BUDGET Martin X Series Review (Martin GPC Special KOA)

[@calebbhawkins]

It’s not made out of Koa it’s a print finish on basically Formica. They call it HPL for high pressure laminate

[@BillySoundFarm]

Exactly!... Seems like they're pulling a fast one to me... I figured it out eventually 😂

[@RonHolmes-j1q]

top line $200 guitar

[@njwater]

Yeah def a miss on the strap hole at the bottom

[@njwater]

So a “1” means you are getting exactly what you paid for

[@BillySoundFarm]

@@njwater lol that's one way to look at it

[@calebbhawkins]

Ok so the strap button… It doesn’t matter what model Martin it is. They don’t install the strap button in the guitar from the factory. They ship it in the case. Reason being is that is an impact point on the guitar when shipping and because the button is cone shaped it can actually split the ribs of the guitar when the guitar is dropped on the end button. It’s always been in the case, and most dealers don’t bother installing it because that’s an easy steal for some punk kid to pop out and take home.

[@BillySoundFarm]

That makes sense, thanks!

[@calebbhawkins]

@@BillySoundFarm really it makes sense for all guitars to not have that installed until sold if you think about it. Though so many guitars these days just have screw in buttons anyway.

[@markmarello1211]

They play well for what they are. A good beater/outdoor gig acoustic that actually sounds great plugged in.

[@MindOfKaz]

Hey man I just bought one of these as my first acoustic, and of course started researching after I brought it home and now feel like I definitely could’ve got more with my money. I just like the feel of it over the Yamaha I was looking at, but now I am considering something with at least a solid top and something that doesn’t feel cheap and is nice to play. Would you recommend anything that I could find around the same price range? I would even consider finding something used if it was worth it.

[@BillySoundFarm]

I think at that price point there is no "This is the Make and model you should get", and if it did exist then it probably would be the Yamaha. Model number is 820 or something, has a solid top... But I don't think you should buy another guitar. There is nothing wrong with your guitar, you should play it and enjoy it and All that energy that you are spending thinking about the next guitar you should be putting into learning your craft as a musician. Commit to the guitar you have... But, in your travels, visit music shops and Guitar centers from time to time and play stuff, And one day the perfect "next" guitar will find you. That's how I got a fantastic brand new All solid wood dreadnought for $274 on clearance... That's the right way to buy an acoustic guitar. Doing it with KZbin videos as you're starting point when you don't even need a guitar because you have one becomes a consumer hamster wheel. We've all fallen for it, And I can tell you from experience that the sooner get off that answer wheel and get playing your guitar with enjoyment, the better. ... ... There's one more consideration: One day in the future you'll have a way better guitar than this Martin x series, maybe several. But your x series will not be useless, It's good to own at least one completely HPL guitar or similar, because you can take that guitar anywhere, put it in harm's way, the woods, the beach, the boat, you'll be glad you still own this guitar. It's a fine musical instrument!

[@BillySoundFarm]

I saw a seagull s6 on clearance for $475 at Guitar Center, That's what I would buy today on that budget if I needed a guitar (remember, you don't need a guitar you have one). ... As far as brands to look at in the $400 to $600 price range I would be looking at Breedlove maybe... .... Oh wait... I just remembered I do know exactly what guitar is the right guitar in that price range... Ibanez AE54ce... I did a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHbEYpt-haZ6ZpIsi=Dp4yqqJqt1bBVk0m

[@ChristosAlexakos]

I bought one for $350 and it sounds amazing and it’s a great campfire guitar

[@BillySoundFarm]

Awesome!

[@panjandrum.conundrum]

Sounds very thin. Not sure this was a good idea. You're right,

[@Anthony-qh1xv]

You’re going to laugh, I actually owned this exact exact guitar for about six days… lol it played well, but I just couldn’t do it. Nice review!

[@BillySoundFarm]

lol 6 days is so specific

[@jameswilliford5478]

I'll spend a couple hundred more and get a nice all solid wood Alvarez. I have some decent Taylors and Yamahas and still need to try Martin and Alvarez...preferably all solid wood but not a deal breaker if it's not. My koa Taylor isn't all solid and it sounds great....my Yamaha is all solid, sounds great too but not as comfortable to play as my Taylors.

[@crankshaft383]

To GC salesperson/employee: Excuse me: Ark of the covenant was not plywood. These aren't at GC, but maybe you could somehow cover them in a video: Cort has some great value mid-level solid top acoustics, as well as Alvarez. Also Guild has an import line called Westerly, which are pretty affordable and I think fully solid, top, back and sides.

[@BillySoundFarm]

I have a Greg Bennett by samick ASDR That's really great, that would be along the same lines as the Cort or guild stuff you were talking about. I talked about it in a video I released last week, let me know if you think a complete demo and review would be helpful. This is the video where I was talking about it kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHvNfp2rhaulh6csi=9a_aGeCa-YgqvwsW

[@tigereyedroneconsultantsll8679]

Baby Taylor's were on sale they were a better deal

[@BillySoundFarm]

I don't like Taylors, nothing wrong with them I don't know why I don't like them

[@aperezdeal]

Eh. I keep one in my daughter’s play room. I keep my P.A. Martin in my music room.

[@johnniecrash6283]

Typical Guitar Center.........strap pin missing and the guitar is still on display. Guitar Center has some really nice guitars but they also have guitars hanging on the walls with fret edges that would slice your finger open.

…Almost all Martins come like that out of box. If you look inside the bag or case it comes in, you’ll find a little manilla envelope with the strap button in it. PSA

[@emperorpalpatine666]

The strap pin is in the bags

[@ageary]

Buy a Yamaha = Problem Solved

[@BillySoundFarm]

Yamahas are pretty great... For some reason I just don't want one. I want to want a Yamaha, but no matter how hard I try.

[@raymondameel321]

It's obvious by the way you play that you are: "1" being a very inexperienced guitar player - "10" being a professional musician. I'll give you almost a 1. You are not in a position to give reviews based upon your skill level and experience. Please stop embarrasing yourself. Set the Martin down and find the novice department.

[@BillySoundFarm]

Skill level?

[@shultizzz]

This isn't reddit. What the hell are you even talking about? Anyone can give a review of anything they want. By your logic, you are not qualified to leave youtube comments based on your grammar "skill level".

[@jameswilliford5478]

If anything your post and attitude is embarrassing and uncalled for...now troll along now before we call your mother.