This rig isn't overly decorated, but just enough Abalone to look beautiful, and enough Rosewood/ebony/bone to make a terrific Martin. Serial #872566 means it was built in 2002.
I have a friend who is totally twitterpated over scalloped bracing.. I guess Martin ressurected this technique after the pre-war scalloped dreds turned into guitar-gold with their thunderous bass response. The D-41 has scalloped standard X bracing so we're all happy, I guess.
This lovely instrument sounds wonderful, is fun to play, and may just make my other 'kids' jealous by all the attention I will be paying her. The previous owner had a local luthier drop the action a bit too low for me, and frankly below where the awesome bass shines. A new bone saddle will fix that.
And by the way, honey--thanks for the early Christmas present!
D'Addario EXP17 Med Phos/Bronze
Martin SP 4200 Med Phos/Bronze
She has been given the name Delilah and joins Bobbie, Red, Rose, Opal and Julia.
"Bobbie" - Taylor 306 GB, BigBaby . SN/20010807350-2 mfg 2001. Purchased used. This guitar has scalloped bracing and a big sound.
Travlin' guitar...named Bobbie Magee (you gotta be old to get it)
"Red" - Larrivee D03-R SN/03-80725 mfg 8/15/2005. Purchased new.
As in Red-Green, the Canadian. Red is my fester and jammin' box.
"Rose" - Gitane DG250M SN/0308240276 . Gypsy Jazz w/ K&K-Sound passive pickup. mfg 2003 Purchased new. My main box for church.
For Gypsy Rose Lee
"Opal" - Ovation CS245 SN/7057590 12-string w/ onboard preamp. mfg 1998-2001 Purchased used.
I just like the assonant sound 'O'.
"Julia" - Martin 12DX1 SN/1283262 12-string w/ K&K-Sound passive pickup. mfg 2007. Purchased new.
Big, loud and meaty like Julia Child. Made in Mexico, so pronounced Hoolia.
And of course, "Delilah" - Martin D-41 SN/872566 mfg 2002. Purchased used.
..Because Delilah was very beautiful and sensual.
Soon, I'll have another to add. I'm building a Les Paul type electric with Myrtle top set and Mahogany body. Progress in building will be on alaskawood .
I'll need to come up with a good name...maybe Myrtle
Some other instruments:
Seagull S series Grand F9 for my wife
Michael Kelly F-style mandolin SN/230223
Epiphone A-style mandolin MM 30/AS SN/DW06110083
Update: I wanted to bring the action up on the D-41 so I could get more boom out of her, and went to local guitar repairman, Mike Fleck, to get a bone saddle blank. He said he didn't have any in stock, but just makes his own from bone he buys down at Alaska Mill and Feed.
Well, darn, why didn't I think of that? I ran down to the feed store and grabbed a nice clean cow bone and after a little bandsaw and sander work, I began filing the compensation and had a new saddle in a jiffy for a fraction of the price buying it online.
Of course, the bottom line is the sound--and she sounds great!
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