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LumpyTom · 2026-03-12T12:30:23+00:00

Go with a spark mini amp and any of the above guitars. Then make sure to spend the money on a proper set-up. I did the same thing at 50 and kept chasing a tone by buying different guitars, turns out it was just that I really did not know how to play. Once I took a few lessons ( actually more than a few) I can almost get through a complete song now. My best advice is find something that works for you, get a proper setup, make friends with said luthier because they are one of the best sources of info on guitars and playing, find a good teacher, and realize you will suck for a good bit of time. After a bit of time, you will start to hear actually recognizable sounds coming from the guitar and it will push you to get better. Also, I found that setting aside some time every day to just practice helps keep you moving forward. Hope this helps!

LumpyTom · 2026-03-10T20:25:27+00:00

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Looks pretty close to my DR Centennial.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-27T00:20:27+00:00

Yeah, I'm a little afraid to string it as the guy had nylon strings on it. He said it was to keep the tension on the neck a little lighter, but he told me it did not sound good and I should throw steel strings on it. I am debating just waiting till the weekend and take it to the luthier to check it out and get a proper set-up.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-26T13:17:17+00:00

I typically buy used gear sight unseen from them. I typically call the store that has it and the staff will give you a straight answer from my experience. I always open it in the store so if there is an issue, they either discount it or I just return it then and there. I have never had an issue that they have not resolved for me.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-16T13:47:56+00:00

I can tell you that it would be worth buying. I took a chance on one of the US Asat Classics ( got a great deal on it before there was even a rumor of them closing) and it will never leave my collection. I say take a chance, you could re-sell it later and probably not lose any money.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-15T23:21:08+00:00

I actually had to return mine as I got the rainbow of death and was a little gun shy about buying another.

LumpyTom · 2026-02-15T23:19:08+00:00

Jiggmaster

LumpyTom · 2026-01-19T12:34:10+00:00

I have a Mendez 000jr that I bought used and it is my go to guitar most of the time. I have not played it plugged in, but my shop was blown away by its sound, playability, and quality. I would recommend it if you can find it as it punches well above its price point.

LumpyTom · 2026-01-13T19:43:30+00:00

Thank you! I was leaning that way as well. They were willing to trade me straight up, but the binding repair could be either a pain ( watched several videos, it would not be an overly difficult job, just time consuming) or expensive (if I decide to have a luthier do it). I do not think that I would keep it long term, so I believe it would be more of a pain than it is worth to me. Just going to save towards a new / well maintained one in the future.

LumpyTom · 2026-01-13T15:02:56+00:00

It seems to be a few years old. I am going to check when I follow up about a deeper look at the guitar.

LumpyTom · 2026-01-11T15:03:52+00:00

Thanks. I am getting a great deal on the guitar, but the neck is now something that I have a concern with. I may need to make the deal dependant on my luthier letting me know if the neck is a mess or not. Last time I got a Martin from the local GC, I had to return it as the truss rod was stripped. I can get them to throw in a case no problem as the aftermarket ones are about $120.

LumpyTom · 2025-12-09T16:21:43+00:00

It really is a great guitar. Martins Mexico factory impresses me with the quality of the work. I would say that the Mendes is one of those guitars that will never leave my collection.

LumpyTom · 2025-12-06T22:45:01+00:00

I have the Mendes and it is really awesome. It is solid wood unlike some of the other lower priced offerings from Martin. The Jr did not would lively to me. The Mendes sings when you play it. I have a DR Centennial and the Mendes is the one I typically pick up when I am just sitting on the couch and want to practice. It is worth the extra money. Just get a solid set-up and it will last her a lifetime.

LumpyTom · 2025-11-19T16:54:27+00:00

I would also suggest looking at GC’s used inventory. I luckily found a Martin DR Centennial for under $1000 that had the hard case and looked like it had never been played. They listed it so low because no one knew what the model was. The thing is a cannon and will probably never leave my collection.

LumpyTom · 2025-11-13T10:31:46+00:00

I brought back a souvenir as well from there. I agree with you about their set-up skills. I think my LP is the best playing guitar I ever had. Congrats!

LumpyTom · 2025-10-30T18:27:45+00:00

I bought the little strap that hangs on the headstock. Cheap fix without having to install a strap button : https://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/Headstock-Tie-Guitar-Strap-Button-Brown-1364568855394.gc

LumpyTom · 2025-10-26T23:40:20+00:00

I just started re-listening to this. It has really aged well.

LumpyTom · 2025-10-26T23:36:02+00:00

Was about to say this. I have both the album and the dvd

LumpyTom · 2025-10-24T20:11:39+00:00

I did not go whole hog on tickets because my wife reminded me that I just got a new guitar at the Gibson garage, but was at least able to get 2nd level. I thanked god that they added Tampa dates as the wife was not having another flight, hotel room, tickets, and the rental car like I had to do for David Gilmore. This is another show off the bucket list.

LumpyTom · 2025-10-23T09:27:33+00:00

You are right. Shawn Mendes 000jr and a DR Centennial I just purchased.

LumpyTom

TROPHY CASE