rob27284

1 hour ago, Dad3353 said:

Good evening, Rob...

I don't think I'd place too much credence on YouTube videos for judging tone, especially with upper-class instruments such as these. Maybe, if they were played one after t'other in a 'direct comparison' video shoot-out; if not, there are too many variables (mic choice and placing, post-production treatment, room acoustics and much, much more...). One may get a general idea, but not enough, in my view, to really skew a choice. The only real way is to hear 'em 'live'; personally I like to hear 'em played by someone else, so that I can better judge what the audience will hear, rather than the player. (Disclaimer: I don't play that well the guitar, either  ...).
I'm sorry, but I can't help separating those guitars, either; they're well beyond my pay grade. I'd jump at a chance of owning any of 'em. 

Hope this helps, if only a little. 

Thanks very much; the thought had occurred to me too. Quite a lot of variables, and YouTube will be compressing the Audio too!

2 hours ago, ezbass said:

At those prices they’re going to be good guitars. I’d probably go for the one I liked the look of best, as tone and playability should be top notch.

Thank you very much - I thank I might just do that! Will let you all know

Hello everyone; I hope you're doing ok!

I played the guitar a lot when I was younger, and had a starter guitar which served me well, but I'm looking for something nicer to pick up now that I'm a bit older.

With the ones I'm looking at, I'm sure they'll all be much better than my starter guitar, but if anyone has any insight/experience to help me clarify and choose it would be much appreciated, especially as we're in lock down I can't go and try them!

I have found reasonable deals on the following Martin Guitars:

• OMCPA4 - US List $1,899.00, found for £1549 (New, Old Stock)
• GPC-16E Mahogany - US List $1,649.00, found for £1699 (Brand New)
• DC-16E Natural - US List $2,399.00, found for £1549 (Lightly Used)

As far as I can tell they're all quite similar guitars, with the primary differences being that OMCPA4 has Fishman Matrix VT Enhance NT1 instead of NT2, and has a built-in tuner too, otherwise there might be slight differences in size, but I doubt I could tell the difference in tone.

What do you think - any recommendations? Also, if you have any other suggestions I'd be interested to hear them! I like the look/sound of the mid-range Martins a bit more than the Taylors (which sound a bit too bright to me in the YouTube vids).

Many thanks,

Rob