Just inherited my grandfather's 1939 D-18. He played for years with Gene Autry. Although the back has permanent scars from Gramp's big ole country belt buckle, this guitar is the best sounding acoustic I've ever played.
I don’t think you can get any better than a D18 for a great all rounder workhorse of a guitar that will last a lifetime and always leave you with a smile on your face.
I have owned many many guitars! But since my recent purchase of a 2019 Martin D 18, nothing has even came close. It’s melodic, charming, lively, loud and it’s hard to put down! Every time I open the case and smell the spruce and mahogany whack me I’m inclined to pick her up and smile 😀 she’s a keeper for real!
Went to look at D18s a couple years ago. After playing a few standard D18s and a D18 modern deluxe, I Left the shop with a custom shop D14 sinker mahogany. The tone it emits melts your soul.
I just got mine last Thursday. Action was way high, over 3mm at the 12th fret. Adjusted the neck and the bought a new saddle and put the Martin saddle in the case. Now my action is between 2.0 and 2.25mm and it plays so smooth, and sounds so freakin awesome
@Tzadeck dang man what a blast from the past lol. I definitely hit a home run with the OM-28MD. But I just finished paying off an ambertone HD-28 that I have had since August and absolutely love it. D-18s are fantastic though. If you don’t already have a smaller body guitar and love mahogany then I’d say go for it! To me, my OM covered the bases for the mid-rangy tone I was looking for from mahogany. So I needed a cannon dread. Only thing I’m missing now is a 00 body style mahogany guitar.
I've bought a Martin 000-15m which i have installed an electroacoustic pickup 2 years ago and i love it, and last December i bought a Martin D-18 and now i have to say I'm good for life. These guitars are sublime , the D -18 is a quality fantastic guitar and I'm in love with the tone and finish and this one i will not install anything in , i keep it full acoustic
@@jftruthseeker989 I think you did the right thing. You get a lot of 00018 sound goodness in the d18. And 00015m just awesome all around. So the 00018 would be a third round pick after the 00015m and d18.
@@cmoreno12345 yes exactly! And the 00015m its a guitar that i can bring more outside or to friends house because its more "rough" like than the D-18 . The D-18 is more fragile because of the nice finish and I'm obsessive with this aha
I played the D 18 at a store today and almost cried with joy. lol. Instant connection, mellow, woody, dignified. Save your money and get that D18, esp. if you play singer-songwriter coffee house songs. Switch the strings temporarily if you need a little more "trebly power", like if you have a bluegrass gig. Its awesome!
I do singer-songwriter unplugged I do have a bit of problems singing over the volume of the d18 not used to it didn't realize that when I bought it at the guitar store So when you say string change what would you recommend?
@stevenwithaph9785 try elixir coated acoustic strings (phosphor bronze). I think d 18 comes with Medium size, but I prefer Custom Light. (If you aren't comfortable adjusting the neck after going to custom lights, stick with Medium). You'll also notice less squeekiness as you play up the fretboard. Elixir strings last a long time. Well worth the money.
@GUITARTIME2024 yeah that was definitely good advice. It took care of the volume issue I tried the Elixir 11:52 PB and then I also tried the Martin 2.0 1152 pb which I actually like a little bit better. Either way it absolutely made where I can sing with the guitar I am happy about that. I also discovered another thing and that was after I put the custom lights on at first I thought it just sounded too jingly. I tried different picks and I went from a 78 mm to a 1.0 that also warmed it back up. Any way still not 100% certain which strings I will use but I have already figured it out that the string changes will definitely fix the problem. Thanks for taking the time to respond
@stevenwithaph9785 that jingle is likely the lighter strings letting neck go back too much (sounds plinky on high strings, right). Just had that issue when going one gauge down on new guitar. Neck probably needs adjustment. A 1/8 turn (counterclockwise) fixed mine (strings stay on and tuned). Wait an hour after doing the turn, then tune it and play, to see if it's fixed. Wait until following day to do another 1/8 turn, if needed. One thing to know is that the D28 has scooped mids. Many singers say it's a little better than D18 for singing, but you give up some warmth.
I've read that Clarence White preferred his D-18 for solo work, regarding the D-28 as more of a rhythm guitar. It's his 1950s D-18 that's heard on the classic Kentucky Colonels' recording 'Appalachian Swing'.
I have a 1954 D18. A guy sold it to me for 500 clams. I tried to talk him out of selling but he insisted. To this day whenever I run into him he asks if I still have it. I always say, "I TOLD you not to sell it!".
I played one today and it was amazing. It was so easy to play, super light, and vibrated like crazing with all that Martin's signature sound. It played easier than a Gibson J-45.
I believe the D18GE is the finest Martin produced in the modern era. In fact, the BEST guitar I ever played was a D18 GE. I was sorry I let that one get away to this day...
I absolutely love the purely woody and natural sound of a D-18. It truly captures Americana and rock in a nutshell that just can't be produced the same way anywhere else. Martin got it so very right with this one. I've A/B'd it constantly with a D-28 and I find myself always going back to the D-18. Of course others will prefer the 28, or a 35, or smaller 000 models, but I myself haven't found a better sounding acoustic than the current D-18. Whatever changes they made in 2012, they certainly nailed it. To me, it just sounds like THE acoustic guitar - the one I hear in my head as an exemplar and the one I imagine from so many recordings I've heard.
My son has a 2001 Martin D-18 GE, I have a 2008 D-28 Marquis... they are both fantastic. The Marquis seems to have just a touch more bass whump. Again, both are terrific.
I was fortunate to be able to acquire two new Martins about 8 months ago, a 2017 D-28, and a 2017 D-18. I bought the D-18 first and loved it immediately; but because so many great guitarists have played the D-28, I convinced myself that I had to have one of those also. I have played both virtually every day since my acquisitions, and have come to the conclusion that I prefer the D-18. It just seems to have a fuller sound across the strings, and a little more power. I keep trying to like the D-28 better, but I just don’t. It is a different sound. Interestingly, new strings seem to affect the D-28 a little more than the D-18. When I put new strings on the D-28, it sounds like a grand piano, and has incredible harmonics. It’s really breathtaking, and a more complex sound than the D-18; but that sound just doesn’t last very long unfortunately, and I’m not going to change them daily. I use D’Addario EXP16 coated phosphor bronze, and think they are far better than the Martin strings that they put on them from the factory. They don’t affect the D-18 as much, but they really make the D-28 really come alive.
As for the D's, I have the 000-18 MD. I use it for very specific stuff. All around the D-18 is a much better guitar in every way. I'm getting one and my only question is whether to get the MD version. All the stuff about torrefaction aging is hype. What is true is that it's brighter and louder and more defined, especially with all the synthetic junk they throw in to crank the price. . Does that mean better? I'll have to try a few of each. .0000000001% of the planet can afford vintage, and new is expensive enough, but yeah, you do need both. I sold all my other Martins. All from the 60's or earlier, and i bought them new. I had 4 d-28's, 2 of them HD, a D-45 and 2 D-41's. My first D-28 was under $200 new and ended up sounding better then any of the others. To me, Brazilian rosewood trumps every wood except mahogany. Martin has been in a non-stop bull market since 1833. After 50 years with Martins, the D-18, in my opinion, is the gold standard of acoustic steel string guitars. Period.
I have recently bought an over 50year old dm-18 in great condition and I cannot seem to find anything if its age anywhere. This is the nicest sounding guitar I've ever made
I think you are right about White's solos mostly did on a D18, there's an old audio on youtube of him playing with Rice and he's supposedly playing the d18 on it according to his daughter.
Loved the d18 in the music store sounded better than most of the guitars I could afford. Did not realize till after I got at home it was hard to sing with it was a lot more volume and did not seem to mix with my vocals very well. I didn't sing with it in the guitar store. I play unplugged so mixing it is not an option. Singing louder or playing quieter doesn't really work without changing the song. To tame it back I ended up using 2.0 1152s seems like it cut the volume by 1/3. Problem is before this one I've always owned cheap guitars that just do not have this kind of punch. But so far the lighter strings is working. And then I upped my pick gauge from 60 to a 1.0 that warms up the tone and takes away the brightness of the strings. I love the guitar I'm just trying to work out these bugs any suggestions?
Mahogany is brighter and brassier when picked and strummed gently all the way through. But when you bang on chords with a Mahogany guitar it compresses and blends the sound, which I believe is what people say is the warmth. They also sound much more powerful/ punchy, in general, when soloing single note lines than Rosewood guitars. However this is general, I have a Mahogany/ Sitka guitar that has a lot of overtones and a mid scoop like a Rosewood guitar but way more compression when played hard
The classic Martin D-18 tone that most people are wanting to hear comes from a good D-18 with old strings. The older the better really. I know that goes against what every shop tells you. But much of the classic recordings where a D-18 was used were with very old strings. You hear the wood with old strings, not that cheap chime.
I think that’s why the Martin Retro Monel strings sound so good on a D18. Something about the nickel gives you that broken-in string tone. More warmth and less jangle even when they’re new.
“You get both” - that’s exactly why I have the Martin MV-1.. One half is mahogany, the other is rosewood! It’s a hybrid ! I do however, LOVE, the woodieness of the D18. That was the guitar I was actually going to get but this MV-1 came up and blew my mind!
My first guitar at 11 years old was a 1964 D-18 which looking back as a 31 year old man was either really generous or really stupid (or both) on my dad's part cause I was a bit rough with it.Thankfully I still have it but I haven't played it in years cause the neck needs a reset. It's a phenomenal sounding guitar.
Love your reviews and watch 'em all the time. Thanks, keep 'em coming and would you consider doing a contrast of Martin's all mahogany 000 15sm 12 fret and Martin's spruce top with mahogany b&s 000 D18. How does mahogany sound in two totally different guitars? (Hope you don't think this is a crazy request!).
I read a lot of reviews replies from people who say the yamaha fg5 red label is a martin d18 for half the price. I've owned both it's not. The yamaha is a good guitar don't get me wrong it's just not as good as a martin d18. It's about half maybe 3/4 of a martin d18. The martin has a very distinct sound and feel. The neck feels like butter it's so smooth to play. You can actually feel and hear the difference in quality. Expensive but it is what it is no one can replicate a real D18 no matter how hard they try.
You have to play a D-18 (at least once) to appreciate just how good it really is. Fantastic sounding guitar! Love it! (NB: The video does a good job of conveying the sound of the gem, but the D-18 will blow your socks off, when you actually get a chance to play it after listening to it here!)
I agree. I have a DM and I love the Hog punch. But I've always wanted a 28. But then I played some D18s, and wow man there is just something I super dig about mahogany.
@@MattH-wg7ou m 32 Mahogany vs rosewood back and sides, flip a coin, there is very little difference to my ear. Mahogany is what I bought, mahogany is maybe just a tad warmer. One Tad = 12% less than a Lil-Bit.
@@MattH-wg7ouI was playing one in the store and the guy next to me was about to buy one of those Yamaha TransAcoustic guitars. After the first song I played he said “That’s the guitar I really want. I can afford the guitar, but not the divorce.”
Literally the best guitar you can buy today! I've owned the Authentic, Golden Era and this Standard and want you all to know that once you have this guitar right here you are done. Ignore the lure of other fringe features, buy this one guitar and go forth making beautiful music for ever!
Yeah idk about all that. Glad you love it. I love them too. But the GE and Authentic are something else imo. I will say I'm a bigger fan of the ge at times than the authentic believe it or not I'm getting a sinker GE custom made with hide glue, and I'm extremely excited.
Man, I just received mine (I would adivse you to go second-hand, you can't go wrong with this quality anyway) and it's terrific ! Indeed, one of the best guitars I've played ; very responsive, very versatile and comfortable to play. Thanks, Martin !
Looking forward to hearing an 18 vs 28 vs the others. Also, looking forward to hearing/seeing you two sit down with a beverage and chat, answer questions, hang out again. Love what you do. If I ever get good enough to justify a higher end guitar purchase, Music Villa will be where I go.
I have a D-18 continental model and I am not sure what the specificity is ----it sounds to me better than my Eric Clapton 000 model in terms of projection volume and over all tone thanks gentlemen !
A doctor, a lawyer, a businessman and a musician walk into a guitar shop... I love Martin instruments. Can’t wait until the next video to see a good comparison of the 18/28 lineup.
I sold my 1973 Martin D18 for a brand new 1975 SL Mossman Great Plains in 1975. There was No comparison. It’s 45 years old now. Still play it, looks and sounds great. Never regretted it.
Dang dude is looking more ripped than the last review I saw. Sounds PERFECT. I was searching for The D18 song. (Norman Blake) I have a great Larrivee.. But I love a good D-18!
Can anyone tell me what that chord is at @00:15 seconds?.. The chord that he plays at the top of the fretboard after he slides up the neck. I would really appreciate it. I cant work it out.
I know what you're thinking; Both are mahogany back and sides with a sitka spruce top, how much different can they sound? Is the D18 worth all that extra money? What people tend to forget is that all wood is not equal. They rate the wood and put the best pieces into their more expensive guitars, obviously. The bracing pattern is superior in the D18, and neck body joining is a corner cut in the D16GT. I have a 2016 D16GT, an incredible guitar that I am in love with. The D18 is my next purchase in the next year or so, it's that much better and will be my forever acoustic.
Hi to all. I have read all the comments made about a d18 martin and found them quite interesting. I own a martin d18 I bought in 2018 and I absolutely love it. It has such a great tone and it works quite well for classic country like Hank Williams, or Johnny Cash. Someone commented that a Takamine guitar was better then a d18. In my opinion that simply isn't true. I also own a takamine guitar not sure what model it is and it sounds nowhere as good as my d18. Also, if anyone is looking for a great sounding guitar string, then you can't go wrong with elixir strings. When I got my d18 I had Tony Rice style strings put on it, and it sounded ok, but when I had a set of medium 80-20 bronze Elixir strings put on it a little later, what an amazing difference. I'll never use any kind of light strings on any of my guitars ever again. The only d28 guitar I'd ever consider getting is an hd28. I played a sunburst hd28 once that sounded great. If anyone is looking for a cheaper alternative to a d18, then I recommend the martin d12. It has a very nice sound and only costs about $1100. I hope to get one next year to tide me over until I can sometime in the future get a hd28 guitar.
I’m still looking for my forever acoustic Martin. I have been playing 10 years. I tried some Mexican Martins and entry levels which were very nice but not the crunch salty classic sound I’m looking for.Never played/heard the D’s standard. My question - is the D-18 really that special?
I just bought a 2019 D-18 used and love it. I have a martin dm which is like a poor man’s d-18 (solid top, laminate mahogany back and sides, A-frame X-bracing) that also sounds great. The D-18 has everything I love about the DM but in larger quantities. You can’t go wrong with any of the martin standard series guitars in my opinion.
Wow, I've never heard Tupac played on a dreadnought! I heard you playing California in the very first seconds of this video. Anyway, I bought a 2021 D18 today after playing several side by side. They were all different, not completely different, but different enough that each one really did have a different feel and even sound. One of them was the one with the Adirondack top and I actually preferred the Sitka top. It was mellower and more nuanced yet had plenty of volume. The Adi top was too stiff sounding compared to the Sitka models. Still sounded awesome though, just not what I was looking for. I am SO happy with the D18 that I chose. It feels and sounds perfect.
O was pm who never really believed changing the back/sides tone wood would actually make a difference. The top YES. But to my ears the mahogany DOES make a noticeable difference in sound quality. Seems to give the guitars more perceived presence. Maybe more warmth? Prefer the 18 series over the 28. You should compare the D18 to a Custom Shop version with Brazilian Rosewood. Can we hear any difference? If there is a difference is it too tiny to matter?
Hey is there any chance that you can do a sound comparison between a Martin D-18 and the Martin D-15M? I can't find that comparison online; I'd love to hear it here. Thanks
I play a Gibson J-35. I wonder what difference there is on these two guitars, having the 'same' specs. Please do a comparison of the Martin D-18 and Gibson J-35. I would like a Martin D28 or OM 28 instead, otherwise I think it will be the same as the J-35. Having said this, the D-18 sounds great
I like it better than a D-28 (75)I had. Mine is a 72 and no issues whatsoever. Bridge is in the correct position, no neck reset and blue case is immaculate. Beautiful tone. Plus they’re a bit cheaper than D-28s. I guess I prefer Mahogany to rosewood🤔
I've got a d18 that I was fortunate to get a couple years ago. I absolutely love it. I'd also like to get an HD28 someday. I'm primarily a rhythm guitar player. I didn't know that d18's are used a lot for lead work. The d18 on this video has such a great clear sound.
The music store I normally buy from had one for $1800 I think. I ended up going with a d28 but returned it. I just wasn't crazy about the d18. I bought and sold a few guitars because I was looking for something that sounded good just acoustic as well as plugged up and played easy. After my dad passed my mom bought me a 2015 Taylor 514ce fmltd and I really like it but my search came to an end when I bought a used takamine ef340sbg. It sounds really good both straight acoustic and plugged in as well as plays really easy. I honestly rarely go look at guitars anymore and when going out to play I almost always take it.
I find it really interesting that square shoulders are a really hard sell to my ears, don't really fit.... yet a slope shoulder SJ or J45 or Roy Smeck type thing is just really sweet to me. I love a tapered brace mahogany slope shoulder and a rosewood OOO scalloped brace as probably my two favs
I don’t have a D-18 but have a 1969 D-12-20 12-string Mahogany model and a 1969 Brazilian Rosewood D-28. The Mahogany model sounds great. I find it gives a “brighter” more lively sound whereas the D-28 has a fuller, richer sound. Which is “better” depends on the player and listener.
Love the D-18! I have a Model America 1 (essentially a custom D-18 with Adi top and Sycamore B&S). I'm pretty sure you've reviewed one. Really interested in how you would compare the 2. I'm currently playing Martin's Tony Rice Retro (monel) strings, and really enjoy it.
I own a D-18CW, based off the one Clarence White supposedly used on the "33 Acoustic Songs" compilation. While I'm not absolutely sure, I believe it was a pre-War D-18 he used on those songs. That said, the new Standard series feature scalloped bracing, as opposed to the standard bracing used since the 1950's. As a result, the 2017 models and beyond sound MUCH better than ones you would have found from the 70's to the 90's. Martin found itself losing to competitors at the Standard price point, and made the bracing adjustment to cut back into the market.
The D-18 is just the prototypical acoustic guitar. I went back and forth a bunch between the D-28 and D-18. Tried to find just about everyone I could in my city and elsewhere to A/B test. In the end, I just kept coming back to the D-18. I don't like all the other decorative bits on the D-28 and prefer a more simple aesthetic. On top of that, just something about the mahogany over the rosewood really stood out to me and offered a better balance of sound. The D-28 is a great guitar; iconic. There is just something really special to me about the D-18.
D-18 was the first reimagined in 2012. A few years later Martin decided to reimagine additional models probably due to the success of the changes to the D-18. Modern Deluxe has different appointments like liquid metal bridge pins and inlaid headstock logo. Check Martin web site for all specks on that model.
I played one of these a while back and it was one of the most responsive, open feeling, and easiest playing guitars I’ve tried. My mind says I want a hd28 but my heart keeps saying d18. So many options
Nice, i was kinda the opposite, i played 28 next to 18 and kept wanting the 28 cuz of the melodic overtones,... but my mind kept thinking i should like the 18 better..... soooo i went to a great guitar store, Dusty Strings in Seattle where i live, and played them back to back, and 18 it was 100%... i have a VTS Adi and Rosewood 000, but def gonna make my first dread a D18.... as a fingerpicking the 18 had that warm responsiveness that adds so much to the notes im trying to convey with. 28 is pretty, 18 is raw to the point (not sure if that makes sense, ha)
@@wheninroamful That’s awesome, yeah the d-18 definitely has something special to it and I really like the more subtle style of the d18. I eventually settled on a 2013 Hd28 that I found and I couldn’t be happier with it. It was extremely hard to choose but you really can’t go wrong with either. Someday if I get that kinda money again I might have to get a d18 too lol
There is no BEST, there are "flavors" of really good. At one point I had 6 higher end Martins with a total of 10 different woods, tops (Sitka, Carpathian, Adirondack, Alpine, Engelmann), back/sides (Mahogany, Brazilian, Tasmanian Blackwood, EIR, Madagascar), Custom Shops, Authentics and 42/45s. There was no best, mahogany is cleaner, rosewood is fuller, Koa/Tasmanian Blackwood fall somewhere in the middle, the voices make you appreciate the differences, no one guitar covers all the bases. Whatever your ears love is right for you..............
Just inherited my grandfather's 1939 D-18. He played for years with Gene Autry. Although the back has permanent scars from Gramp's big ole
country belt buckle, this guitar is the best sounding acoustic I've ever played.
Yeah I bet
Wow hold on tight to that one
That’s so cool. Definitely keep that one in the family
That's amazing! 🔥
What a wonderful way to remember your grandfather every time you play HIS guitar!!!!
NEVER LET IT GO!!!!!
just got my 1st D18 at 59 years old. 2016 model,blown away
I don’t think you can get any better than a D18 for a great all rounder workhorse of a guitar that will last a lifetime and always leave you with a smile on your face.
true
I love my D18. Bought it two years ago. Still paying for it LOL
how much was it
@@vernaux4268 I think the retail price is around $2,500. With tax it was like $2,800. I got 3 year financing so I pay like $80 a month.
Shawn Jesseman worth it 🤟
It is a better way to spend your money than say... a tattoo... a girlfriend... a classic car... cigarettes or weed... beer...
@@shawnjesseman664 well worth it.
Bought a D18 in Dec 2019. Just made the final payment and now it's mine.
D18 is king. Not too fancy. Not to shabby. Perfect.
The D 18 is the coolest sounding and looking guitar out there. Thanks!
I have owned many many guitars! But since my recent purchase of a 2019 Martin D 18, nothing has even came close. It’s melodic, charming, lively, loud and it’s hard to put down! Every time I open the case and smell the spruce and mahogany whack me I’m inclined to pick her up and smile 😀 she’s a keeper for real!
Agreed. Just tested it. It's a dream.
Is the neck on the new d18s thick or on the thin side?
Got mine only 4 days ago and can’t put it down.absolutely amazing guitar.
Went to look at D18s a couple years ago. After playing a few standard D18s and a D18 modern deluxe, I Left the shop with a custom shop D14 sinker mahogany. The tone it emits melts your soul.
I just got mine last Thursday. Action was way high, over 3mm at the 12th fret. Adjusted the neck and the bought a new saddle and put the Martin saddle in the case. Now my action is between 2.0 and 2.25mm and it plays so smooth, and sounds so freakin awesome
I’ve been enjoying my OM28 modern deluxe for a couple months now...why am I falling in love with this D18?! Someone stop me!!
Buy it.life is short.
Buy it. Your worth it 👌
Haha the OM-28 and D-18 are my two favorite Martins. Do it!
@Tzadeck dang man what a blast from the past lol. I definitely hit a home run with the OM-28MD. But I just finished paying off an ambertone HD-28 that I have had since August and absolutely love it.
D-18s are fantastic though. If you don’t already have a smaller body guitar and love mahogany then I’d say go for it! To me, my OM covered the bases for the mid-rangy tone I was looking for from mahogany. So I needed a cannon dread. Only thing I’m missing now is a 00 body style mahogany guitar.
It’s what a guitar is meant to sound like.
I've bought a Martin 000-15m which i have installed an electroacoustic pickup 2 years ago and i love it, and last December i bought a Martin D-18 and now i have to say I'm good for life. These guitars are sublime , the D -18 is a quality fantastic guitar and I'm in love with the tone and finish and this one i will not install anything in , i keep it full acoustic
I like the idea. But what do you think of the 00018?
@@cmoreno12345 oh this is for sure another one i would like to buy someday! This would be my next one for sure beautiful sounding guitar
@@jftruthseeker989 I think you did the right thing. You get a lot of 00018 sound goodness in the d18. And 00015m just awesome all around. So the 00018 would be a third round pick after the 00015m and d18.
@@cmoreno12345 yes exactly! And the 00015m its a guitar that i can bring more outside or to friends house because its more "rough" like than the D-18 . The D-18 is more fragile because of the nice finish and I'm obsessive with this aha
I played the D 18 at a store today and almost cried with joy. lol. Instant connection, mellow, woody, dignified. Save your money and get that D18, esp. if you play singer-songwriter coffee house songs. Switch the strings temporarily if you need a little more "trebly power", like if you have a bluegrass gig. Its awesome!
I do singer-songwriter unplugged I do have a bit of problems singing over the volume of the d18 not used to it didn't realize that when I bought it at the guitar store So when you say string change what would you recommend?
@stevenwithaph9785 try elixir coated acoustic strings (phosphor bronze). I think d 18 comes with Medium size, but I prefer Custom Light. (If you aren't comfortable adjusting the neck after going to custom lights, stick with Medium). You'll also notice less squeekiness as you play up the fretboard. Elixir strings last a long time. Well worth the money.
@@GUITARTIME2024 very good advice I will definitely try them
@GUITARTIME2024 yeah that was definitely good advice. It took care of the volume issue I tried the Elixir 11:52 PB and then I also tried the Martin 2.0 1152 pb which I actually like a little bit better. Either way it absolutely made where I can sing with the guitar I am happy about that. I also discovered another thing and that was after I put the custom lights on at first I thought it just sounded too jingly. I tried different picks and I went from a 78 mm to a 1.0 that also warmed it back up. Any way still not 100% certain which strings I will use but I have already figured it out that the string changes will definitely fix the problem. Thanks for taking the time to respond
@stevenwithaph9785 that jingle is likely the lighter strings letting neck go back too much (sounds plinky on high strings, right). Just had that issue when going one gauge down on new guitar. Neck probably needs adjustment. A 1/8 turn (counterclockwise) fixed mine (strings stay on and tuned). Wait an hour after doing the turn, then tune it and play, to see if it's fixed. Wait until following day to do another 1/8 turn, if needed. One thing to know is that the D28 has scooped mids. Many singers say it's a little better than D18 for singing, but you give up some warmth.
I've read that Clarence White preferred his D-18 for solo work, regarding the D-28 as more of a rhythm guitar. It's his 1950s D-18 that's heard on the classic Kentucky Colonels' recording 'Appalachian Swing'.
I have a 1954 D18. A guy sold it to me for 500 clams. I tried to talk him out of selling but he insisted. To this day whenever I run into him he asks if I still have it. I always say, "I TOLD you not to sell it!".
Just bought a D18 today.. Coming up from Chattanooga.. Can’t wait
I played one today and it was amazing. It was so easy to play, super light, and vibrated like crazing with all that Martin's signature sound. It played easier than a Gibson J-45.
I’m inclined to agree. Last week I took receipt of a 2015 D-18GE and it’s everything I hoped it would be.
I believe the D18GE is the finest Martin produced in the modern era. In fact, the BEST guitar I ever played was a D18 GE. I was sorry I let that one get away to this day...
I absolutely love the purely woody and natural sound of a D-18. It truly captures Americana and rock in a nutshell that just can't be produced the same way anywhere else. Martin got it so very right with this one. I've A/B'd it constantly with a D-28 and I find myself always going back to the D-18. Of course others will prefer the 28, or a 35, or smaller 000 models, but I myself haven't found a better sounding acoustic than the current D-18. Whatever changes they made in 2012, they certainly nailed it. To me, it just sounds like THE acoustic guitar - the one I hear in my head as an exemplar and the one I imagine from so many recordings I've heard.
The forward shifted bracing makes all the difference in the tone..
My son has a 2001 Martin D-18 GE, I have a 2008 D-28 Marquis... they are both fantastic. The Marquis seems to have just a touch more bass whump. Again, both are terrific.
I was fortunate to be able to acquire two new Martins about 8 months ago, a 2017 D-28, and a 2017 D-18. I bought the D-18 first and loved it immediately; but because so many great guitarists have played the D-28, I convinced myself that I had to have one of those also. I have played both virtually every day since my acquisitions, and have come to the conclusion that I prefer the D-18. It just seems to have a fuller sound across the strings, and a little more power. I keep trying to like the D-28 better, but I just don’t. It is a different sound. Interestingly, new strings seem to affect the D-28 a little more than the D-18. When I put new strings on the D-28, it sounds like a grand piano, and has incredible harmonics. It’s really breathtaking, and a more complex sound than the D-18; but that sound just doesn’t last very long unfortunately, and I’m not going to change them daily. I use D’Addario EXP16 coated phosphor bronze, and think they are far better than the Martin strings that they put on them from the factory. They don’t affect the D-18 as much, but they really make the D-28 really come alive.
For the most part agree, however you tried Martin’s Monel Retro’s? They last forever and sound amazing.
Play the hell out of the D-28. The non scalloped bracing can take a while to really open up, but once it does you’ll absolutely love it.
Most balanced guitar I’ve ever heard! My favorite!
I want to add this to my collection soon!
As for the D's, I have the 000-18 MD. I use it for very specific stuff. All around the D-18 is a much better guitar in every way. I'm getting one and my only question is whether to get the MD version. All the stuff about torrefaction aging is hype. What is true is that it's brighter and louder and more defined, especially with all the synthetic junk they throw in to crank the price. . Does that mean better? I'll have to try a few of each. .0000000001% of the planet can afford vintage, and new is expensive enough, but yeah, you do need both. I sold all my other Martins. All from the 60's or earlier, and i bought them new. I had 4 d-28's, 2 of them HD, a D-45 and 2 D-41's. My first D-28 was under $200 new and ended up sounding better then any of the others. To me, Brazilian rosewood trumps every wood except mahogany. Martin has been in a non-stop bull market since 1833. After 50 years with Martins, the D-18, in my opinion, is the gold standard of acoustic steel string guitars. Period.
I have recently bought an over 50year old dm-18 in great condition and I cannot seem to find anything if its age anywhere. This is the nicest sounding guitar I've ever made
Played*
I think you are right about White's solos mostly did on a D18, there's an old audio on youtube of him playing with Rice and he's supposedly playing the d18 on it according to his daughter.
The fwrd shifted bracing on the newer 18's make a big difference.. love mine
I was gonna say the forward shifted bracing helps pump up the bass. I luv my 18.
@@cleve2323 hows the necks on the newer d18s? Are they more on the thick side or more thin?
Can’t go wrong with a D18.
Just got a 2020 D-18(added E) to add to my 2018 OM-28E and 1930 2-17. The D is my fave.
Absolutely true.. Clarence used a D18 for his solo work.
So sweet sounding... someday...
Loved the d18 in the music store sounded better than most of the guitars I could afford. Did not realize till after I got at home it was hard to sing with it was a lot more volume and did not seem to mix with my vocals very well. I didn't sing with it in the guitar store. I play unplugged so mixing it is not an option. Singing louder or playing quieter doesn't really work without changing the song. To tame it back I ended up using 2.0 1152s seems like it cut the volume by 1/3. Problem is before this one I've always owned cheap guitars that just do not have this kind of punch. But so far the lighter strings is working. And then I upped my pick gauge from 60 to a 1.0 that warms up the tone and takes away the brightness of the strings. I love the guitar I'm just trying to work out these bugs any suggestions?
Mahogany is brighter and brassier when picked and strummed gently all the way through. But when you bang on chords with a Mahogany guitar it compresses and blends the sound, which I believe is what people say is the warmth. They also sound much more powerful/ punchy, in general, when soloing single note lines than Rosewood guitars. However this is general, I have a Mahogany/ Sitka guitar that has a lot of overtones and a mid scoop like a Rosewood guitar but way more compression when played hard
My acoustic of choice once I acquire it.
D-18 sounds great. Thanks.
The classic Martin D-18 tone that most people are wanting to hear comes from a good D-18 with old strings. The older the better really. I know that goes against what every shop tells you. But much of the classic recordings where a D-18 was used were with very old strings. You hear the wood with old strings, not that cheap chime.
Good advice!
I think that’s why the Martin Retro Monel strings sound so good on a D18. Something about the nickel gives you that broken-in string tone. More warmth and less jangle even when they’re new.
“You get both” - that’s exactly why I have the Martin MV-1.. One half is mahogany, the other is rosewood! It’s a hybrid ! I do however, LOVE, the woodieness of the D18. That was the guitar I was actually going to get but this MV-1 came up and blew my mind!
It's MTV-1
My favorite Martin. ♥️
My first guitar at 11 years old was a 1964 D-18 which looking back as a 31 year old man was either really generous or really stupid (or both) on my dad's part cause I was a bit rough with it.Thankfully I still have it but I haven't played it in years cause the neck needs a reset. It's a phenomenal sounding guitar.
Wow, now it's your turn. Send it my way.
885 angels Hill Road spring Branch, Texas 78070.
Love your reviews and watch 'em all the time. Thanks, keep 'em coming and would you consider doing a contrast of Martin's all mahogany 000 15sm 12 fret and Martin's spruce top with mahogany b&s 000 D18. How does mahogany sound in two totally different guitars? (Hope you don't think this is a crazy request!).
I read a lot of reviews replies from people who say the yamaha fg5 red label is a martin d18 for half the price. I've owned both it's not. The yamaha is a good guitar don't get me wrong it's just not as good as a martin d18. It's about half maybe 3/4 of a martin d18. The martin has a very distinct sound and feel. The neck feels like butter it's so smooth to play. You can actually feel and hear the difference in quality. Expensive but it is what it is no one can replicate a real D18 no matter how hard they try.
Had a 42, a 28, always wanted to add an 18, now I have, a used 2019 minter is on its way.
duuuuuuuuuude
You have to play a D-18 (at least once) to appreciate just how good it really is. Fantastic sounding guitar! Love it!
(NB: The video does a good job of conveying the sound of the gem, but the D-18 will blow your socks off, when you actually get a chance to play it after listening to it here!)
I agree. I have a DM and I love the Hog punch. But I've always wanted a 28. But then I played some D18s, and wow man there is just something I super dig about mahogany.
@@MattH-wg7ou same. I really was wanting a d28 but there’s just something about the new d18s that is really special
@@MattH-wg7ou m
32 Mahogany vs rosewood back and sides, flip a coin, there is very little difference to my ear. Mahogany is what I bought, mahogany is maybe just a tad warmer. One Tad = 12% less than a Lil-Bit.
@@MattH-wg7ouI was playing one in the store and the guy next to me was about to buy one of those Yamaha TransAcoustic guitars. After the first song I played he said “That’s the guitar I really want. I can afford the guitar, but not the divorce.”
Literally the best guitar you can buy today! I've owned the Authentic, Golden Era and this Standard and want you all to know that once you have this guitar right here you are done. Ignore the lure of other fringe features, buy this one guitar and go forth making beautiful music for ever!
Yeah idk about all that. Glad you love it. I love them too. But the GE and Authentic are something else imo. I will say I'm a bigger fan of the ge at times than the authentic believe it or not
I'm getting a sinker GE custom made with hide glue, and I'm extremely excited.
California Love in the intro lol.
Man, I just received mine (I would adivse you to go second-hand, you can't go wrong with this quality anyway) and it's terrific ! Indeed, one of the best guitars I've played ; very responsive, very versatile and comfortable to play. Thanks, Martin !
Looking forward to hearing an 18 vs 28 vs the others. Also, looking forward to hearing/seeing you two sit down with a beverage and chat, answer questions, hang out again. Love what you do. If I ever get good enough to justify a higher end guitar purchase, Music Villa will be where I go.
Tony Dunne -hopefully they include an HD-35 in the mix as well.
I have a D-18 continental model and I am not sure what the specificity is ----it sounds to me better than my Eric Clapton 000 model in terms of projection volume and over all tone thanks gentlemen !
D18 is perfection
A doctor, a lawyer, a businessman and a musician walk into a guitar shop...
I love Martin instruments. Can’t wait until the next video to see a good comparison of the 18/28 lineup.
I sold my 1973 Martin D18 for a brand new 1975 SL Mossman Great Plains in 1975. There was No comparison. It’s 45 years old now. Still play it, looks and sounds great. Never regretted it.
You know it's going to be a fire acoustic review when he opens up with "California Love" by Doctor Dre.
*2Pac. 😉
please compare d15m streetmaster vs d18
Best dread in history, beautifully made sounds and plays amazing. No point in looking any further!
how bout guild d55?
@@letitbe978 Yep, better in every way.
@@letitbe978 its a good guitar but is not a martin, pretty sure its rosewood? I could be wrong
@@KillerBudda1418 its rosewood.
@@letitbe978 rosewood
Dang dude is looking more ripped than the last review I saw. Sounds PERFECT. I was searching for The D18 song. (Norman Blake) I have a great Larrivee.. But I love a good D-18!
Can anyone tell me what that chord is at @00:15 seconds?.. The chord that he plays at the top of the fretboard after he slides up the neck. I would really appreciate it. I cant work it out.
can someone help me with the sound difference from a D16GT and a D18?
I know what you're thinking; Both are mahogany back and sides with a sitka spruce top, how much different can they sound? Is the D18 worth all that extra money? What people tend to forget is that all wood is not equal. They rate the wood and put the best pieces into their more expensive guitars, obviously. The bracing pattern is superior in the D18, and neck body joining is a corner cut in the D16GT. I have a 2016 D16GT, an incredible guitar that I am in love with. The D18 is my next purchase in the next year or so, it's that much better and will be my forever acoustic.
Probably, yes. Check out Rick Beato's very cool classic 1957 Gibson Country Western dreadnought for that sublime Gibson spruce/mahogany tone
Hi to all. I have read all the comments made about a d18 martin and found them quite interesting. I own a martin d18 I bought in 2018 and I absolutely love it. It has such a great tone and it works quite well for classic country like Hank Williams, or Johnny Cash. Someone commented that a Takamine guitar was better then a d18. In my opinion that simply isn't true. I also own a takamine guitar not sure what model it is and it sounds nowhere as good as my d18. Also, if anyone is looking for a great sounding guitar string, then you can't go wrong with elixir strings. When I got my d18 I had Tony Rice style strings put on it, and it sounded ok, but when I had a set of medium 80-20 bronze Elixir strings put on it a little later, what an amazing difference. I'll never use any kind of light strings on any of my guitars ever again. The only d28 guitar I'd ever consider getting is an hd28. I played a sunburst hd28 once that sounded great. If anyone is looking for a cheaper alternative to a d18, then I recommend the martin d12. It has a very nice sound and only costs about $1100. I hope to get one next year to tide me over until I can sometime in the future get a hd28 guitar.
Joshua appreciate your opinions , especially regards strings, good comment. The HD28 is a classic, hopefully you get to try as many as you can.
Elixir strings are the best I've ever used,but the D28 rules!!!
I have one. Love it! If the reimagined series came out sooner, HD28 would have been my pick.
Does yours have the fwrd shifted bracing.. ?
Yup!! Got mine early 2016.
I’m still looking for my forever acoustic Martin. I have been playing 10 years. I tried some Mexican Martins and entry levels which were very nice but not the crunch salty classic sound I’m looking for.Never played/heard the D’s standard. My question - is the D-18 really that special?
Yep
I just bought a 2019 D-18 used and love it. I have a martin dm which is like a poor man’s d-18 (solid top, laminate mahogany back and sides, A-frame X-bracing) that also sounds great. The D-18 has everything I love about the DM but in larger quantities. You can’t go wrong with any of the martin standard series guitars in my opinion.
That’s the real deal there. Paul says it best “Get Both”!!! Oh Quinton, this reminds me I thought up a name for your d-28...I’ll post on that video
I have a larrivee d03bw I love. This is next though.
Wow, I've never heard Tupac played on a dreadnought! I heard you playing California in the very first seconds of this video. Anyway, I bought a 2021 D18 today after playing several side by side. They were all different, not completely different, but different enough that each one really did have a different feel and even sound. One of them was the one with the Adirondack top and I actually preferred the Sitka top. It was mellower and more nuanced yet had plenty of volume. The Adi top was too stiff sounding compared to the Sitka models. Still sounded awesome though, just not what I was looking for. I am SO happy with the D18 that I chose. It feels and sounds perfect.
O was pm who never really believed changing the back/sides tone wood would actually make a difference. The top YES. But to my ears the mahogany DOES make a noticeable difference in sound quality. Seems to give the guitars more perceived presence. Maybe more warmth? Prefer the 18 series over the 28. You should compare the D18 to a Custom Shop version with Brazilian Rosewood. Can we hear any difference? If there is a difference is it too tiny to matter?
Beautiful
Great video 👏
Hey is there any chance that you can do a sound comparison between a Martin D-18 and the Martin D-15M? I can't find that comparison online; I'd love to hear it here. Thanks
I play a Gibson J-35. I wonder what difference there is on these two guitars, having the 'same' specs. Please do a comparison of the Martin D-18 and Gibson J-35. I would like a Martin D28 or OM 28 instead, otherwise I think it will be the same as the J-35. Having said this, the D-18 sounds great
I slightly prefer the D-28 but I live in the tropics and supposedly mahogany warps less than rosewood which might be the deal breaker.
I like it better than a D-28 (75)I had. Mine is a 72 and no issues whatsoever. Bridge is in the correct position, no neck reset and blue case is immaculate. Beautiful tone. Plus they’re a bit cheaper than D-28s. I guess I prefer Mahogany to rosewood🤔
I've got a d18 that I was fortunate to get a couple years ago. I absolutely love it. I'd also like to get an HD28 someday. I'm primarily a rhythm guitar player. I didn't know that d18's are used a lot for lead work. The d18 on this video has such a great clear sound.
Joshua Hendrickson your goin to want return to the D18 so its a keeper get set for the 28 as an add on,HD is pretty but D28 is same sound..just a Jane
Experiment with different strings, maybe.
I love my d-18.
Very beautiful video :)
Nice playing regardless of the guitar in your hands
Yes your right Clarence Way plays several songs on hid 1939 D-18 Whiskey in The Morning song
The music store I normally buy from had one for $1800 I think. I ended up going with a d28 but returned it. I just wasn't crazy about the d18. I bought and sold a few guitars because I was looking for something that sounded good just acoustic as well as plugged up and played easy. After my dad passed my mom bought me a 2015 Taylor 514ce fmltd and I really like it but my search came to an end when I bought a used takamine ef340sbg. It sounds really good both straight acoustic and plugged in as well as plays really easy. I honestly rarely go look at guitars anymore and when going out to play I almost always take it.
Yes, Clarence played a D-18 primarily
Great guitars
Guys as guitar experts, do you know what does Martin mean when indicates in their guitar specs "selected hardwood" in neck material?
"Select Hardwood" means that it could be Mahogany or Spanish Cedar or another similar wood but not necessarily the traditional Mahogany.
I find it really interesting that square shoulders are a really hard sell to my ears, don't really fit.... yet a slope shoulder SJ or J45 or Roy Smeck type thing is just really sweet to me. I love a tapered brace mahogany slope shoulder and a rosewood OOO scalloped brace as probably my two favs
Price
Sorry, this guitar is sold out. musicvilla.com/collections/martin
for you......ruffly 2500
I don’t have a D-18 but have a 1969 D-12-20 12-string Mahogany model and a 1969 Brazilian Rosewood D-28.
The Mahogany model sounds great. I find it gives a “brighter” more lively sound whereas the D-28 has a fuller, richer sound.
Which is “better” depends on the player and listener.
Love the D-18! I have a Model America 1 (essentially a custom D-18 with Adi top and Sycamore B&S). I'm pretty sure you've reviewed one. Really interested in how you would compare the 2. I'm currently playing Martin's Tony Rice Retro (monel) strings, and really enjoy it.
0:01 - are you... playing California Love by 2Pac?
The riff is from Joe Cocker’s song “Woman to Woman”. 2Pac sampled it for California Love.
I own a D-18CW, based off the one Clarence White supposedly used on the "33 Acoustic Songs" compilation. While I'm not absolutely sure, I believe it was a pre-War D-18 he used on those songs. That said, the new Standard series feature scalloped bracing, as opposed to the standard bracing used since the 1950's. As a result, the 2017 models and beyond sound MUCH better than ones you would have found from the 70's to the 90's. Martin found itself losing to competitors at the Standard price point, and made the bracing adjustment to cut back into the market.
Can i get D18 with electronics??
Yes, you can always have pickup installed. We do this all the time at our store.
The D-18 is just the prototypical acoustic guitar. I went back and forth a bunch between the D-28 and D-18. Tried to find just about everyone I could in my city and elsewhere to A/B test. In the end, I just kept coming back to the D-18. I don't like all the other decorative bits on the D-28 and prefer a more simple aesthetic. On top of that, just something about the mahogany over the rosewood really stood out to me and offered a better balance of sound. The D-28 is a great guitar; iconic. There is just something really special to me about the D-18.
The two best guitars I had in my hand were a Yamaha FG2000 and a Martin D18.
Waiting for the d28 and hd28 video
Is there a difference between the D18 reimagined and the D18 modern deluxe? Or does the D28 only have the reimagined series?
D-18 was the first reimagined in 2012. A few years later Martin decided to reimagine additional models probably due to the success of the changes to the D-18. Modern Deluxe has different appointments like liquid metal bridge pins and inlaid headstock logo. Check Martin web site for all specks on that model.
Or J45? Comparo pls.
Bob MacGoun I would like that too
Hummingbird would be more applicable
The J-45 vs the D-18 is like Coke vs Pepsi.
J45 was the second best guitar I've ever owned.
I played one of these a while back and it was one of the most responsive, open feeling, and easiest playing guitars I’ve tried. My mind says I want a hd28 but my heart keeps saying d18. So many options
D18 don’t boom and rumble like that HD28. Tune the big E string down to a D and hit a D chord on one 👍🏻
Nice, i was kinda the opposite, i played 28 next to 18 and kept wanting the 28 cuz of the melodic overtones,... but my mind kept thinking i should like the 18 better..... soooo i went to a great guitar store, Dusty Strings in Seattle where i live, and played them back to back, and 18 it was 100%... i have a VTS Adi and Rosewood 000, but def gonna make my first dread a D18.... as a fingerpicking the 18 had that warm responsiveness that adds so much to the notes im trying to convey with. 28 is pretty, 18 is raw to the point (not sure if that makes sense, ha)
@@wheninroamful That’s awesome, yeah the d-18 definitely has something special to it and I really like the more subtle style of the d18. I eventually settled on a 2013 Hd28 that I found and I couldn’t be happier with it. It was extremely hard to choose but you really can’t go wrong with either. Someday if I get that kinda money again I might have to get a d18 too lol
I like that red shirt!
Not just a question of a D18 and D28, but D28 and HD28. In other words, mahogany and rosewood, and scalloped and non-scalloped bracing.
There is no BEST, there are "flavors" of really good. At one point I had 6 higher end Martins with a total of 10 different woods, tops (Sitka, Carpathian, Adirondack, Alpine, Engelmann), back/sides (Mahogany, Brazilian, Tasmanian Blackwood, EIR, Madagascar), Custom Shops, Authentics and 42/45s. There was no best, mahogany is cleaner, rosewood is fuller, Koa/Tasmanian Blackwood fall somewhere in the middle, the voices make you appreciate the differences, no one guitar covers all the bases. Whatever your ears love is right for you..............
D-18 is unbeatable in the studio, i prefer it over my D-28. just sits in the mix better.
Clarence White lead guitar was indeed on a 1950s D18.
Sadly I’ve heard nobody knows what happened to Clarences D-18.
@@danleyrold45 That is sad. What an iconic instrument.