Martin Factory vs. Guild

[davismanLV]

As we burn through the worlds resources and things become unavailable, the use of alternative materials will become more and more prevalent. Martin and Taylor are resourceful companies and I admire their pioneering new and innovative techniques and materials. The roomies guitar kit from Martin comes with a Richlite fretboard and bridge. While I might prefer ebony or rosewood as a material, for a amateur kit-building project..... it's fine with me. Look for striped and irregular ebony from Taylor in the future too. I actually think the Stratabond Laminate looks kinda cool..... it has great lines......

 

[SFIV1967]

As we burn through the worlds resources and things become unavailable, the use of alternative materials will become more and more prevalent. Martin and Taylor are resourceful companies and I admire their pioneering new and innovative techniques and materials. The roomies guitar kit from Martin comes with a Richlite fretboard and bridge. While I might prefer ebony or rosewood as a material, for a amateur kit-building project..... it's fine with me. Look for striped and irregular ebony from Taylor in the future too. I actually think the Stratabond Laminate looks kinda cool..... it has great lines......

+1
Ralf

 

[fronobulax]

Correct, they call it Stratabond laminate.

A friend's daughter had a half-size Martin with that neck. It looked interesting and "felt" nice. In the conversation I got the idea that it was something Martin was doing in in the low end models to keep them price competitive.

 

[Just_Guild]

Back in June, my "new" nephew Carlos (Charlie) Martini visited with us from Venezuela. Please see my post for Venezuelan Guitar day. He is a very competent guitarist in the style of Steve Vai, his hero (next to me of course). I took him to Martin which is about an hour drive from my home here outside of Philadelphia. I had not been there in many years and was blown away by what a transformation has occurred. Much more formalized tours (free) with headphones guided by retired Martin employees. Up close and personal in almost all respects. Very impressive museum plus a music room with a selection of guitars and amps to audition. They really do an awesome job in all respects.

It is fascinating to see how the production of a pretty complex and high quality instrument can be broken down into it's respective pieces and components. I recall on one tour that the guide mentioned that Chris Martin put a limit on the use of machines to "keep some handwork" in the creation of the guitars.

A lot of loyalty in both directions between owners and workers. Martin seems to be in their blood.

Very high production, but still with a great deal of handwork.

The Italian restaurant next door is family owned and quite good.

At LMG III, I extended an invitation to the Guild folks to visit Martin; I would host.

I'll extend the same invitation to any LTG members as well.