YOUR FAVORITE MARTINS
Tim Teel ’ s grandfather , ROBERT C . LONGLEY , photographed at the Martin factory in the 1970s . The banjo was his second favorite instrument , behind his employee-made 1968 D-35 , shown below .
on the path to the perfect Martin for you .”
In helping to whittle down the many options available , Tim Teel asks just three questions to establish one ’ s footing on that path . “ I believe Martin makes a guitar for every individual player out there ,” he says . “ To help make that match , the first question I ask is how long they ’ ve been playing . My suggestions will be very different for a beginner versus someone who has been playing for 30 years and is looking for something very special . The next question is about the music they ’ ll be playing . If they enjoy country or bluegrass in a more traditional setting , a Dreadnought will be ideal , whether it ’ s a 28 , a Modern Deluxe edition , or maybe an Authentic if they tend toward the higher end of the spectrum . If they have more eclectic tastes , then we might be talking a GPC or our new SC line — especially if they ’ re into more modern music . The SC , for example , has an extremely balanced sound and is very good for all kinds of music , especially when playing plugged-in on stage . And lastly , I ask about budget . And here again , Martin offers a wide range .”
A wide range , indeed . Martin covers the waterfront from a few hundred dollars for an X-Series instrument to an over-the-top D-200 , which can be had for $ 125,000 . But given the breadth of choices , does Teel , himself , have a personal preference ? “ Oh , yes ,” he is quick to answer . “ One thing I ’ ve always been partial to is the sound of a D-35 . When I was growing up , my grandfather worked at Martin . His personal guitar was a D-35 Brazilian built in 1968 . I grew up playing that guitar . So , every time I pick up a D-35 , it reminds me of home . And , you know , you can play almost anything on it .”
TIM TEEL
Tim Teel has served different roles and innovated many new products over 37 years of service at Martin Guitar and is currently focused on Instrument Design .
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