Just got Mark 72

[UKsteve]

I remember the launch of the Mark series of acoustics in the mid 70s, the subsequent lack of interest and the eventual cessation of the range.

 

I have often wondered what they were like, so I decided to buy one. I got a Mark 72 in good original condition. I'm not going to make a comment on how it sounds yet because the strings are from the ice age and I want to restring it and generally set it up first.

 

I would be interested to hear from other owners and indeed anyone with knowledge and something to say about the range, and in particular the '72' model.

 

One quick question, the scratchplate sometimes emits a low level parasitic vibration sound when the guitar is played. It looks as though the plate is kinda stuck down, although the corner nearest the soundhole on mine can be lifted. How are they fixed? I thought they were removable as in kinda clip on and off. I don't want to break it or damage the finish by trying to lift it without knowledge of how it should be done.

 

Thanks!

 

I'll post pics in due course

[Jinder]

The Mark series are very underrated. Kasha and Schneider were ahead of their time, and apparently the prototypes are some of the best sounding acoustics you'll ever hear.

 

I've played a Mk53 and Mk72 and thought they were both excellent.

 

Would love to know your thoughts once you've lived with it for a bit.

 

Sorry I can't add anything of assistance vis-a-vis your scratchplate probs, but I'd be inclined to restring it then see if the unwanted resonance is still there. I have a weird low-frequency buzz on my Epi EJ200 when the strings are super-dead, but it goes away with a nice new set.

[zombywoof]

I have played them here and there over the years (it seems when Mark guitars show show up in stores they tend to hang around for a while). My impressions were they are not as bad as their reputations would have it but were far from sounding like I want a guitar to sound. I thought their best feature was the upper end which was nice and crisp. But every Mark guitar I have played was not what I would call loud and lacked the bass I would have expected to come out of that body. Hard to explain but my feeling was that the guitar was almost too balanced - if that makes any sense.

[onewilyfool]

KSdaddy know all about these guitars, and what to look out for (like loose neck block)..I think if you get a good one, you will be VERY happy! Not a bad Christmas present!!

[BigKahune]

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Welcome.

 

The Mark guitars have been discussed here in the past.

 

Congrats on your Mk72. I'm looking forward to seeing some pics. . B)

 

 

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[UKsteve]

Thanks for your comments guys.

 

A few questions if I may..

 

1) I still need to know how that buzzing scratchplate is fixed on..

2) What bridge pins were originally fitted? The ones on it are medium coloured 'real' wood with a small abalone dot in the top.

3) Apparently the guitar came with three saddles as new. How are these identified, if at all? any markings? I'd like to know which one I've got. (There's just the one).

4) Is there a source of info on these guitars? contemporary brochure and ad pdfs etc?

5) Not that I want to remove it for good, but does the plastic soundhole surround clip on and off? if so how? What is the effect on sound? How does it look without it?

6) The bridge is lifting slightly. Is there a standard procedure here that luthiers apply; ie glue the lifted area back down without removing it entirely first? Anyone got experience of this on a Mark series?

 

Thanks again.

 

Steve

[UKsteve]

I've managed to find two answers myself.

 

1) The scratchplate is glued on. As new they come with a sticky backing that has a removable film. The purchaser (or shop) fits the scratchplate - or 'finger rest' as Gibson call it.

 

3) The three saddles supplied from new are marked L, M, and H. Self explanatory.

 

Any luck with the others guys?!

[UKsteve]

And I thought there were loads of experts on these guitar here? Where are they? !

[zurdo]

Steve, I'm three years late to this thread but what the heck.

 

Mark guitars are no big deal, they're just some of the best sounding acoustics you'll ever play. Just follow your arrow and forget what "the experts" say.

 

1) the pickguard is glued to the top with 7 double-sided stick-on Dots, instructions on the envelope say it cannot be removed once installed, but yes it can, if you heat the area, however I do not know if it might pull the finish with the stick-on something. I think it is some kind of sticky tape. In my MK-81 the pickguard has never been installed. I don't like pickguards anyway.

 

2) there were 4 removable saddles, (well at least my MK-81 came with 4), all are unmarked but I can see each is higher than the other. The one that is mounted to the bridge I haven't looked at. Two saddles are made of Ebony and Bone, and two are made of Melamine", whatever that is. (looks like a grey-color plastic).

 

3) the string pins in my MK-81 are Ebony with mother of pearl dots.

 

4) I do not think the sound hole ring or "purfling" is removable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[onewilyfool]

Zurdo is right, they ARE good guitars. A lot had problems and are long gone, but the ones that are still around, are keepers!!!