actadh
Well-known member
I would add Brueko to the list.
Does anyone who has both a Kiwaya KTS-4 and a Martin S1, if you had to buy just one of them which would it be and why?
I wanted to reopen this thread, as I just received my Brad Donaldson Martin 0 replica today. OMG, it is amazing. First of all, it has amazing projection. I thought my 1920 Weymann had lungs, but this is loud. It also has the perfect soprano jangle, and that is with pretty "eh" fishing wire that Brad uses. He wants to (wisely) make sure that he hears everything with the same strings so he can get them just right. The Honduran Mahogany is very nice (typically not the most exciting wood to me), the neck feels great, and it just is a joy. It is also also, I think, just about the best bang for your buck luthier made instrument, going for $350. I am so happy with it, I am having him start on a spin on a Martin 3 replica but with a redwood top (sides tbd). Brad was also fantastic to work with and made this process a joy.
My Donaldson Martin 0 is so awesome even the unicorn can't stay away. I have actually been strumming it for the last hour, and I am just blown away.
Thanks so much Rich, I am really pleased that you are enjoying your new ukulele. Here is a link to the pics I sent Rich of his finished uke.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UFLx1LGjgMoeC2wf9
Brad
Thanks so much Rich, I am really pleased that you are enjoying your new ukulele. Here is a link to the pics I sent Rich of his finished uke.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/UFLx1LGjgMoeC2wf9
Brad
Favourite is one thing but accurate is another. I’m wondering which are the most accurate copies of the original Martin Sopranos whether that be a standard 0 or a Ditson. There’s lots of stuff out there ‘paying tribute’ to the original Martins, but when you look closer some are more marketing than substance. So, Timms excluded, what true copies are there out there?
I use the Grellier plans, which are the same ones that Ken Timms uses and I recall were very accurately drawn from a Martin style two. I also have the Scott Antes plans of an early Martin style O. Those plans show the top, back and sides to be .090” thick, which is either a mistake or he had a lousy Martin to take measurements from. I also own a 1930’s Martin style O which is a marvelous instrument and use that for comparison. The copy I made for Rich is an accurate copy of a Martin soprano with the exception of it having a bolt on neck instead of a dovetail. I do a dovetail on my style 3K models. Also to be faithful to the original design, they should be single piece tops and backs, not book matched.
Brad