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| New Martin 5K | Rate Topic |
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| Posted: Sun Feb 26th, 2006 04:58 am |
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1st Post |
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JohnB Approved 
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Anyone played the new 5K? Martin5K Page Martin5K Catalog I cannot tell from reading the web pages at Martin & Elderly if they are made in the USA. But they are handmade. Comes with a case, but nothing to indicate the type of case. I would think a Uke listing for $5200 would have a nice hard shell case. The price looks comparable to a nice Vintage 3M. Elderly shows 5,199 list, 4,199 lowest advertised, and the initial quote I received went down substantially from that. My dilema is would either I get the new 5K, or I go for a nice vintage 3M/K? I don't want to assume that since the new 5K is "new" that it is not going to perform how I would expect a vintage Martin Uke to perform. I have a 2K and no Uke that I personally have played is better than it for tone & feel and loudness. I would think hopefully that the New 5K would have something on the vintage 2K, because it's sure got something major up on the price tag. What lucky uke player has played a Vintage 5K and has compared/will compare that experience to playing a new 5K? What was/will be the outcome? No brainer?
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| Posted: Sun Feb 26th, 2006 08:00 am |
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2nd Post |
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UkeForever Approved 
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Well, all I can give you are comments I've read on other discussion boards. The way I understand it, they build the 5K here in the ol' US of A. To build it, they studied an actual vintage 5K from Dave Pasant's collection, since Mike Longworth made off with the blueprints many years ago just before Martin was ready to throw them into the circular file for good. Pasant's collection can be viewed here: http://www.ultimateukulelecollection.com Get ready for some real eye candy. So they built the 5K and had the first one here at NAMM in Anaheim. Reviews were mixed. Some played it and said it was the sweetest sounding uke they had ever heard. Others played it and claimed it paled in comparison to DaSilva and other contemporary ukulele makers there. Some complained that the koa was not flamed enough as the adverts all claim, but others commented that with AAAA koa or whatever they use, there are additional standards to receive that grade. As far as the hand-made-ness, I am guessing that if they ever go into mass production, they will use the shaping machines like they do on the guitars. I think they're called CRC machines or something like that. It's high price tag has been complained about, but folks eventually come to the conclusion that a) retail will be less than the $5,000, and, b) it is an investment that will appreciate in value like other Martin instruments. As for me, I'd be forever happy with a $1,200 Graziano brand-spanking new. Or a DaSilva for half that. While I envy Martin collectors, and I do think the (classic models and current 5K) Martin ukulele is a superior product, I think that part of the fun of the sound of all things ukulele is that there is diversity there, too. That Martin sound is nice--okay, excellent...superior--but it is not the only sound (although for some people, it very much is). I think it'd be fun to play--a memorable experience, for sure--but if I had $5k to plunk down, I'd be placing a down payment for a studio grand or something like that. Last edited on Tue Feb 28th, 2006 07:52 am by UkeForever |
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28th, 2006 06:22 am |
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3rd Post |
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PJ Approved
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My local music store is waiting for delivery of a couple of the 5Ks. I won't be buying, but I am excited to try one. When they will be arriving is uncertain. I am going to leave my VISA card and wallet at home when they come. I think that a newer and prettier ukulele, not practice, will make me a better player. It hasn't worked yet, but I can't stop believing it will. PJ
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| Posted: Tue Feb 28th, 2006 07:13 am |
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4th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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Well I personally have found that not all Martin Ukuleles are equal. They don't all sound the same. I've owned 7 of them, and currently own 6, they all sound different to me. The one I no longer own was nice, and hard to part with, but just wasn't as special. Some are darker in tone, some are brighter, some are somewhere in between. Not to say that a good ole S0 isn't good enough, but... one observation I've made so far from S0 to S1 to 2K is that the higher I go up the Martin ladder, the better they perform & sound and nicer they feel.
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| Posted: Thu Mar 2nd, 2006 02:47 pm |
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5th Post |
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ukulele_ninja Approved 
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Holy Cow! For $5000 Id be afraid to touch the thing let alone play it! All I can say is Martin makes some of the finest American made instruments money can buy so I dont think it would be hard to imagine how nice that would sound!
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| Posted: Thu Mar 2nd, 2006 11:34 pm |
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6th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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I think your actual price is going to be around 3000. Looks they are limited in production so this would be a good investment. I would think that if you bought one, you wouldn't lose a penny in resale value, it's only going to go up. It may take many many years to go up significantly in value, but, at least it's up and not down, which is what you get if you buy one of those that UkeForever mentioned.
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| Posted: Fri Mar 3rd, 2006 01:33 am |
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7th Post |
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UkeForever Approved
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Although I don't know for certain, I'd be willing to bet that a Graziano, Black Bear, Talsma, Ko'olau, KP, or Glyph will appreciate in value as well. Perhaps John B has played ukes like these and is not impressed. Maybe not to the same degree as the Martin, but assuming a ukulele slump and resurgence in interest, I think those custom ukes would be equally as valued, if not moreso than a production Martin. To keep it in perspective, I bought my UkeBrand uke from a guy who had a Kamaka tenor he bought for $200 in the late 80s, before the big renewal of uke interest. It's market-driven. Prices go up and down. Last edited on Fri Mar 3rd, 2006 01:38 am by UkeForever |
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| Posted: Fri Mar 3rd, 2006 02:13 am |
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8th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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Great point. Only time will tell.
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| Posted: Fri Mar 3rd, 2006 01:05 pm |
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9th Post |
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PJ Approved
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"Well I personally have found that not all Martin Ukuleles are equal. They don't all sound the same." I think that's true of wood instruments in general. They each have their own individual voice. That's why it's good to play several before choosing one. If you want a consistant sound, the Flukes, Fleas, and Ovations provide that because of their plastic backs. PJ
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| Posted: Sat Mar 11th, 2006 07:58 pm |
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10th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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In general yes, they all sound different. My hearing is so bad I admit I can't hear subtle differences. However, physically, there are no 2 pieces of wood that are exactly the same are there? I had an Ovation guitar years ago. The dang thing kept sliding out of my lap, and then if you stood with it using a strap it wanted to tilt face up. I didn't like how the fluke does the same thing. Not into plastic  I wonder how much in value a new 5K goes up the day after Martin ships the last limited one? Maybe 1000? Will Martin then start building a limited 3M & 3K?
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| Posted: Thu Mar 16th, 2006 03:42 pm |
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11th Post |
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john Approved
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personaly id get a nice custom made uke from hawaii and use the other $4000 to pay for my trip to pick it up on the islands. but thats just me.
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| Posted: Fri Mar 17th, 2006 12:15 am |
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12th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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It's my guess that statement was not based on your experience playing a new 5K. Go ahead and get your cheap uke in Hawaii. I won't miss you. If you happen to play a new 5K while you're there, I'd like to hear about it. BTW: You're not going to pay $5,000 for one, more like $3000. Thinkin' Cancun now? Last edited on Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 11:14 pm by JohnB |
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| Posted: Fri Mar 17th, 2006 04:27 am |
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13th Post |
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honu Approved
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JohnB, That was a very insensitive comment about 'cheap Hawaiian ukes'. I'll probably be dead when my cheaper hawaiian koa ukes quits working on me. Then, the value of any uke wouldn't matter to me. I'm with "John"...who would rather spend the other $4k on vacation in Hawaii. Or with UkeForever...I would rather buy 1 Glyph tenor, 1 DeSilva, and still have money to go on vacation...vs. buying a single Martin $5k uke. But, what do I know? This is a bulletin board to share thoughts and viewpoints...everyone is welcome to their viewpoints, but attacking someone for their beliefs is plain inconsiderate. Sorry...JohnB. Please buy one a Martin 5k and let us know how you love it. Honu 
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| Posted: Fri Mar 17th, 2006 05:10 am |
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14th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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The term "cheap" was relative... do you consider $1000 cheap? I love Hawaiian ukes... just not what I'm in the market for right now. PLUS -- FOR THE THIRD? TIME -- IT'S 3000 and not 5000. All I hear is griping about the price tag. What about the Uke? Have you played one? I asked about a DaSilva, the guy's not around or something... maybe next year? I'd like to have one for my collection...I might even get a Graziano if that guy is home and would like to make one for me. But I'm asking about the Martin 5K right now.... the wheels are in (slow) motion.... I may have one in a few months, maybe. Okay? I don't know about you, but I'm takin' a strum and waitin' for the word. Last edited on Fri Mar 17th, 2006 05:20 am by JohnB |
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| Posted: Tue Mar 21st, 2006 01:07 pm |
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15th Post |
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john Approved
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didn't mean to cause a stir. i just assume most of us can't afford $3000 for a uke no matter how nice it plays. those collectors and wealthy folks that can afford that are very lucky and should purchase what they enjoy.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 21st, 2006 02:47 pm |
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16th Post |
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uke jackson Approved
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i've played several vintage Martin 5Ks over the years, most recently about 10 days ago at Mandolin Bros. there's no question you're playing something special. there's also no question they don't get played alot. i haven't played the new 5K but buying one for $3,000 and putting it away is probably a good investment. brand name ukes, like guitars, always go up in price. most custom made ukes end up selling for less than their original price because in the end, no matter how wonderful a player they may be and how great the craftsmanship, in 50 years dealers consider them used, home made instruments. Martin is Martin, Gibson is Gibson, and everybody else is everybody else.
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| Posted: Tue Mar 21st, 2006 03:00 pm |
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17th Post |
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PJ Approved
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How exciting! By the heat of this discussion, I'd swear we were talking religion rather than ukuleles. "Uke can save the world!" But maybe this is only a competition to determine who can buy the MOST ukes-- or the most EXPENSIVE ukes-- or both the most and the most expensive. Are we our ukuleles? Perhaps. Is there were a brand that would make me play like James Hill? I'd find $5,000 --or $3,000-- to buy it immediately. PJ
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| Posted: Tue Mar 21st, 2006 03:37 pm |
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18th Post |
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uke jackson Approved
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PJ, you must mean the brand Practice Ukulele. Last edited on Tue Mar 21st, 2006 03:38 pm by uke jackson |
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| Posted: Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 01:34 am |
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19th Post |
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JohnB Approved
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Yes it's 3000. I got a quote from a local dealer and it was only a few bucks over 3K, even less than Elderly. But--they were told not to expect delivery until December. Last time I talked to Elderly they had ordered 9, and 6 had been sold, they were expecting delivery in May-June. Too late anyway, for now I just satisfied my UAS with a mint 3M, and a Gibson Style 2. Maybe next year if they are still making them. Uke Jackson knows what I'm talking about. The Martins are special. I used to buy cheaper ukes, but not until I bit the bullet and got a $300 Martin were my eyes & ears opened. That's why I kept buying Martins, and going up the ladder to the 2K was so impressive I now have to know what a 3M is like. So the jury is out and I guess will be for a couple more months. Will the new 5K be as special as the old Martins? I suspect Mr. Jackson has a better chance of finding out before I do seeing how the closest I 've ever been to a Vintage 5K was about 50 miles. CF Martin won't be represented at NY Uke Fest? Awesome tattoo Uke! Cliff might've been ... hmmm well proudly freaked out? Last edited on Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 01:53 am by JohnB |
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| Posted: Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 02:17 pm |
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20th Post |
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uke jackson Approved
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the tattoo is fun. martin is just over the mountain from me. i know some of the guys there. i hadn't thought of asking them to vend. maybe i'll give them a call. i've been wanting to get over to nazareth to try out the new 5K. soon as i have an hour to spare.
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