Martin flatbacks

**phlattgetit** · May-20-2008, 6:09pm

Does anyone play Martin flatbacks style A etc. as their main instrument? the few posts I've found by searching here seem to indicate that people have them as a third,fourth and so on but don't actually play them much?

**Zigeuner** · May-21-2008, 10:39am

Originally Posted by (phlattgetit @ May 20 2008, 16:09)

Does anyone play Martin flatbacks style A etc. as their main instrument? the few posts I've found by searching here seem to indicate that people have them as a third,fourth and so on but don't actually play them much?

I have a Model A that I got in 1964 from my mother for a birthday present. I play it a couple of times a week. I'm no professional, nor do I wish to be, but I've played that and my other two mandolins quite a bit since I got them. It's not my main instrument since I also play guitar and banjo but I wouldn't feel the same without it.

The little Model A is a wonderful instrument, too. They really get a lot louder through time. I use the light gauge 80-20 Martin strings on it and they work well. I have a hard-shell plush case for it and it still looks like new even after 44 years.

**Celtic Saguaro** · May-21-2008, 5:54pm

I play mine quite a bit. I admit I have several other mandolins, but I think the Martin gets about as much playing time as any of them. Like Zigeuner I think they work fine with Martin lights, the M400 set.

**Steve Weeks** · May-21-2008, 10:34pm

I have an old "C" style Martin, which was my "only" for a number of years. It is a very playable and sweet-sounding instrument. I probably play my L&H "B" more (not enough), but I wouldn't want to lose the Martin.

**BlueMountain** · May-22-2008, 10:25am

I often play a Washburn from the 40s that looks almost just like the Martin. It has a really lovely warm, full, resonant tone that makes bluegrass mandolins seem a bit thin.

**Steve Weeks** · Jun-19-2008, 9:22am

Here is the back of my Martin "C"...

EDIT: Sorry. Images will have to be posted later due technical difficulties. :-(
Steve

**Steve Weeks** · Jun-19-2008, 10:15pm

If all goes well, here is the back of the Martin Style "C" whose front is shown above...

**Steve Weeks** · Jun-19-2008, 10:16pm

YES! Now, here is a detail of the mother-of-pearl around the sound hole...

**Steve Weeks** · Jun-19-2008, 10:22pm

Finally, the silver covers over the tuners. Barely visible is the stamp that says "C.F. Martin, Nazareth, Penn."

**Mike Herlihy** · Jun-20-2008, 10:30am

I have a Martin A, 1937 Sunburst. Here's a video of me playing it.

Martin A

I bought it because of Rory Gallagher's playing on "Going To My Hometown. Great rock mando song.

To my ear, they sound more "acoustic guitar" ish. But still a great sound.

**thunderfingers** · Jun-23-2008, 3:38pm

I play a martin 2-15, made in 1950 when not playing my gibson A4. Has a much softer sound than the gibson. I've had it for about 2 years and am real pleased withit overall

**brunello97** · Jun-23-2008, 4:10pm

Originally Posted by (mherlihy @ June 20 2008, 11:30)

I have a Martin A, 1937 Sunburst. Here's a video of me playing it.

Martin A

Nice vid. Thanks for posting. #It sure sounds like a Martin!

Oh, and Thunderfingers, Pictures! #Please, if you have them.

thanks,

Mick

**Eugene** · Jun-23-2008, 8:36pm

Originally Posted by (thunderfingers @ June 23 2008, 16:38)

I play a martin 2-15, made in 1950 when not playing my gibson A4. Has a much softer sound than the gibson. I've had it for about 2 years and am real pleased withit overall

This is an archtop and not flat at all. Quite a different breed. I also don't feel Martin ever quite got the f-holed archtops. Personally, I find their oval-holed archtops more successful.

**UsuallyPickin** · Aug-16-2008, 7:25am

I play mine when the song calls for a lighter toned mando, my 1926 mahogany has a sweet light tone and nice ring. As we all know, we love all our children, wooden or otherwise. Also being so small and light I take it along for the ride regularly.

**Zigeuner** · Aug-17-2008, 10:54pm

Originally Posted by (UsuallyPickin @ Aug. 16 2008, 05:25)

I play mine when the song calls for a lighter toned mando, my 1926 mahogany has a sweet light tone and nice ring. As we all know, we love all our children, wooden or otherwise. Also being so small and light I take it along for the ride regularly.

That is a really nice feature of the little Martin "A". It's very light and easy to hold. I play mine almost every day.