Buying Tips for Martin Nylon String Guitars

Good comments bro. I wouldn't mind hearing a vid regarding the change of the pre-70 00-28cs and why you have such affection the Brazilian rosewood spec martins since I'm in the market!

If I could only own one guitar, it would actually be the 00-18G (spruce/mahogany). That is my favorite of all of them (and much less expensive than the 28C or 28G BRW models). Basically, after 1969 Martin quit using BRW (or limited the use of it) and changed the scale from 25.4" to 26.44", and widened the nut to 2 1/16". They began using Indian Rosewood on the 28C models. Still used the spruce/mahogany on the 00-18C with the new specs. I prefer the pre-1970 specs, many like the new specs.

Check out the following models, 00-28G, 00-28C, 00-18G, 00-18C, 00-16C (most of these are demonstrated on other videos of mine on this channel). The 00-28C, 00-18C and 00-16C will all be subject to the pre/post 1970 spec change. You may prefer a different one than I do. The only way to know for sure is to try them out.

What a pleasant gentleman.

Ok, talk n-10 and 00-16c. I would say I play stuff you normally don't play on classical. Just want something warm and not boxy.

Hey Chris! I had a 1959 00-18G.Biggest regret is doing a trade on it. Enjoy your collecting! ;)

I have similar regrets about many guitars that have passed through my hands over the years. I currently have two 00-18Gs. I'll eventually sell one of them, but one of them is staying with me as long as I can still play.

lemme know about the 00-18g when it "comes time"; the prices i'm seeing aren't matching the condition of the instruments.

Chris- I really appreciate your willingness to share information. I'm trying decide on a buying a nylon string guitar. Where do you find the older Martin nylon guitars? Also, have you ever played the 000C-16SRNE or 000C-16SGTNE? and if you have any thoughts on these models. I'm looking for a nice articulate sound, not to muddled. Thanks, Jim

Jim, I find them on the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum, the Acoustic Guitar Forum, Craigslist, Ebay and other internet sources. Since people know I like them from these videos, they occasionally contact me if they want to buy or sell one. Local dealers call me if they get trade ins. So...they come from different places. I am familiar with the SRNE and STGNE. They are crossover models, as is the new 000C model, with 1-7/8" nuts and longer scales 26.44" versus the 2" nut/25.4" models.

The crossovers are quite different instruments to me. Some people prefer them, others (like me) prefer the pre-1970 2"/25.4" models. In general, you will give up some tone quality with a Martin crossover, but you get a narrower neck and it is slightly radiused. You will probably have to play both to determine your preference. The 000C is not too hard to find, if you like it, you will probably like the SRNE/SGTNE. Somewhere on this channel, I demonstrated an 000C.

Just saw your "not too muddled" comment. You might want to lean toward an older non-crossover nylon 00-16C, 00-18C, 00-18G, 00-28G, 00-28C. Go hang out in the "Classical Gas" section of the Martin Forum and you will learn a lot about Martin nylons. My Forum name over there is ccfingerstyle.

Thanks for responding to my question. Your videos have been very helpful. Can you tell me if the nut width varies on the 00-18G by year?. I like the crossovers, but I prefer the wider 2" nut width. Also, do the Martins have a smaller profile than standard spanish classical guitars. Lastly, have you ever diabled with pickups on these type guitars. Thanks again, JIm H.

The nut width will vary very slightly on the 00-18Gs since back when they were built they were essentially carved by hand I am told. Not much, maybe 1-31/32 to 2". All the ones I have tried feel pretty much the same,, so it is not a very noticeable difference. They feel a bit smaller in the hands than a typical classical to me...but not much. The 18G has a larger lower bout than the other model, but still feels small and light to me. The 16C and 18C are also very light. 28C is a bit heavier.

Yes on the trying pickups. Tried K & K Western, L.R. Baggs iBeam. So far nothing has worked great. Using a L.R. Baggs Para Acoustic D.I. box with the above helps. I use other nylons I own for amplified playing, so I haven't spent to much time trying to get these Martins amplified. Others can probably tell you more about this. I've got an inexpensive Takamine CP132SC that sounds great amplified. And I have a Kirk Sand which is as good as it gets amplified (for nylons) in my opinion.

Hey look guys,  a man with an "Alex Trubek" (Jeopardy fame)  body with a "Bill Clinton" voice.  Seriously, great video.  How do you come about buying so many guitars?  Do you resell them?  How bad are the newer classical Martins?

I'm thinking about nylon and you certainly are a wealth of information. Thanks.

Thank you for the buying tips. With your information I was able to negotiate a nice price on a 1950 0018G this past weekend. It has a few battle scars but very clear treble strings with a warm deep bass. I will continue to follow your videos. Very helpful!

I've been looking for a Martin for a long time. So hard to find for a good price. My husband asked me to stay home with the kids so I have a little time to play guitar but little $ to spend on a nice one. I love playing classical finger style. Do you know how the Favilla C-5 compares to the Martin classicals. It is an all mahogany from about the 60's.

You are very good. I have been playing steel string guitars for over 50 years but here lately I've been thinking of trying a nylon string guitar. I don't want to spend thousands of dollars but I don't want an El Cheapo either. I like the sound of the Martins and you can really do them justice. I like the sound of Willie Nelson's nylon string guitar. It has a warm sound like I like but I like the sound of your guitars also. Thank you for this really good video demonstrating Martin Nylon String Guitars.

May introduce myself, my name is Xavier Soranells , guitar player and songwriter from Barcelona Spain.
First of all congratulations for this video.
I just needed about 49 seconds to feel like I was listening to Chet Atkins , by the way of talking, the calm , the passion and wisdom you show.
So thank you again for letting me have a good time watching this video!
Cheers!
Xavier

Dear Chris, thank you for the comprehensive advice you offer regarding vintage Martin guitars. I recently acquired a very nice 1962 00-18G for £799 from a well known UK trader. It has a few dings and marks and the case is one step up from cardboard, but I prefer guitars that have been played, rather than stored. I replaced the strings with Savarez whites (low tension as action at 12th fret is 5/32" but plenty of saddle left!). For me Savarez are the best.
I have been playing classical guitar for 45 years, including studying to Grade 8 with the LCM in the 1980's and thought I knew the sound I liked ie huge volume/projection with strong bass and trebles etc. My main guitar is a fantastic spruce-topped Grand Concert Yamaha; I also have various mid-range Cuencas/Ramirez and Gibson and Fender electrics.
As soon as I picked up and played the 18G, I really loved the warmth and playability of this small guitar. I will (probably) never play it in public at a Wedding or other event, but am so pleased that I own such a lovely instrument (and about 20 more - luckily my wife has never seen them all together). Thanks again for your advice which informed my purchase, Regards Andy.

Hello
Nice video and playing
what are the strings you are using?
thks
Best
Nicolas

Hello Chris, I enjoyed your demonstration. I have a 1958 00 - 28G for sale. the Brazilian rosewood on this one is very special tight vertical grain. The guitar is in good shape and plays wonderfully. At one time the side of the guitar suffered a significant crack, and it was professionally repaired. Are you interested? I live in Ventura California....$2900

Great information - thank you Chris. I enjoyed your 5-Martin comparison on you other video as well. Any suggestions on where to look for a 00 18G?

Chris, I just wanted to say that due to the lack of definitive info online on Martin classicals, I watched your videos more than one and ended up buying a 67 00-16C locally on Craigslist and I love it. Thanks!

Very wise man!

Hi Chris, can you share with us your price target for a good/mint condition nylon martin? by type 16/18/28/10/20?
Thx
Eric

I haven't read through all the comments but I'd also take a mirror to examine a guitar and check all the struts inside to make sure they are all secure.

I have a Yamaha cg102

Really appreciate the information, sir. What size drill do you typically recommend for the strap button install? Do you ever use the felt “washers” that go between the guitar body and the button?

Do any of the Martin nylon string guitars have a truss rod?

Do you have any recommendations for cases on a 00-28G? I just bought a 54 with one of the cardboard cases you discussed in the video and would like to replace it with a nice case. Thank you.

Hello Chris: I'm very curious about your use of the 12th fret string height as a criteria for determining if a neck-reset is required. What specific fault in the neck orientation would cause a string height greater than 5/32? Could this excessive height simply indicate that the saddle might just need to be lowered? I'm very confused. Thanks in advance.

Nice discussion for these sweet guitars. I have acquired a very nice 1967 00-18c and it is missing the end peg. Can you steer me towards a supplier who can provide a match for the original?

What in particular do you find so interesting about Martin nylon string guitars? Do you also collect Martin steel string guitars? Thank you.

What a lovely chilled out guy...reminds me of Jimmy Stewart.

I love your channel!

That Martin guitar is amazing!!!

Thank you for your tips on buying an antique Martin Classic guitar.

I bought an old 00-18G from Nova Scotia years ago. I replaced the tuners and had Martin re glue the bridge and some cracks. It had a rough life until I bought it. It looks almost as rough as Willie's '69 N 20 but since I have owned it ,it has a good home. It is a great guitar.
Dave Doll from Martin looked at it for me and told me what needed done. They re glued the bridge ,cracks and shipped it back to me for $300. Well worth the price.

If it is 4/32 at 12 fret how much should it be at the first ?

I bought one today in austin from the sixties thanks for your tips. To my eye it looks like a good one.

Thank you

My friend had one from the 50s or older. It was in perfect condition, and looked almost new, except the tuning buttons crumbled to dust.