I own a Martin D28; wanted one my whole life, got one when I turned 50, I’m 61 now. I plan to get a D18 before I die. I presently play in a Bluegrass band. That D28 stands out!
I'm trying to decide between the hd28 and a d18 ambertone color which I adore. Do you like your d28 more than the d18 (sound wise) even though you plan on buying one?
I think I will like them Equally well. They’re completely different tones. It’s like listening to two different singers that you equally love, they’re both good, just different. So far I sing and play in my Bluegrass band. I have a loud booming voice so the D28 matches that. I might like the D18 more for playing rhythm when someone else is singing. On the other hand, the D18 might help me sing mellow songs. Hope that helps.
@@jeffcollins1172 Definitely helps, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm not in a band and just enjoy jamming in my home and playing for family. Sounds like I'd prefer the d18. I was leaning that way anyway.
I haven't watched in awhile, I really like this format. Just you dropping knowledge to the audience. No smallwins, no guitarsanals, no real time comments.... This is perfect!
My experience recently: D18 had a mellow singer-songwriter vibe that's just amazing. I've literally never heard anything quite that good or clicked with a guitar more. It will break your heart, in a good way, if you like laid-back coffeehouse acoustic, ballads, classical, etc. D28 was more assertive and less "woody", maybe geared more towards bluegrass bands, strummed folk, acoustic pop, etc. They were both excellent guitars.
Tony, thanks so much for not only featuring the 2 iconic Martin's, but their affordable counterparts as well. Great choices all, and it shows you don't have to bust the bank to have a quality dreadnought. Kudos!
My dad purchased his Martin D-18 in the mid 40s. It was made in mid February of 1945. It does not have the scalloped braces as Martin stopped doing that at the end of 1944. But it does have the Adirondack top one braces. It also has an ebony brace in the neck and ebony fingerboard and bridge. It has wonderful tone and action. Here is is 2020 and it has been passed down to the third generation of the family. What guitar can become an heirloom like this. Also do not forget to smell the opening under the strings near the bridge. It is also a unique smell of this Martin guitar!
I agree, play the D18 and D28. Fine instruments. Just don't jump up and play a D41 or 45 like I did. Impossible to look back and your savings become secondary, and disappear. But you're left smiling, every time you pick it up.
I haven't played a lot of different guitars, but listening to Martins and Taylors and even those on your show, I find it hard to beat the guitar I bought in 1975, a Guild D-40. This baby just sings with tremendous projection and glorious bass. It's still my favorite guitar (I have four of them). I remember that when I bought it back in '75, they told me it had been "voiced" with a shaving device that you put over your finger, reached in through the sound hole and trimmed down the braces on the soundboard. I really enjoy your show.
Guild makes great guitars. I really wanted a Guild D-55 but I had to have 1.75" nut with Adirondack top. I went with a used 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis. Love it. I do have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT... fantastic chime & power. Literally fills a room.
Hey Jim. Good escape from the Martin Binge thread. That is, respectively taking nothing away from the Martins or the Martin Dreads. Guild Dreads. Man, do I love them. My favorite guitar by far is the Morgan (not Morgan Monroe) OM. I have two Morgan OMs. However, I love the Guild Dreads. They speak for themselves. Their slogan is spot on - "made to be played." I have had two D40 Guilds. I had a 1977sunburst that was so sweet. Sadly enough, I sold this to finance the Morgan rosewood OM. Then remorse and GAS completely consumed me and I bought one of the new 2020 Guild D40 Sunburst. Man, do I love this guitar. The slogan still applies. A couple of other things that I think that I really like about the Guild Dreads are their lovely understated individualistic sound. They are a Guild. They are not trying to be or copy any of the other big guys out there. That string-to-string balance with that nice woody and airy sound - well I am a sucker for it. They are still made in America. And, I just want to play my Morgans and Guilds all day long. I also have a Westerly Maple natural Guild D30 that I absolutely cannot get enough of either. I bought it during the acquisition of Guild by Fender. The first thing that Fender did was to move the plant and stop all production of the Maple D30 model. So, mine was made in about the third week of November and December was the last month of production. I figure that I have to have one of the last 200-250 made. Sweet.
@@snuffyballparks6501 I'm in your boat. Would love to own a D-55 with a 1.75" nut. Lately, I wondered if I could maybe order from their custom shop. I own 2 really high end guitars (a Martin custom and a Taylor PS), but I've never heard anything better than a Guild D-55 out of many, many guitars I tried in my lifetime.
Some really great and affordable guitars that have that Martin feel and sound are Sigmas especially from 1970-1978. I have played several and they are all great guitars.
I have a 2008 D-28 Marquis and my son has a 2001 D-18 GE. It is great fun to play together and compare the tone. We use the same strings and both use Blue Chip Picks. I can't tell much of a difference, but he thinks the Marquis has a bit more bass rumble. Both are fantastic sounding dreads. Whichever guitar he plays sounds best, since he is the better player. He gets better as a player all the time... I just get older.
I recently purchased a 2015 HD-28 and appreciate all the info contained in this episode. I'm going to agree that the Brad Paisley Pre-War Santa Cruz is worthy of your gold medal - that is one amazing instrument and thank you Artisan Guitars for letting me play it last year.
I bought my 1973 D28 in 1981, at Elderly Instruments, in East Lansing, Mi . I was not a very rich student at the time, but back then, the dollar was very low and it fitted my french savings. I used to give a try to each and every guitar which passed by the store ( tens and hundreds of them), but this one was love at first sight. Since then, she has become a true friend of mine in the good and bad moments of life. Later, I own other nice guitars (1928 Gibson L4, 1982 Favino Jazz...), but i always come back to this unique sound and feel. Both of us are still in good shape and enjoying music together.
Tony, my best friend has a Martin HD-35 (like your favorite) and my Guitar Tech has a Martin D-28 (which originally was his Dad's). When it came time for me to select a Martin of my own we went to Music Outlet in Sevierville, TN and started listening for which one would sing the best for me. Music Outlet set up three guitar stands and let me rotate through what they had on the wall in their Martin Room. I tried HD-35, HD-28, D-28, OM-28, and 000-28. When I got to the Martin Reimagined 000-28, my best friend just smiled. But, the 12th fret action on it was set up higher than I liked. My Guitar Tech lowered the 12th fret action 2 millimeters and now it feels much nicer to play. Thanks for a wonderful video and a great channel!
@@michaelionkin7465 A little back story from me might help with why I decided on the 000-28. I already own an Ovation Custom Legend (OCL) with a deep contour bowl. The shape, body dimensions, and scale length of the OCL are similar to the OM-28, except with that deep contour bowl it can be as loud as a D-28 or an HD-35. In the 000-28 I was listening for the sounds that were similar to the OCL without the extra bass of the D-28. My best friend and I have played the 000-28 and his HD-35 facing each other. The HD-35 sounds more muted compared to the 000-28. We kept trading our guitars back and forth while facing each other to be sure that what we were hearing was real.
Great show as always Tony! I have a Mossman Tennessee Flat Top made in 1976. Not sure if it was modeled after an 18 or 28 but it is basically a Martin. Spruce top and mahogany back and sides and a lovely mellow sound. One day Ill make it our there and bring it along. Thanks Kindly! DaveyJO in Pa. p.s. I live just about 15 miles from Bird-In-Hand, Pa. Yes, it really does exists and heading east it's just before Intercourse, Pa. No Joke!
Good for you AJ Mac, congratulations! I am 54 and have at last saved up for a D-18. I have sleepless nights about spending so much money on a guitar though… I might just chicken out and buy a D-13 E instead...
Geert Zwager Don’t chicken out. You will only regret it .. i was in/out/in the music store so many times and then thought ‘to hell with poverty’ ! I have not, and probably never will regret that decision to go back in and say... please can i have a D28... the smiles on the guys faces kinda said a lot. I got it home and my son picked it up and just went WOW. He has a 00 15 (which is beautiful) but we were blown away. Go get it. 18 or 28. I will own an 18 before i pop my clogs, i am sure of that. Good luck,and let us know....
I bought myself a D-28 almost two years ago for my 40th. It was a lot of money for me and I honestly dont play at a level that would justify it but I love it. No regrets.
@@StoicTrader- I did and my father plays a D-35 so I've played that quite a few times. I have to say I don't seem to have as good an ear as a lot of other people. They all sounded good to me. The difference to me was negligible. One doesn't sound "better" than the other to me just slightly different. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice if youre down to a D-28 or D-18.
Very cool! The Alvarez MD60BG and MD70BG also do a great job capturing the D18/D28 vibe. I picked up the MD60BG (D18 inspired) a couple weeks ago, and it is very comparable to the Martin version.
I feel like I have to speak up for the smaller-body guitars. In 2004, when I was shopping for my first steel-string guitar, after 35 years with an old Garcia classical, a salesman at Guitar Center told me that he would sell a Dreadnaught to only a very few types of player. His main reason was that, for all their other qualities, the Dreadnaught is not as tonally balanced across the fretboard as the smaller instruments. The bass strings will always dominate. But that doesn't mean that smaller guitars have weak low ends. As a Martin guy, myself, I've always found that the bass in any kind of Martin is going to be deep, rich and resonant, even to the point of sometimes having to compensate for it when recording. Dreads were designed to make the guitar loud enough to be heard among the other instruments in bands in the pre-electric, pre-amplified, days of the early 20th century. Tonal balance was sacrificed for volume and a penetrating, powerful bass. These qualities definitely have their place; I'm not so obtuse as to deny that a lot of great music has been made on Dreadnaughts, and luthiers have made great advances in making dreads more tonally balanced, but smaller guitars are often the instrument of choice among many of today's best fingerstyle players. Think Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Tony Furtado, Don Ross, Andy McKee, Antoine Dufour, et al...
What if you've got a D35 (like me)? ;-> Also, Tony, you asked about copies you had missed. Well, in the budget range, I can't recommend highly enough the Yamaha LL16 - Spruce/rosewood D28 copy all solid woods for under £800 here in the UK, probably about the same in $. Cheers, Rob
This has been my favorite AT episode! I am also blessed to own both a D-18 and D-28. My Dad bought me a 28 as a college graduation present in 2014 and I just recently bought a 18 (2019) a month ago. They are both awesome! The older 28 has lots of bass and warmth, but the reimagined 18’s are just as powerful. Just buy both!
Love my D-28. Sometimes I'll not leave it alone for a year and play other stuff. Then one day I'll come back, clean it, restring it and get blown away all over again on how awesome the sound is. I also play great Gibsons as well.
I was in the Guitar Center in Miamisburg ,Ohio recently, not far from my home in Beavercreek. I picked up and played a Martin D28 and I did love it. The response was awesome,especially the bass. It was so easy to play compared to my current Alverez. I was looking to finalize weather or not to order a Martin D35E or pass it by for something less pricey. Even though I was impressed with the D28. My Martin D35E ships in June. Yes I am excited! About 5 years ago I picked up a Martin D35 in the same store and I've been in "lust" ever since.
Please share info on that Traverse publication!! I'm playing my '75 Mossman Flint Hills while watching today's show. I also own a '76 Tennessee Flattop 12 string , an '86 Baxendale (Scott bought the company from Stu) that is my go to bluegrass machine and, I'm waiting for the arrival of a '76 Golden Era. Yes, speak of them!
Another week made great by Acoustic Tuesday. First i heard of Sturgill Simpson was from his most recent release, Sound and Fury. No, its not an acoustic album, but it blew my mind to hear what he had made before. Good show as always Tony.
Awesome episode Tony. I have a D-18, purchased last year. oh the ouch of the price, but oh the sweetness of that sound. The bass is so amazing. I use a 1.14mm nylon pick, and Martin 13s, and the warmth of that tone is unbelievable. Thanks for reconfirming my decision to take the step!
Go check current prices, and then buy yourself a beer to celebrate your savings lol. Sold mine before they became so expensive. Regret it every single day.
Год назад+1
Tony, what a great episode! I have owned over 100+ brand new solid wood guitars since 1979. You nane it from Yamaha to Gibson to Martin and many others. I think you need to do a two-parter. Why? Cause you forgot the Guild D-40 and the Guild D-55!!
My D-18 is a '72, bought new by me from a downtown Chicago music store on Wabash avenue. I did songbook strumming on it for five years and then injured the index finger on my fret hand and put it away, forgetting about it for more than 30 years. It was badly stored and badly cared for. Had it restored five years ago, neck reset, refret needed to adjust fretboard relief (no truss rod in a '72), cracks in top repaired, and a bridge removal and reset to correct Martin's "worn bridge jig" error. Oh, and a black locust bridgeplate to replace the maple one. I play two other lesser guitars, and the Martin gets played in mostly open tunings. Open D, capo on 4, play Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," and it's OMG listen to that!
Tony - GREAT episode!!!! Actually my favorite since Noah has moved on. I'll say I'm definitely in the D-28 camp after viewing all the variations, although that Wayne Henderson D-18 was amazing. Keep the good stuff coming.
My favourite folk singer, Valdy, has a 1951 Martin D-28 that he found in pieces in the basement of a music store in 1963. $60.00 plus $150.00 for repair. It's his work horse all these years later and is probably one of the reasons I like him so much. That and I'm the same age as his guitar.
AL, Thankyou for mentioning Michael Hedges as a D28er with 'Barbara' His music and that guitar is the main reason I'm a Martin picker. Tony, how about a full show dedicated to Maestro Hedges?
Mr. Polecastro, My personal favorite non-Martin D-28’s are as follows: 3. Collings D2. 2. Huss and Dalton TD-R. 1.5. Edmonds D-28 (local luthier in Galax, VA.) 1. Pre-War Model HD. Hope y’all are well in Montana these days. It’s nice to turn off the news and turn on and catch up with Acoustic Tuesday. JR North Carolina (semi-quarantining with family in Mississippi)
I would love to see a comparison between lower priced 18s and 28s, especially between Blue Ridge and Recording King (and maybe Eastman?). Both great guitars and great bang for the buck.
I have a martin custom d classic mahogany with a satin finish that was commissioned by guitar center, I assume it's based on a d-18 and i absolutely love it
I own Chinese attempts (Blueridge & Eastman)to replicate 1930's D-18s and D-28s with forward X bracing that has been scalloped. Also, with Adirondack tops. I would like to own a current Martin D-18 (circa 2024) as they have gone back to forward shifted and scalloped braces on all D-18s and Sitka top. The Satin finish model is under $2500. I may be able to afford one soon. Although, I have found the Eastman instruments to be very well made and far superior to Blueridge and I am not sure Martin is worth the extra cost. I have owned both Blueridge BR-140A (two)and BR-160A(one). Both of the BR-140As have defects caused by poor materials and they have soured me on Blueridge. I still have the BR-160A, but actually prefer an Eastman E1D with solid Saplele back and sides and solid Sitka top that cost half of what the BR-160A cost.
My #1 non-Martin D18 is my Collings D1A. I was searching for a premium acoustic guitar (rosewood dreadnought) for about four years and played a wide variety of quality instruments. I couldn’t put this one back. Hands down the best dreadnought I’ve played, even if it isn’t rosewood.
Tiny, love your insight. I have owned so many guitars over the years. I am playing live less these days and am probably selling a killer 335 for a Martin (maybe a Collings), dred. Struggling between Hog and RW. Over there years though Martin J-s (J40 or J41), have left impressions on me (I owned both but neither played very well, after 2 hrs live I hurt). Those models don’t get much love. Huss and Dalton deserve mention too. I also have a think for slot head 12 frets. Molly and Billy are awesome inspirations. Keep up the killer work!
I just purchased the Recording King RD-328 and love it. I can't afford my favorite guitar, the Martin D28, so I purchased this one and am very happy with my purchase. Since my second stroke, getting my Recording King RD-328 , has once again got me back into playing guitar again. And maybe I'll upgrade to my dream guitar, the Martin D28, some day. Some day...lol.. Great video Sir.
@Acoustic Life you dont have to see the back or sides to tell a D-18 from a D-28. The D-28 has a white and black binding all the way around the body of the guitar. Where as the D-18 has only a black binding.
@gdemolished6986 I never noticed. I have a D-28. I really wish I could've got the sound of the D-18 but have the look of the D-28, lol. Mahogany is a better tone wood, but I really like the look and color of rosewood. I also like the white binding on the 28. And I wish the D-28 had scalloped bracing. But over all the D-28 sounds really good. Just not quite as good as the D-18 imo.
I bought a new Martin D-16 last summer. Great guitar and has really started to open up. It’s a dreadnought with 000 depth. At first glance it looks like a D-28, ebony board and bridge, D-28 style markers and binding with rosewood back and sides. I also have a D-15m which is the other side of the spectrum and I love that guitar. However Tony is right, you have to play a D-28 and D-18 and possibly own one or the other if you can swing it. I hope to have a D-18 someday soon...
Prior to purchasing my martin OM, i did try every body size and different woods etc to find what i really liked. It is important to try to find what you like and what you dont. And i really didn't like any of the dreadnoughts. So it was good to figure that out
II'm very lucky: I bought my first new Martin in 1968 - a D-18 ($300 w/ case). The 2nd guitar I bought was a new 1997 HD-28V (vintage) (~2k). They're both excellent guitars.
You want the D28 for the Indian Rosewood back and sides, but you should really get the D18. Costs less and comes with forward shifted scalloped bracing for that vintage tone. To get the same type of bracing, you’ll need to get the HD28. I have a 2022 D18 and it’s worth every penny.
What about Takamine guitars ? Be interesting to see what your take on those would be! Something like the EF360S-TT or the Glenn Frey model or other high end Takamine.
Tony thank you for the videos, I am at home (isolation) for 2 weeks off work because of the Virus thing, and guitar takes my mind off of things, so playing my Gibson Dove, Gibson J200 (58 model), 1940 Gibson ES150, and Martin D18R Retro, I am in good company.
Just a question. Do you think the Santa Cruz low or mid tension strings would work well on a 74 D-28? If so, which would you use? I usually use Elixir lights.
Vintage, vintage, vintage. What's a new one sound like? I have two HD-28s. They couldn't sound much different. The 2006 has great tone. The 1995 has great volume. Every guitar is different. Even if they are the same model. If possible, play them before you buy!
hey Tony .. just watching this episode on Martins and had to give a shout out for the Molly Tuttle clip! I was mesmerised by the tune (Keeping the Cats Happy) and Molly's fluid style when I fell on the clip a few months ago... been trying to work out a fingerstyle version ever since .. may never happen but watching n listening to the clip over and over again is no hardship! cheers Undrell ps I would love to own a Martin D28 preferably vintage - may never happen either..
Tony- thought you did a great job. The only issue I take is that not all D-18s or D-28s are created equal in terms of build. For example some of the D-18s had adirondack tops, same with the D-28s you listed. Also bracing patterns were very different. Finally, the Pre-War HD-28 is made from Brazilian Rosewood. As is the Santa Cruz Tony Rice Pro. It also has a European Spruce top. I feel it is unfair to compare, for example a Brazilian Rosewood with an East Indian Rosewood. Same with the different tops. The only other guitar I would have put in my top group would be a Gallagher Doc Watson. As Peter Rowan said, "Some where in the 60s Doc picked up that D-18....." And the one he used most was the Gallagher which is said "rang like a bell".
Hey Tony awesome episode! I love and played both D18 and D28. But I love more the D28 not only cause it's boomy but because Elvis Presley played mainly the D28 early in his career in the 50s with a beautiful tool leather cover. He also played a D18 in 55 but traded it for a D28. Martin released an Elvis Presley commertive D28 with the tool leather during their 175 year anniversary. Its a beautiful guita that I would love to own someday.
Some day you have to talk about the magical D-35, it’s the Martiniest Martin! Deep Bass , scooped mids, shimmering trebles . 1/4 inch bracing making it an incredible finger style D-35 babies
If you're looking for a dirt cheap don't worry about it alternative, my PR 150 Epiphone has given me years of service, survived a couple of fret dressings no problem. Is it a Martin? No, but it cost about the same as the case I keep it in, and sounds as good as instruments that go for 2 or 3 times as much.
Have to give a shoutout to my D-21. It’s like the 28 and 18 had a baby. Basically it is a 28 (rosewood back and sides) in disguise as an 18 (rosewood fretboard and bridge with black binding). My 2017 has forward-shifted, scalloped bracing that yields some serious boom.
Tony, if you do a future episode on Mossman I'd be happy to pass on the contact info of my old employer who was one of the original luthiers at the Mossman factory in the 70's. He knows a lot about the history of Mossman and I am sure he would love to call and talk about Stuart, the company, and his guitars with you, if you wanted. Cheers.
Another great D-18 alternative is the Alvarez MD60BG coming in at a whopping $599 and worth every penny. My #2 dread, behind my '83 Taylor 710, is a marvelous Alvarez AD70 spruce and rosewood that I paid a princely sum of (used) $240. Sounds amazing.
The earliest music I remember was Hank Williams strumming a D28. As a kid I wanted whatever it was Hank played. Then I discovered Hank Williams JR and he always played a sunburst Gibson on stage. I had to have both! So I’ve always had a Martin and a Gibson around. Martin for rosewood and Gibson for mahogany 👍🏻
I'm turning 40, haven't played since I was 20, guess I'm lower-intermediate in ability but have a bit of disposable cash right now and thinking of getting a D28 or D18. One guitar that I aim to keep for the rest of my life. Talk me off the ledge.
Marius tuning in from Austevoll, Norway here :) Great theme! I just wanted to share that i got my hands on a D3-18 from 1991 three weeks ago. I love it to pieces! its a limited edition with three piece mahogany back, mahogany and sides and a spruce top. Thank you so much for spreading acoustic joy!
Iv had two d-18’s, currently still have one and to me it is the nicest sounding guitar I have ever played (for my style anyway- boomy strumming and bass accents) - I don’t really know the difference with the D-28 vs the D-18 but iv also had a D-45 reimagined and it was excellent but I thought still no real difference from the D-18, so I traded for a Taylor and a little Martin as well as some nice mics and new audio interface. So shows how much I love the D-18 I suppose if I thought there no need for the D-45 so long as you have the D-18 imho. One thing though I will say after owning two simultaneously is think before you drill that post. I have been told Martin do it as standard but my first D-18 doesn’t have a strap post hole drilled and I honestly think it changes the sound noticeably. Maybe not when the posts in but for sure when a post and strap are attached. Thoughts anyone?
TONY! You didn't catch Sturgill back in the day!! You missed out for sure... My friends and I were fortunate enough to catch him at a music festival called Forecastle in KY, several years ago before he really took off. Beautiful 80 degree day, Sturgill played in front of....35 people. It was like having an awesome concert at a family reunion. Next up was another artist before they took off...Chris Stapleton who played for maybe 25 people. Really glad I got to see them both before the shot off into the atmosphere. Love the show, it's time I grab some merch!
I would be remiss if I didn't point out the rosewood Telecaster in one of the Sturgill Simpson videos (yes - I know this is ACOUSTIC Life - but, c'mon a the rosewood Tele!). I love my custom D-18 (adi top) and it really loves Martin Retro (TR) strings! Can't go wrong with either a D-28 or D-18 - in fact, you should at least one of each (the closest to a D-28 I currently have - a custom D-15 Special with bearclaw Sitka top over EIR back & sides - all solid, but with M&T neck)! Watching from Brazoria, TX!
Considering these guitars have a 100 year service life, owning one, you are more of a caretaker of it, well cared for future players an heirloom if you please, considering the scarcity of the tone woods these Martins will be priceless by 2050, don't you agree? I own a D28, and a D28-12. Beautifully matched in sound and sustain. The D28-6 has bearclaw or bear claw pattern on the spruce top, looks amazing, plays amazing. The tone and shimmer is unreal, nothing like a Martin, when I fly I buy a ticket for it so it has a seat, no way will let it go into baggage. Have not flown in a while not sure I can get away with it any more.
I went guitar shopping in early 2000's and the guitar salesman pointed me towards a takamine dreadnought with a cedar top and it was only like 300 bucks. Still have it to this day and everyone that plays this guitar falls in love with it even though they have expensive guitars. It just resonates beautifully. I know it's not a 1970s Japan made, but this Korean made takamine is great too.
Mark Knopfler has a pre war D-18 he uses to write with. I have a lowly D-X and 000-X series. Cheap and great for just casual playing. Sound like a real Martin. Heavy though. I'll probably sell the D even though I like the sound better because I have a hard time reaching around it.
I agree with D-28, although my Clapton 000-28 has definitely hushed up some D-28 folk BUT......for Mahogany Dreadnaught, the J-45 (not technically a Dreadnaught) or Hummingbird, ARE the KINGS of Mahogany Dreadnaught Hands Down, Mike Drop, Luca Brasi Sleeps....
@@StoicTrader- Congratulations. Oh, what a lucky man you are. I love the D18, even more so than the D28. There is something about them. Perhaps, if the money permits, you should take a look at the D18 modern deluxe with the torrefied top. I believe that this is the torrefied top series. Somebody check me. Retail $900 just seems awful high for a custom treated top, but what do I know. Anyway, good luck with your shopping experience. Can't really go wrong, eh? Sorry for the time delay. I have been in the hospital - a suspected case of Corvid-19/
Worked hard only 16 and I’m buying a D-28 it’s my dream and it’s finally coming true
Come back and let us know if you got it!
Play a bunch and choose the best one.They are all different.The new D-28's are fantastic. Also consider an HD28. Scalloped bracing gives a nicer tone.
Congrats
I own a Martin D28; wanted one my whole life, got one when I turned 50, I’m 61 now. I plan to get a D18 before I die. I presently play in a Bluegrass band. That D28 stands out!
I'm trying to decide between the hd28 and a d18 ambertone color which I adore. Do you like your d28 more than the d18 (sound wise) even though you plan on buying one?
I think I will like them Equally well. They’re completely different tones. It’s like listening to two different singers that you equally love, they’re both good, just different. So far I sing and play in my Bluegrass band. I have a loud booming voice so the D28 matches that. I might like the D18 more for playing rhythm when someone else is singing. On the other hand, the D18 might help me sing mellow songs. Hope that helps.
@@jeffcollins1172 Definitely helps, thanks for sharing your experience. I'm not in a band and just enjoy jamming in my home and playing for family. Sounds like I'd prefer the d18. I was leaning that way anyway.
Im 59 and got my D-28 for my 40th (my wife bought it). It just keeps getting better.
Got my d18 today and she's lovely
I haven't watched in awhile, I really like this format. Just you dropping knowledge to the audience. No smallwins, no guitarsanals, no real time comments.... This is perfect!
Matt: I couldn't agree more. Also no "green" hysteria. Great show!
Same here!!! Way to keep going Tony!!!!
Can’t agree more
My experience recently: D18 had a mellow singer-songwriter vibe that's just amazing. I've literally never heard anything quite that good or clicked with a guitar more. It will break your heart, in a good way, if you like laid-back coffeehouse acoustic, ballads, classical, etc. D28 was more assertive and less "woody", maybe geared more towards bluegrass bands, strummed folk, acoustic pop, etc. They were both excellent guitars.
Thanks for your impressions. I think a D18 would be a great fit for me!
Tony, thanks so much for not only featuring the 2 iconic Martin's, but their affordable counterparts as well. Great choices all, and it shows you don't have to bust the bank to have a quality dreadnought. Kudos!
My dad purchased his Martin D-18 in the mid 40s. It was made in mid February of 1945. It does not have the scalloped braces as Martin stopped doing that at the end of 1944. But it does have the Adirondack top one braces. It also has an ebony brace in the neck and ebony fingerboard and bridge. It has wonderful tone and action. Here is is 2020 and it has been passed down to the third generation of the family. What guitar can become an heirloom like this. Also do not forget to smell the opening under the strings near the bridge. It is also a unique smell of this Martin guitar!
I agree, play the D18 and D28. Fine instruments. Just don't jump up and play a D41 or 45 like I did. Impossible to look back and your savings become secondary, and disappear. But you're left smiling, every time you pick it up.
Too late. Now I own a D-41. Pardon me while I smile and type. Gotta go, ... my guitar is callin' ...
I prefer the snowflakes ❄️ ❄️ on the D-42. I will own one....someday....
So why get a d28 or d18 if there is a d41 I am a noob
@@ComicKishd41 is 6,000. D45 is 10,000
I haven't played a lot of different guitars, but listening to Martins and Taylors and even those on your show, I find it hard to beat the guitar I bought in 1975, a Guild D-40. This baby just sings with tremendous projection and glorious bass. It's still my favorite guitar (I have four of them). I remember that when I bought it back in '75, they told me it had been "voiced" with a shaving device that you put over your finger, reached in through the sound hole and trimmed down the braces on the soundboard. I really enjoy your show.
Guild makes great guitars. I really wanted a Guild D-55 but I had to have 1.75" nut with Adirondack top. I went with a used 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis. Love it. I do have a 1979 Guild F212XL NT... fantastic chime & power. Literally fills a room.
My 1st real guitar 🎸 was a 1975 guild d40c and it was amazing. So sad I traded it about 10 years ago. Wish I never would have...
they probably used a finger plane
Hey Jim. Good escape from the Martin Binge thread. That is, respectively taking nothing away from the Martins or the Martin Dreads. Guild Dreads. Man, do I love them. My favorite guitar by far is the Morgan (not Morgan Monroe) OM. I have two Morgan OMs. However, I love the Guild Dreads. They speak for themselves. Their slogan is spot on - "made to be played." I have had two D40 Guilds. I had a 1977sunburst that was so sweet. Sadly enough, I sold this to finance the Morgan rosewood OM. Then remorse and GAS completely consumed me and I bought one of the new 2020 Guild D40 Sunburst. Man, do I love this guitar. The slogan still applies. A couple of other things that I think that I really like about the Guild Dreads are their lovely understated individualistic sound. They are a Guild. They are not trying to be or copy any of the other big guys out there. That string-to-string balance with that nice woody and airy sound - well I am a sucker for it. They are still made in America. And, I just want to play my Morgans and Guilds all day long. I also have a Westerly Maple natural Guild D30 that I absolutely cannot get enough of either. I bought it during the acquisition of Guild by Fender. The first thing that Fender did was to move the plant and stop all production of the Maple D30 model. So, mine was made in about the third week of November and December was the last month of production. I figure that I have to have one of the last 200-250 made. Sweet.
@@snuffyballparks6501 I'm in your boat. Would love to own a D-55 with a 1.75" nut. Lately, I wondered if I could maybe order from their custom shop. I own 2 really high end guitars (a Martin custom and a Taylor PS), but I've never heard anything better than a Guild D-55 out of many, many guitars I tried in my lifetime.
For ergonomic reasons I bought a 000-18. It never leaves my living room but man is it ever a sweet guitar!
Some really great and affordable guitars that have that Martin feel and sound are Sigmas especially from 1970-1978. I have played several and they are all great guitars.
I have a 2008 D-28 Marquis and my son has a 2001 D-18 GE. It is great fun to play together and compare the tone. We use the same strings and both use Blue Chip Picks. I can't tell much of a difference, but he thinks the Marquis has a bit more bass rumble. Both are fantastic sounding dreads. Whichever guitar he plays sounds best, since he is the better player. He gets better as a player all the time... I just get older.
I recently purchased a 2015 HD-28 and appreciate all the info contained in this episode. I'm going to agree that the Brad Paisley Pre-War Santa Cruz is worthy of your gold medal - that is one amazing instrument and thank you Artisan Guitars for letting me play it last year.
I have both and love them both for how they have different voices.
I bought my 1973 D28 in 1981, at Elderly Instruments, in East Lansing, Mi . I was not a very rich student at the time, but back then, the dollar was very low and it fitted my french savings. I used to give a try to each and every guitar which passed by the store ( tens and hundreds of them), but this one was love at first sight. Since then, she has become a true friend of mine in the good and bad moments of life. Later, I own other nice guitars (1928 Gibson L4, 1982 Favino Jazz...), but i always come back to this unique sound and feel. Both of us are still in good shape and enjoying music together.
Tony, my best friend has a Martin HD-35 (like your favorite) and my Guitar Tech has a Martin D-28 (which originally was his Dad's). When it came time for me to select a Martin of my own we went to Music Outlet in Sevierville, TN and started listening for which one would sing the best for me. Music Outlet set up three guitar stands and let me rotate through what they had on the wall in their Martin Room. I tried HD-35, HD-28, D-28, OM-28, and 000-28. When I got to the Martin Reimagined 000-28, my best friend just smiled. But, the 12th fret action on it was set up higher than I liked. My Guitar Tech lowered the 12th fret action 2 millimeters and now it feels much nicer to play. Thanks for a wonderful video and a great channel!
Eric Ecklund great choice - i did decide for an om 21 but ooo28 is next on my list !
@@michaelionkin7465 A little back story from me might help with why I decided on the 000-28. I already own an Ovation Custom Legend (OCL) with a deep contour bowl. The shape, body dimensions, and scale length of the OCL are similar to the OM-28, except with that deep contour bowl it can be as loud as a D-28 or an HD-35. In the 000-28 I was listening for the sounds that were similar to the OCL without the extra bass of the D-28. My best friend and I have played the 000-28 and his HD-35 facing each other. The HD-35 sounds more muted compared to the 000-28. We kept trading our guitars back and forth while facing each other to be sure that what we were hearing was real.
Great show as always Tony! I have a Mossman Tennessee Flat Top made in 1976. Not sure if it was modeled after an 18 or 28 but it is basically a Martin. Spruce top and mahogany back and sides and a lovely mellow sound. One day Ill make it our there and bring it along. Thanks Kindly! DaveyJO in Pa. p.s. I live just about 15 miles from Bird-In-Hand, Pa. Yes, it really does exists and heading east it's just before Intercourse, Pa. No Joke!
That's modeled after the D 18, Mahogany back and sides. Can you share the serial number? I'm building a database.
55 years old and its taken that long to own a D28. I cried when i first played my OWN D28. Braw.
Good for you AJ Mac, congratulations! I am 54 and have at last saved up for a D-18. I have sleepless nights about spending so much money on a guitar though… I might just chicken out and buy a D-13 E instead...
Geert Zwager Don’t chicken out. You will only regret it .. i was in/out/in the music store so many times and then thought ‘to hell with poverty’ !
I have not, and probably never will regret that decision to go back in and say... please can i have a D28... the smiles on the guys faces kinda said a lot. I got it home and my son picked it up and just went WOW. He has a 00 15 (which is beautiful) but we were blown away. Go get it. 18 or 28. I will own an 18 before i pop my clogs, i am sure of that. Good luck,and let us know....
I bought myself a D-28 almost two years ago for my 40th. It was a lot of money for me and I honestly dont play at a level that would justify it but I love it. No regrets.
@@bobsmith-ji2uh Did you also try a d18 before buying the d28? I'm deciding between an hd28 and a d18 and it's freaking difficult lol.
@@StoicTrader- I did and my father plays a D-35 so I've played that quite a few times. I have to say I don't seem to have as good an ear as a lot of other people. They all sounded good to me. The difference to me was negligible. One doesn't sound "better" than the other to me just slightly different. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice if youre down to a D-28 or D-18.
I tried both in person and went with the D-28. I liked the deep bass and the sparkly treble and the mid scoop that leaves room for vocals
Correction on the Eastmans E6 and E8. They are solid back and side too, not just the tops.
E10 and E20 have adirondack top instead of sitka
Even my E1D is all solid wood, Sapele back and sides. I think the only Eastman acoustic guitars that are not all solid wood are the PCH1 models.
Simpson sounds like waylon. I love his voice.
Sounds like Hank Jr. to me but maybe he sounds a little like both lol
Very cool! The Alvarez MD60BG and MD70BG also do a great job capturing the D18/D28 vibe. I picked up the MD60BG (D18 inspired) a couple weeks ago, and it is very comparable to the Martin version.
I feel like I have to speak up for the smaller-body guitars. In 2004, when I was shopping for my first steel-string guitar, after 35 years with an old Garcia classical, a salesman at Guitar Center told me that he would sell a Dreadnaught to only a very few types of player. His main reason was that, for all their other qualities, the Dreadnaught is not as tonally balanced across the fretboard as the smaller instruments. The bass strings will always dominate. But that doesn't mean that smaller guitars have weak low ends. As a Martin guy, myself, I've always found that the bass in any kind of Martin is going to be deep, rich and resonant, even to the point of sometimes having to compensate for it when recording.
Dreads were designed to make the guitar loud enough to be heard among the other instruments in bands in the pre-electric, pre-amplified, days of the early 20th century. Tonal balance was sacrificed for volume and a penetrating, powerful bass. These qualities definitely have their place; I'm not so obtuse as to deny that a lot of great music has been made on Dreadnaughts, and luthiers have made great advances in making dreads more tonally balanced, but smaller guitars are often the instrument of choice among many of today's best fingerstyle players. Think Tommy Emmanuel, Leo Kottke, Tony Furtado, Don Ross, Andy McKee, Antoine Dufour, et al...
What if you've got a D35 (like me)? ;-> Also, Tony, you asked about copies you had missed. Well, in the budget range, I can't recommend highly enough the Yamaha LL16 - Spruce/rosewood D28 copy all solid woods for under £800 here in the UK, probably about the same in $. Cheers, Rob
This has been my favorite AT episode! I am also blessed to own both a D-18 and D-28. My Dad bought me a 28 as a college graduation present in 2014 and I just recently bought a 18 (2019) a month ago. They are both awesome! The older 28 has lots of bass and warmth, but the reimagined 18’s are just as powerful. Just buy both!
Love my D-28. Sometimes I'll not leave it alone for a year and play other stuff. Then one day I'll come back, clean it, restring it and get blown away all over again on how awesome the sound is. I also play great Gibsons as well.
It’s been SO retro (ironically), familiar, and just a cozy time hearing Tony chat and play about these two beauties! Thanks!
I was in the Guitar Center in Miamisburg ,Ohio recently, not far from my home in Beavercreek. I picked up and played a Martin D28 and I did love it. The response was awesome,especially the bass. It was so easy to play compared to my current Alverez. I was looking to finalize weather or not to order a Martin D35E or pass it by for something less pricey. Even though I was impressed with the D28. My Martin D35E ships in June. Yes I am excited! About 5 years ago I picked up a Martin D35 in the same store and I've been in "lust" ever since.
Tony, I settled for the 00-28! anything bigger is like hugging a bear! I love the sound of a dread but prefers smaller instruments. Love the show!
Please share info on that Traverse publication!! I'm playing my '75 Mossman Flint Hills while watching today's show. I also own a '76 Tennessee Flattop 12 string , an '86 Baxendale (Scott bought the company from Stu) that is my go to bluegrass machine and, I'm waiting for the arrival of a '76 Golden Era. Yes, speak of them!
Brand: O.C. Bear Model: Lancaster. They are handmade and well worth checking out!
Very nice playing on that wonderful-sounding Country Boy! I really enjoy your shows, too.
Another week made great by Acoustic Tuesday. First i heard of Sturgill Simpson was from his most recent release, Sound and Fury. No, its not an acoustic album, but it blew my mind to hear what he had made before. Good show as always Tony.
Awesome episode Tony. I have a D-18, purchased last year. oh the ouch of the price, but oh the sweetness of that sound. The bass is so amazing. I use a 1.14mm nylon pick, and Martin 13s, and the warmth of that tone is unbelievable. Thanks for reconfirming my decision to take the step!
Go check current prices, and then buy yourself a beer to celebrate your savings lol. Sold mine before they became so expensive. Regret it every single day.
Tony, what a great episode! I have owned over 100+ brand new solid wood guitars since 1979. You nane it from Yamaha to Gibson to Martin and many others. I think you need to do a two-parter. Why? Cause you forgot the Guild D-40 and the Guild D-55!!
My D-18 is a '72, bought new by me from a downtown Chicago music store on Wabash avenue. I did songbook strumming on it for five years and then injured the index finger on my fret hand and put it away, forgetting about it for more than 30 years. It was badly stored and badly cared for. Had it restored five years ago, neck reset, refret needed to adjust fretboard relief (no truss rod in a '72), cracks in top repaired, and a bridge removal and reset to correct Martin's "worn bridge jig" error. Oh, and a black locust bridgeplate to replace the maple one. I play two other lesser guitars, and the Martin gets played in mostly open tunings. Open D, capo on 4, play Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," and it's OMG listen to that!
Tony - GREAT episode!!!! Actually my favorite since Noah has moved on. I'll say I'm definitely in the D-28 camp after viewing all the variations, although that Wayne Henderson D-18 was amazing. Keep the good stuff coming.
My favourite folk singer, Valdy, has a 1951 Martin D-28 that he found in pieces in the basement of a music store in 1963. $60.00 plus $150.00 for repair. It's his work horse all these years later and is probably one of the reasons I like him so much. That and I'm the same age as his guitar.
AL, Thankyou for mentioning Michael Hedges as a D28er with 'Barbara' His music and that guitar is the main reason I'm a Martin picker. Tony, how about a full show dedicated to Maestro Hedges?
I aspire to play like Tuttle, so smooth, so perfect/concise. Thanks for sharing Tony.
Gotta check out David Grier too. He’s a lot like her in those aspects.
Hey Tony if I got your CD could I use that in the tacpicture
Mr. Polecastro,
My personal favorite non-Martin D-28’s are as follows:
3. Collings D2.
2. Huss and Dalton TD-R.
1.5. Edmonds D-28 (local luthier in Galax, VA.)
1. Pre-War Model HD.
Hope y’all are well in Montana these days. It’s nice to turn off the news and turn on and catch up with Acoustic Tuesday.
JR
North Carolina (semi-quarantining with family in Mississippi)
I would love to see a comparison between lower priced 18s and 28s, especially between Blue Ridge and Recording King (and maybe Eastman?). Both great guitars and great bang for the buck.
I have a martin custom d classic mahogany with a satin finish that was commissioned by guitar center, I assume it's based on a d-18 and i absolutely love it
Can you make a comparison video for all those D28 Models you listed like Recording King RD 328, Eastman E20D with Martin D28???
I own Chinese attempts (Blueridge & Eastman)to replicate 1930's D-18s and D-28s with forward X bracing that has been scalloped. Also, with Adirondack tops. I would like to own a current Martin D-18 (circa 2024) as they have gone back to forward shifted and scalloped braces on all D-18s and Sitka top. The Satin finish model is under $2500. I may be able to afford one soon. Although, I have found the Eastman instruments to be very well made and far superior to Blueridge and I am not sure Martin is worth the extra cost. I have owned both Blueridge BR-140A (two)and BR-160A(one). Both of the BR-140As have defects caused by poor materials and they have soured me on Blueridge. I still have the BR-160A, but actually prefer an Eastman E1D with solid Saplele back and sides and solid Sitka top that cost half of what the BR-160A cost.
Tony, what are your thoughts about the D28 Moder Deluxe?
D18 if you plan on singing along. D28 if you want to keep up with a band. That has always been the rule.
My #1 non-Martin D18 is my Collings D1A. I was searching for a premium acoustic guitar (rosewood dreadnought) for about four years and played a wide variety of quality instruments. I couldn’t put this one back. Hands down the best dreadnought I’ve played, even if it isn’t rosewood.
Tiny, love your insight. I have owned so many guitars over the years. I am playing live less these days and am probably selling a killer 335 for a Martin (maybe a Collings), dred. Struggling between Hog and RW.
Over there years though Martin J-s (J40 or J41), have left impressions on me (I owned both but neither played very well, after 2 hrs live I hurt). Those models don’t get much love. Huss and Dalton deserve mention too.
I also have a think for slot head 12 frets. Molly and Billy are awesome inspirations.
Keep up the killer work!
I just purchased the Recording King RD-328 and love it. I can't afford my favorite guitar, the Martin D28, so I purchased this one and am very happy with my purchase. Since my second stroke, getting my Recording King RD-328 , has once again got me back into playing guitar again. And maybe I'll upgrade to my dream guitar, the Martin D28, some day. Some day...lol.. Great video Sir.
Listen to Tony , you need one ! I bought myself a new D28 when I turned 21 , I'm 54 now , and the D28 sounds better every year
@Acoustic Life you dont have to see the back or sides to tell a D-18 from a D-28. The D-28 has a white and black binding all the way around the body of the guitar. Where as the D-18 has only a black binding.
You don’t need to see that either. They have different fretboard inlays.
@gdemolished6986 I never noticed. I have a D-28. I really wish I could've got the sound of the D-18 but have the look of the D-28, lol. Mahogany is a better tone wood, but I really like the look and color of rosewood. I also like the white binding on the 28. And I wish the D-28 had scalloped bracing. But over all the D-28 sounds really good. Just not quite as good as the D-18 imo.
D-18 sounds amazing ❤
I bought a new Martin D-16 last summer. Great guitar and has really started to open up. It’s a dreadnought with 000 depth. At first glance it looks like a D-28, ebony board and bridge, D-28 style markers and binding with rosewood back and sides. I also have a D-15m which is the other side of the spectrum and I love that guitar.
However Tony is right, you have to play a D-28 and D-18 and possibly own one or the other if you can swing it. I hope to have a D-18 someday soon...
Prior to purchasing my martin OM, i did try every body size and different woods etc to find what i really liked. It is important to try to find what you like and what you dont. And i really didn't like any of the dreadnoughts. So it was good to figure that out
II'm very lucky: I bought my first new Martin in 1968 - a D-18 ($300 w/ case). The 2nd guitar I bought was a new 1997 HD-28V (vintage) (~2k). They're both excellent guitars.
fantastic episode. my favorite AT yet!
You want the D28 for the Indian Rosewood back and sides, but you should really get the D18. Costs less and comes with forward shifted scalloped bracing for that vintage tone. To get the same type of bracing, you’ll need to get the HD28. I have a 2022 D18 and it’s worth every penny.
Forgive me, I’m new to acoustic playing. What is the song he’s playing at 45:15 ish? Thanks in advance.
What about Takamine guitars ? Be interesting to see what your take on those would be! Something like the EF360S-TT or the Glenn Frey model or other high end Takamine.
Tony thank you for the videos, I am at home (isolation) for 2 weeks off work because of the Virus thing, and guitar takes my mind off of things, so playing my Gibson Dove, Gibson J200 (58 model), 1940 Gibson ES150, and Martin D18R Retro, I am in good company.
Just a question. Do you think the Santa Cruz low or mid tension strings would work well on a 74 D-28? If so, which would you use? I usually use Elixir lights.
Great show as always. I just finished watching The Ballad of the Dreadnought, wow really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation.
What about a Guild D55?
Hey! Listened to your new album, it's killer! Thank you for the beautiful music and great show. Greetings from Sweden!
Vintage, vintage, vintage. What's a new one sound like? I have two HD-28s. They couldn't sound much different. The 2006 has great tone. The 1995 has great volume. Every guitar is different. Even if they are the same model. If possible, play them before you buy!
Great show for acoustic guitar lovers ! I’m thinking of gettin D-18 , Dave from Philippines 🇵🇭
I have a 73 D18. It sounds amazing. I also have a lower end D16 GT. Also an amazing sounding instrument. You can't go wrong with a Martin.
hey Tony .. just watching this episode on Martins and had to give a shout out for the Molly Tuttle clip! I was mesmerised by the tune (Keeping the Cats Happy) and Molly's fluid style when I fell on the clip a few months ago... been trying to work out a fingerstyle version ever since .. may never happen but watching n listening to the clip over and over again is no hardship! cheers Undrell ps I would love to own a Martin D28 preferably vintage - may never happen either..
Tony- thought you did a great job. The only issue I take is that not all D-18s or D-28s are created equal in terms of build. For example some of the D-18s had adirondack tops, same with the D-28s you listed. Also bracing patterns were very different. Finally, the Pre-War HD-28 is made from Brazilian Rosewood. As is the Santa Cruz Tony Rice Pro. It also has a European Spruce top. I feel it is unfair to compare, for example a Brazilian Rosewood with an East Indian Rosewood. Same with the different tops. The only other guitar I would have put in my top group would be a Gallagher Doc Watson. As Peter Rowan said, "Some where in the 60s Doc picked up that D-18....." And the one he used most was the Gallagher which is said "rang like a bell".
Would you consider the D35 a variant of a 28, or something on its own (due to bracing and back)?
lighter bracing in the 35
Hey Tony awesome episode! I love and played both D18 and D28. But I love more the D28 not only cause it's boomy but because Elvis Presley played mainly the D28 early in his career in the 50s with a beautiful tool leather cover. He also played a D18 in 55 but traded it for a D28. Martin released an Elvis Presley commertive D28 with the tool leather during their 175 year anniversary. Its a beautiful guita that I would love to own someday.
Some day you have to talk about the magical D-35, it’s the Martiniest Martin! Deep Bass , scooped mids, shimmering trebles . 1/4 inch bracing making it an incredible finger style D-35 babies
If you're looking for a dirt cheap don't worry about it alternative, my PR 150 Epiphone has given me years of service, survived a couple of fret dressings no problem. Is it a Martin? No, but it cost about the same as the case I keep it in, and sounds as good as instruments that go for 2 or 3 times as much.
Would you show nylon classical guitars as well? Is this channel only for steal string guitars only?? Thank you
Have to give a shoutout to my D-21. It’s like the 28 and 18 had a baby. Basically it is a 28 (rosewood back and sides) in disguise as an 18 (rosewood fretboard and bridge with black binding). My 2017 has forward-shifted, scalloped bracing that yields some serious boom.
Tony,
if you do a future episode on Mossman I'd be happy to pass on the contact info of my old employer who was one of the original luthiers at the Mossman factory in the 70's. He knows a lot about the history of Mossman and I am sure he would love to call and talk about Stuart, the company, and his guitars with you, if you wanted. Cheers.
Another great D-18 alternative is the Alvarez MD60BG coming in at a whopping $599 and worth every penny. My #2 dread, behind my '83 Taylor 710, is a marvelous Alvarez AD70 spruce and rosewood that I paid a princely sum of (used) $240. Sounds amazing.
I really enjoyed this episode. Good stuff.
The earliest music I remember was Hank Williams strumming a D28. As a kid I wanted whatever it was Hank played. Then I discovered Hank Williams JR and he always played a sunburst Gibson on stage. I had to have both! So I’ve always had a Martin and a Gibson around. Martin for rosewood and Gibson for mahogany 👍🏻
I'm turning 40, haven't played since I was 20, guess I'm lower-intermediate in ability but have a bit of disposable cash right now and thinking of getting a D28 or D18. One guitar that I aim to keep for the rest of my life. Talk me off the ledge.
Marius tuning in from Austevoll, Norway here :) Great theme! I just wanted to share that i got my hands on a D3-18 from 1991 three weeks ago. I love it to pieces! its a limited edition with three piece mahogany back, mahogany and sides and a spruce top. Thank you so much for spreading acoustic joy!
That's a great find there! Ive got a limited edition 1976 Alvarez D-35 copy with 3 piece back. Talk about bass! Cheers from Louisiana! P[>
D18 all day long
Iv had two d-18’s, currently still have one and to me it is the nicest sounding guitar I have ever played (for my style anyway- boomy strumming and bass accents) - I don’t really know the difference with the D-28 vs the D-18 but iv also had a D-45 reimagined and it was excellent but I thought still no real difference from the D-18, so I traded for a Taylor and a little Martin as well as some nice mics and new audio interface. So shows how much I love the D-18 I suppose if I thought there no need for the D-45 so long as you have the D-18 imho.
One thing though I will say after owning two simultaneously is think before you drill that post. I have been told Martin do it as standard but my first D-18 doesn’t have a strap post hole drilled and I honestly think it changes the sound noticeably. Maybe not when the posts in but for sure when a post and strap are attached. Thoughts anyone?
TONY! You didn't catch Sturgill back in the day!! You missed out for sure... My friends and I were fortunate enough to catch him at a music festival called Forecastle in KY, several years ago before he really took off. Beautiful 80 degree day, Sturgill played in front of....35 people. It was like having an awesome concert at a family reunion. Next up was another artist before they took off...Chris Stapleton who played for maybe 25 people. Really glad I got to see them both before the shot off into the atmosphere. Love the show, it's time I grab some merch!
I would be remiss if I didn't point out the rosewood Telecaster in one of the Sturgill Simpson videos (yes - I know this is ACOUSTIC Life - but, c'mon a the rosewood Tele!). I love my custom D-18 (adi top) and it really loves Martin Retro (TR) strings! Can't go wrong with either a D-28 or D-18 - in fact, you should at least one of each (the closest to a D-28 I currently have - a custom D-15 Special with bearclaw Sitka top over EIR back & sides - all solid, but with M&T neck)! Watching from Brazoria, TX!
I got a D-18 today !
Always loved the d18. My number 1 isn't a Martin but a Santa Cruz DPWM. It needs a hd28 to accompany her.
Can I pass with a d35??
Considering these guitars have a 100 year service life, owning one, you are more of a caretaker of it, well cared for future players an heirloom if you please, considering the scarcity of the tone woods these Martins will be priceless by 2050, don't you agree? I own a D28, and a D28-12. Beautifully matched in sound and sustain. The D28-6 has bearclaw or bear claw pattern on the spruce top, looks amazing, plays amazing. The tone and shimmer is unreal, nothing like a Martin, when I fly I buy a ticket for it so it has a seat, no way will let it go into baggage. Have not flown in a while not sure I can get away with it any more.
Tony, would you consider a Sigma DR28-H ?
Great Content Tony'O ......Is Simpson? Waylons' offspring or what. Thanks.
I have a Huss and Dalton Custom TDM, which is a D18 style. However, it does have an Adirondack top instead of Sitka. Great sound.
1970s Takamine higher end made in Japan dreds sounded great.
I went guitar shopping in early 2000's and the guitar salesman pointed me towards a takamine dreadnought with a cedar top and it was only like 300 bucks. Still have it to this day and everyone that plays this guitar falls in love with it even though they have expensive guitars. It just resonates beautifully. I know it's not a 1970s Japan made, but this Korean made takamine is great too.
@@StoicTrader- That's awesome it's always so great to find a guitar that isn't an arm and a leg that just makes you want to take it home and play!😀
Mark Knopfler has a pre war D-18 he uses to write with. I have a lowly D-X and 000-X series. Cheap and great for just casual playing. Sound like a real Martin. Heavy though. I'll probably sell the D even though I like the sound better because I have a hard time reaching around it.
I agree with D-28, although my Clapton 000-28 has definitely hushed up some D-28 folk
BUT......for Mahogany Dreadnaught, the J-45 (not technically a Dreadnaught) or Hummingbird, ARE the KINGS of Mahogany Dreadnaught Hands Down, Mike Drop, Luca Brasi Sleeps....
morning everyone from Tacoma,Washington
Stay safe over there brother
Hey me too
Right now I'm deciding to buy the d18 or the hd28, I'm leaning towards the d18 but I need input from the martin boys that own both.
Or the right D18 or HD28 to speak to your soul.
@@binoOMM picked up my d18 today, what a lovely lady she is.
@@StoicTrader- Congratulations. Oh, what a lucky man you are. I love the D18, even more so than the D28. There is something about them. Perhaps, if the money permits, you should take a look at the D18 modern deluxe with the torrefied top. I believe that this is the torrefied top series. Somebody check me. Retail $900 just seems awful high for a custom treated top, but what do I know. Anyway, good luck with your shopping experience. Can't really go wrong, eh? Sorry for the time delay. I have been in the hospital - a suspected case of Corvid-19/
@@binoOMM How are you feeling, did you test positive for it? Hope you're feeling better, please update when you can.
Haha, showed up when the video had 28 likes. Must be a sign :D
I'm excited my HD 28 Adirondack is arriving tomorrow. I've been dreaming playing my d10 which is fabulous by the way