoustic Folk guitar has steel strings while the Spanish Classic guitar has nylon strings...The choice of guitar would really be determined by the style of music being pursued...it's easier to fret a nylon string over the steel string which contributes to ease of play for the beginner...so, you might want to consider the nylon to start out on and an upgrade to a steel string once the student progresses...additionally, another consideration would be if you have hopes of having a back-up player for your mando playing...which, in this case, you'll most definitely want a steel string...

Folk Music = Folk Guitars (steel strings) Country Music, Bluegrass, Rock...
Classical Music = Classical Guitars (nylon strings, Spanish Guitar) Classical, Flamenco, Spanish, etc.

Hope the above helps...

Mickey

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