Abject Pre-war Martin copies

[John Link]

Here is an interesting approach to building and selling. The "Pre War Guitar Company" may have its finger on the pulse of the guitar market, as in, isn't a pre-war D-28 what everybody really wants? But they copy Gibsons too. (Note the various levels of finish.)

https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/product ... new-50533-

https://www.pre-warguitars.com/

[Dave Bagwill]

That's very interesting. I wonder what market niche they are aiming for? $8K is a pile of dough. I'd really like to hear one of them.

[John Link]

Their website has a You Tube video or two of them being played. Molly Tuttle does the best job of playing, to my ear. Her instrument (Model D, mahogany - $4,800) is really beat up looking too. Reminds me of how we used to finish mantles in the 50s and 60s for new houses. Shot 'em with large buck shot, beat 'em up with a chain, and tossed 'em down a ravine before staining and spraying with nitro.

They say all models are hand-built too. Does not seem like that expensive, especially compared to what Martin charges for their repros.

[ken cierp]

While its true that Martin uses high output equipment to produce the various blanks including necks -- their guitars are indeed hand made by a factory full of specialist using precision methods and processes. I doubt that the small shop could stay in business long if they discarded material and assemlies based on the same high standards dictated by Martin quality control.

[Tim Benware]

These guys are right around the corner from me. There is a thriving market in our area. I have notified my customers that I'm cutting back significantly in my building and I still have 15 on a waiting list but I charge 1/4 of what they do for the same guitar (except I use fish glue and they use HHG). I feel confident after several comparisons of theirs and mine that they are on par with each other.

[ken cierp]

I struggle with the idea of trashing a guitar to make it look old, (to what end?) and also with the premise that a given instrument will make an unskilled player sound better.

[Herman]

Nice they make cracked laquer on purpose. I make them by mistake. Same sound effect?
Herman