Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). Atkin 00037 - Acoustics Discussions on The Fretboard
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UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

Atkin 00037

andymoandymo Frets: 11
in Acoustics
Hi folks,

First post after stalking you all for way too long :)

I'm in the market for a 000, have played a few Martin's that were either "meh" or OK but have had the Atkin variant in my orbit.

Before I travel to a dealer who has one, does anyone have experience of the current Atkin 00037 version?  From where I sit just now it seems to be about the same price as a Martin but likely to be more consistent given how it's made?  Plus I like Alister's vibe and wanna support UK builders.

I know about the aged finish, dual trust rod and baked top etc.  Is it really a case of getting a Martin handmade in the UK (with a few tweaks) or is it a different beast entirely?

Ta


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Comments

  • malcolmkindnessmalcolmkindness Frets: 151
    I have played an Atkin 00037 and it was excellent, just the skinny neck put me off.
    You say you have played a few Martins, but you are very unlikely to find a few Atkins. This is the problem with boutique brands, it's very hard to find several to try and as we know, each guitar is different.
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  • andymoandymo Frets: 11
    edited August 2021
    Not too worried about necks as I have all sorts.  Was more quality and sound.  Interested to see if folks think they are similar to Martin or something entirely different. 
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  • malcolmkindnessmalcolmkindness Frets: 151
    andymo said:
    Not too worried about necks as I have all sorts.  Was more quality and sound.  Interested to see if folks think they are similar to Martin or something entirely different. 
    The one I played was definitely more appealing to me than a standard Martin, but these decisions are very subjective. I think you will have to go and play it.
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  • andymoandymo Frets: 11
    Thank. Always. Hoping to get on the road in the week
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  • malcolmkindnessmalcolmkindness Frets: 151
    Martins "and American made guitars generally," are definitely overpriced in the UK, you will get much more guitar for your money in the Atkin. Also, if you ever need some serious work done, he's not too far away and there's a fair chance you would be able to speak to Alistair.
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  • AlexOAlexO Frets: 1068
    All the Atkin guitars I've tried have been nothing short of sensational and if you ain't bothered about the headstock not saying an obvious name you won't be disappointed!
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  • andymoandymo Frets: 11
    I’m so over the label thing.  Started there like most people and have sold them all on mostly.  The Atkin seems to be a steal at the same price so looking forward to trying. 
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  • jellyrolljellyroll Frets: 3073
    I’ve played some great Atkins and some mediocre ones and some great Martins and some mediocre ones. 

    Value wise- I don’t think there’s much in it, the prices are pretty similar. 

    To me, the difference is that a great Atkin 000 will be loud with quite a present/bright eq whilst a great Martin 000 will have lower end rumble.  The choice between those two is, to me, where the decision would lie. 

    I wouldn’t concentrate on the US vs UK thing. It’s more about what kind of sound you prefer. On the grand scale of acoustics, they are not so far apart….but there is some difference as I’ve attempted to describe above. 

    There is also (I think) the nut width differences if that matters to you. 
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  • andymoandymo Frets: 11
    Thank you - 45mm nut on the Atkin sounds cool for me loud and bright sounds good, too.  Will be trying on Tuesday.

    Is it Tuesday yet? :)
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  • dean111musicdean111music Frets: 278
    is the Atkin 000 short scale like a 000 martin? i have played a few Atkins and loved them! very light and resonant. Much preferred them to the martin custom shops. 
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  • meltedbuzzboxmeltedbuzzbox Frets: 10333
    I'd recommend a trip to coda where you can play plenty of both.

    Personally speaking I was really unimpressed with the Atkinson guitars. I played several and found them a bit meh.
    I also had a similar experience with all the Martins I tried that were priced under 3k (ish)

    I did end up buying an used martin. It just sings. Possibly/probably because it has been played in?
    I also love the neck on a martin, they tend to have a lovely profile
    The Bigsby was the first successful design of what is now called a whammy bar or tremolo arm, although vibrato is the technically correct term for the musical effect it produces. In standard usage, tremolo is a rapid fluctuation of the volume of a note, while vibrato is a fluctuation in pitch. The origin of this nonstandard usage of the term by electric guitarists is attributed to Leo Fender, who also used the term “vibrato” to refer to what is really a tremolo effect.
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  • andymoandymo Frets: 11
    edited August 2021
    is the Atkin 000 short scale like a 000 martin? i have played a few Atkins and loved them! very light and resonant. Much preferred them to the martin custom shops. 
    Yeah, they are short scale, which I want, but they also do the full scale OM version.

    This purchase needs to be in the £3k or under range.  The one Martin custom shop I played was not worth the extra dosh and the 000-42 was really muddy…and waaaaaay too blingy 
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