Pete Howlett
Well-known member
Tried a natural Cherry and Koa MArtin retro 3s today. I have a great respect for this company but have to sadly and regretfully say that these two beauties were just that. They had no personality, warmth or ... I dunno, I can't explain it. Maybe it was because they were too perfect, too symmetrical, too clean - binding was superb on both. However, there was none of the old pazzaz there and the matte/slightly satin finish is a big mistake.
Still 10/10 for trying to reissue - 5/10 for sound quality and historical integrity - faults are:
Still 10/10 for trying to reissue - 5/10 for sound quality and historical integrity - faults are:
- Very ugly headstock - to long
- Fingerboard end to utiliterian - no softening
- Fingerboard too thick
- Braces not notched but feathered into the linings - this is very poor and lazy construction technique for such an expensive instrument
- Neck to body joint imperfect - gap at the top and the fitting wasn't great either
- Finish sprayed on too dry - it makes a rasping sound as you pass your hand over it. This is artificial matte finishing
- Superb overall build quality
- Good selection of materials - koa subtle curly, not outrageous but AAA and the cherry was a good rising match although could have been more on the quarter for the top and back
- Cone heel perfectly proportioned
- Interior exceptionally clean with the kerfed lining scaled properly to the instrument, braces neatly sanded and finished