So far (just 6 months) I've been interested primarily in tenors, though I do have a cheap concert that I enjoy. But I think it's time to try a soprano. There are obviously lots of great options out there, and among value priced solid wood models, I'm thinking about an Ohana or Mainland.
But I'm also intrigued with the old Martins. I would be looking for a "player" and have no problem with cosmetic issues, or things that make it non-original, like replacement tuners. But I definitely do not want a "fixer-upper." From reading a few descriptions, I think I'd be ok with cracks that have been repaired and are stable. But I don't want to have to deal with any setup issues (nut, bridge, frets). I'd be looking for great playability and sound representative of these classic instruments, so I can hear what the all the fuss is about.
Given the above, what should I expect to spend for an older Martin S0 or S1? What are typical problems with these instruments that I should look out for? Since I'm not sure if I'll want to stick with the soprano size (the fret spacing is certain challenging for me when I've tried them, though I'm hoping that's just a matter of practice time), I don't want to sink a lot of money in this. A new Martin soprano is also a possibility, but at $419 for an S1, that's near the top of my price range.
I didn't post this in the Marketplace because I'm in the learning phase rather than the acquisition phase. But would still be interested in anything someone might want to part with.
Thanks for any advice/insights!
Jack
But I'm also intrigued with the old Martins. I would be looking for a "player" and have no problem with cosmetic issues, or things that make it non-original, like replacement tuners. But I definitely do not want a "fixer-upper." From reading a few descriptions, I think I'd be ok with cracks that have been repaired and are stable. But I don't want to have to deal with any setup issues (nut, bridge, frets). I'd be looking for great playability and sound representative of these classic instruments, so I can hear what the all the fuss is about.
Given the above, what should I expect to spend for an older Martin S0 or S1? What are typical problems with these instruments that I should look out for? Since I'm not sure if I'll want to stick with the soprano size (the fret spacing is certain challenging for me when I've tried them, though I'm hoping that's just a matter of practice time), I don't want to sink a lot of money in this. A new Martin soprano is also a possibility, but at $419 for an S1, that's near the top of my price range.
I didn't post this in the Marketplace because I'm in the learning phase rather than the acquisition phase. But would still be interested in anything someone might want to part with.
Thanks for any advice/insights!
Jack
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