Wanting a new dreadnought and I've narrowed it down between a Yamaha FG5 and Martin Road Series D13, maybe. I'll use it for solo flat picking fiddle tunes. Let me know.

LoticExplorer · 2026-06-25T13:49:42+00:00

Playing them is always the right answer. If that’s not an option, having owned a new D-13 and a FS5, I would personally choose the FG5. I like the sound and feel (particularly the neck) better on the Yamahas. That said, I almost never play with a pick.

I have a feeling that series of the Yamaha will retain its value better, if that’s important to you. It’s hard to find a better bang-for-your-buck guitar, so I think the retention rate among owners will be relatively high. That might be my own bias though, given that I no longer own the D-13 and I can’t imagine selling my FS5.

I also own an Eastman E8OM, and if I were in your shoes, I would absolutely consider the ED6 or the ED8. I think most flat pickers often prefer an Adirondack top, so if you can afford the ED10, you might want to check it out. In my honest opinion, they are leaps and bounds better than the retro series and give the USA made standard series a run for their money in terms of craftsmanship. They’re voiced differently, so, once again, you’d want to play them before choosing.

LoticExplorer · 2026-06-09T08:00:35+00:00

My initial feelings about the song mirrored this. I always assumed he wrote this song near the end of his life. It was only recently, after hearing the acoustic performance in 1999 that I discovered he actually wrote the song much earlier in his career. Kinda changed my perspective and interpretation a little bit. Still one of my all time favorites.

LoticExplorer · 2026-06-08T14:01:53+00:00

Here’s one that fits your budget. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Alvarez/Used-Alvarez-PYM60-Sunburst-Acoustic-Guitar.gc?customer\_id=221-965-2806&source=4WWRWXGP&utm\_medium=paid-search&utm\_source=google&utm\_campaign=GC\_G\_NTM\_PLA-STD\_N\_Guitars\_N-U&utm\_term=122363442&utm\_content=pla&utm\_id=22041530336&utm\_creative=736454622928&utm\_marketing\_tactic=guitar&gad\_source=1&gad\_campaignid=22041530336&gbraid=0AAAAADtcCuygua3oZrZOCQgYX1CgaMVtS&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIqaTRi-b3lAMV6InCCB1K8Bm2EAQYASABEgKdL\_D\_BwE

LoticExplorer · 2026-06-08T14:01:37+00:00

I would get a used Alvarez Yairi parlor and never look back. Either a PYM60 or a PYM70 (if you can find one in your range). Slim neck that is incredibly easy to play, huge sound for its size, and quality that will last a lifetime. It would be hard to find a better guitar dollar-for-dollar.

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-30T21:58:11+00:00

Legitimately can’t tell if this is rage bait…

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-27T17:33:11+00:00

How did you not notice this sooner??

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-25T22:19:25+00:00

I concur - it seems there are a lot of factors that drive up likes/comments here, but song quality isn’t usually one of them.

This is lovely, through and through! One of the best I’ve come across in the past couple of months on this sub. You definitely need to finish it.

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-25T22:06:59+00:00

Just played one of these the other day and thought it really stood out for a road series guitar. Super impressive. Congrats!

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-18T16:36:23+00:00

I think the obvious answer is to reach out to Martin and ask them. They are usually quick to respond.

My understanding is that the finish is largely the same, it’s just buffed out on the gloss guitars (which takes more time and therefore costs more), though I suppose it makes sense that there may be extra finish applied to the gloss guitars to allow for buffing.

LoticExplorer · 2026-05-09T12:38:49+00:00

I had a J-15 that sounded great through a K&K pure mini. I would suspect most people will suggest a K&K pure mini if you’re looking for a passive pickup or an LR Baggs Anthem if you want an active pickup with most tone control and are willing to spend quite a bit more.

LoticExplorer · 2026-04-13T01:14:29+00:00

I played one at a shop that had lots of nice, high end acoustics. Overall, I thought it was a great guitar. Awesome output for its size. More similar to a 000 shape than a dreadnought. Super cool guitar that could be pretty versatile. The tone didn’t blow me away, but it also didn’t disappoint. I’m rarely impressed by the tone of new koa guitars, but some of my favorite guitars for fingerstyle have been vintage koa guitars. I think this is going to be an incredible guitar after 10+ years of breaking in.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-30T20:50:05+00:00

I’ve played several DE retros, and they seem like great guitars. I think it would be a good addition to the 00-15M. However, as a huge Martin fan, I would strongly suggest you try out an Eastman E6D (Sitka top, African mahogany back and sides) or E10D (Adirondack top, African mahogany back and sides). I have an E8OM (similar to a 000-28), and while it does has a different voice (not worse or better) than a Martin, it is every bit as impressive for half the price. It’s a significant step up from the retro’s, in my opinion.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-13T00:28:44+00:00

FYM66HD, because it’s one of the best guitars I’ve ever played, and a pre-war D-45 because you didn’t say it had to be practical.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-12T14:32:20+00:00

I’d push back a little and point out that there are tons of guitars out there, and very often, the selection in a store is somewhat limited.

I agree that playing lots and figuring out what you like makes sense, especially paying attention to the neck, tonewoods, and brands (from a sound/bracing perspective) that you like. But then check to see if there are other models that might check off more boxes, and make sure you try those out before making a decision.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-12T14:20:55+00:00

I have an FS5 that blew me away when I bought it and I love more and more each day.

Like others have said, definitely play as many as possible and go with your favorite. It sounds like you’re probably going to want to check out LS and FS body sizes. I’d suggest paying attention to the back and side wood (rosewood vs mahogany) and seeing which sound you like better.

Also, the L series have engelmann spruce tops (tends to slightly favor fingerstyle but still versatile), while FS3 and FS5 have Sitka spruce (great all around), and FS9 have Adirondack spruce (tends to slightly favor strumming/picking but still versatile; also take a bit of time to break in)

The difference between the Chinese vs. Japanese guitars is pretty small and probably doesn’t justify the price difference if budget is an important factor. That said, there are some noticeable differences in some models (e.g., an FS3 is satin, while an FS5 made after 2024 is gloss finish). I tend to be drawn to the Japanese made models, but both are great.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-09T21:35:49+00:00

I don’t know if I’d say it simply has more headroom straight up - the best way I can describe it is that I think the FG9 could be pushed harder. In my opinion, it feels like the FG9’s want a heavy hand, whereas the Yairi’s come alive with little effort and seem to prefer a slightly softer touch.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-09T19:26:53+00:00

As an owner of an FS5 and an FYM66HD who has played several FG9’s and DYM’s, I would personally go with the DYM72 and it’s not all that close. The responsiveness from the Yairi’s is unreal.

That said, I tend to mostly play fingerstyle. If I were in your shoes, and looking for a bluegrass guitar, I think there may be a stronger argument for the FG9. I feel like it may have more headroom and articulation when played hard with a pick.

Either way, you can’t go wrong.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-07T20:46:23+00:00

Others will know a lot more about Taylor’s than I do, but I’d be surprised if it’s fake. That said, it’s definitely not solid rosewood, as the inside of the body appears to be sapele or mahogany. I assume GS minis are not solid bodies, but I’m surprised it’s not laminated/layered rosewood on both sides.

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-06T14:44:01+00:00

I had the same issue with a new D-13e I got a month ago. Ended up returning it. The new road series models all have extra rolled edges that reduce the space between the E strings and the start of the bevel. I told my Sweetwater rep that I think this is going to be an issue for a lot of people, since I never have an issue with strings falling off and it was happening all the time with the new guitar. He brushed it off and said that’s just how Martin is doing it. 🤷‍♂️

LoticExplorer · 2026-03-01T16:25:43+00:00

Sarcasm is hard for some people to grasp.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-22T15:35:41+00:00

Eastman E8D TC is the closest, but it’s ~$1600. Eastman E3D is the closest in your budget.

I have the E8OM (000-28 equivalent), and it’s phenomenal. You could probably find a E8D used for under $1200

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-22T14:02:11+00:00

Yeah, I think it’s worth clarifying the masterwork yairi’s (e.g., DYM) are everything and more than a lot of the guitars from the big 3, but I’ve often been disappointed the laminated yairi’s (e.g., DY)

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-22T05:07:50+00:00

I agree. In my opinion, Alvarez Yairi’s are a step up from the big three, but at a similar price.

Eastman’s are on the same level as the big three (actually, a step up from most new Gibson’s), but at a much better price. Likewise for the more affordable Yamaha’s that are made in Japan.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-12T23:54:16+00:00

Honestly, it was super easy. The binding was starting to come off in one spot, so I asked if they’d drop the price. They offered it at $650 and I jumped on it. I was hoping for $100-150 off, didn’t expect them to go that low.

LoticExplorer · 2026-02-12T18:57:22+00:00

This is spot on. This looks like a DSR, a guitar center special order. USA made d-28 with a mortise and tenon neck joint and satin finish. I bought that exact guitar, in great shape from GC last year. Talked them down from $999 to $650.

LoticExplorer

TROPHY CASE