I knew Ukes could go high but not quite as high as that.
Yeah, I wonder if I am missing something? In the case of Martin 1 vs. 3 vs. 5 models, it seems you are paying an extreme premium for appearance. I can't imagine most people could hear a noticeable difference between an apples to apples recording done by same player in same room with same mic. With other brands, these upgrades do not appear to be as extreme.
I can't imagine most people could hear a noticeable difference between an apples to apples recording done by same player in same room with same mic. With other brands, these upgrades do not appear to be as extreme.
It does have some fancy MOP/Abalone inlay on the rosette and the purfling. Also a fancy inlay to the head. The wood is also figured. Those details will account for some of the price. Of course none of this has the slightest bearing on the sound. I guess that the name Martin allows them to charge a premium.
My recent 5K was worth the price to me. I paid just over $3000.00 for it, brand new from a Martin dealer, (I like to negotiate, we began at $4300.00 ). I'm sure there are many who will feel that the 5K is not worth the money, but you very rarely see a used one used, so it appears that most of us are satisfied. If I dwell on what I paid it will affect my enjoyment, so I just enjoy it. It is like they say about Harleys, "if I have to explain it, you won't understand". A Moore Bettah is worth the money to some, but not to all. You pay for the years of craftsmanship and skill, the art and the patient attention to detail. It's not just "bling", it's art when it's done right.
Martin says that it is the same level as their 45 guitar, (approximately $12,000.00). You have to see one up close to appreciate it. And playing it will further that appreciation. Mine sounds and plays as I would expect from a top level Martin. The Martin 5K is American made and the production run is small, so it will be expensive. The cost of materials will be less than for a guitar, but build time and effort will be about the same. It is a true work of art and to me it was worth every cent. It is special and only Martin can make a genuine Martin 5K.
I agree it's serious money for bling, but to some people it's worth it. I'm a bling guy. I paid for several "level 3" Collings instruments even though they are the same build as level 1 (e.g., UC3 vs. UC1). But they include different and highly figured woods, purflings, sunburst. etc. All this added up to 3x the cost of the UC1 or UT1. But it's worth it to me. Every time I look at the instrument is brings me great joy. And often, but not always, the better/more senior luthiers work on the fancier grade instruments. I completely get why it's not worth it to lots of other folks, but it's wonderful we have different strokes for different folks. ;-)