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I have usually bought my Martins from either a large online retailer or through the Martin Custom Shop. I had heard very nice things about Maury and decided to give him a shot. I liked dealing with Maury because he's straightforward- he doesn't play pricing games like other sellers do nor does he attempt to push you.(only at this price today! and other such nonsense).
The guitar was as described and photographed. It was a little bit under hydrated but that was remedied after a few days. There was a small amount of corrosion on two of the treble strings and Maury graciously sent me a set of strings. The transaction was flawless and the guitar delivered overnight. It was a pleasure doing business with Maury and I hope to again.
As for the Martin 000-28 Modern Deluxe, it is definitely a departure from Martins of the past but I find the changes to be very nice. A Titanium truss rod which makes the guitar lighter. A gorgeous book matched Indian rosewood back/sides , redesigned and reinforced bridge, torrefied (Martin VTS) Sitka spruce soundboard, waverely tuners, VTS Adirondack bracing, PLEKED. Cosmetically it is a beautiful guitar with gold colored tuners and fretwire, flamed maple binding, gloss headstock, gorgeous book matched Indian rosewood back/sides, abalone inlays, flawless back ebony fingerboard , Sitka spruce soundboard with a lot of nice "silking" present and much more.
The guitar has a beautiful voice with deep resonance and tremendous (believe me) sustain. The intonation sounds spot on. A very sweet guitar, I can't imagine anyone being unhappy with this guitar.
I choose the 28 over the OM because the small difference in scale length of the 28 makes for significantly better playability. Legato techniques are much easier. I have played both the OM and 000-28 Modern Deluxe models.
The 000-28 Modern Deluxe is in my opinion a better guitar in many ways as compared to the respected Clapton signature 28 (000-28EC). I own both. The Clapton 28 has the modified v neck which is definitely an acquired taste. Most of my life I played modified v's but as I gotten older it's become harder to play that neck. The neck carve of the Modern deluxe was taken from a unique, carved by hand neck in the Martin Museum and it is the most comfortable neck I've ever encountered on a Martin.
The 000-28 MD is a much louder guitar than it's 000-28 predecessors. It has a brighter sound as well but you can still hear it's every bit a Martin.
In conclusion a great buy. I'd do business with Maury again.
Caveat Emptor- In theory, a torrified soundboard's humidity should not change by season, but the guitar should still be humidified.
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