Martin 5-18 Marty Robbins Signature Acoustic Guitar: Terz Of Joy (Video)
February 22, 2010
Country Western music legend Marty Robbins was known for his lush baritone and goofy stage presence, but also for his love of the Terz-style guitar. This year at NAMM Robbins's memory was honored with the introduction of the Martin 5-18 Marty Robbins Signature Acoustic Guitar, a compact, 5-style body meant for Terz Tuning (a minor third up from standard tuning, i.e. G-C-F-A#-D-G).
I'd never seen or played a Terz-style guitar before, but I hope the little ditty I chose to demo the Martin 5-18 Marty Robbins is fitting. Besides, if he and Robert Johnson aren't good buds in the great hereafter, then that's an eternity I'd rather not believe in, thank you very much.
Visit the official Martin Guitars website for more information
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Martin 5-18
It's nice to see Martin re-introduce the size 5 in mahogany, albeit as an expensive special run. It's a pity they seem to only emphasize country music here. The rosewood model is the Sting signature model, yes Sting the singer/bassist, so that's also hardly inspiring. The size 5 body I understand was probably the smallest body shape in early production. It's interesting, given the whole push for volume that sizes 2, 3, 4 were not re-introduced. The challenge for guitarists is to break out of the mould that a guitar's gotta be EADGBE or nothing - standard tuning up (GCFBbDG) or down (DGCFAD) already has some huge advantages for players of folk and jazz. Consider that tuning down a step puts you on an equal footing with horn players, for jazz tunes. Any old big-body 25.5" guitar will get you down to D, this size 5 equally will get you up to a chirpy sounding G tuning.
Not got a few thousand bucks to spare? Try the cheap Yamaha JR-1. In between, there seems to be nothing, nada, faic agus dada as we say in Irish.
Martin 5-19 Marty Robbins
I have one of these jewels and all I can say, is wow!
What a sweet traveller and even sweeter mistress of melody. This is one fine example of Martin Special Edition and the Craftmanship that went into this is a near perfect as any one could possibly acheive.
The Tone and Action is about perfect for fingering and chordal accompaniment.
Overall I would say pick one up and see; if you ever have a chance. You will definitely want to take her home and with you on your many adventures.
Buf Bill-Wyoming
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