I currently own a Gibson J45, strung with Martin medium strings. This is my first Gibson, and I love its balanced tone.
Recently, I spotted a 2025 Martin D35 for an excellent price, and i may get it as a bluegrasser.
Unfortunately i cant play it before buying it, as the seller is in another state. Anyone have any personal impressions of the D35, especially for bluegrass picking? Is it too resonant? Muddy? So boomy you can’t hear the notes?
It’ll be great, similar to the D28. Your questions’ answers can depend on the actual guitar to a great degree. But yes, it will be boomier and muddier than a typical D18 mahogany guitar. We actually made a Table Talk on this subject…perhaps it will help:
Finally, I would just make sure there is some kind of return policy in writing before purchasing the guitar. Keep up posted!
Ben,
Thanks for getting back to me, the video was helpful. However, I found a great deal on a gently used Deering Golden Era. That’s been my dream banjo for a while, so I jumped on it.
Chad