Satin sounds a little thinner to me, whereas the gloss sounds more robust, warm, and full.. Hats if to Martin for enhancing their selection, though, and making such an iconic guitar more affordable.. They haven’t forgotten where they came from, gotta love ‘em!
I noticed a sightly clearer tone in the satin one, which I preferred. For a daily use guitar, I prefer satin finishes, less worry about scuffs and scratches!
Wow! Big difference...I've quite surprised. I like the satin tone a bit better, more mellow and less boomy, but both sound great. I also like the feel of a satin body, like my 000-15M.
Awesome playing! I noticed that the different position of each guitar, relative to the mic, accounted for the major sound difference in some parts of the vid. When the guitars were positioned the same (ie mic pointed at the 12th fret for both), the difference was not nearly as much, but could hear the difference. I agree, I like the sound of the satin, a bit more mellow tone, sounds more broken in.
Thanks yes, we addressed this in the video's description. UPDATE: Some keen observers noticed that Spoon wasn't facing the mics exactly the same way during part of this video. That could be slightly influencing the test results. Check out Maury's updated video with the D-18 Satin Amberburst VS D-18 Ambertone here: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
Satin for the win. Sounds like an older guitar. It’s warm and mellow. Definitely not as punchy which is what my ear prefers. It’s really a matter of looks and taste. One thing that the satin version has over the gloss is the player would never have to worry about scratches in the nitrocellulose from clothing and such. With use, there would be portions that would become polished and the look after playing would be very cool. I think Martin hit a home run with this one because of inflation and maybe this would allow a player to enter the Martin arena who otherwise wouldn’t because of that cost. I bought a 000-15M in 2019 for $999.00 at AMS Today’s price $1447.00 Martin was smart in making a price point for yester-year prices since the price increase is just about %50 up Nice response to this issue because, in the case of the D18 $400 bucks is $400 bucks man.
I have had the satin 28 and D18 and MD 18 and 3 standard D18 and this Satin is just amazing just loaded with tone it has aging toner on the top and a fantastic satin finish very pleased for my $$
The angle of the guitar to the mic seems to have a big impact on apparent volume & bass. The first couple clips are a little inconsistent. Both guitars sound incredible though!
Hmmm...I think any difference heard between only two of the same guitars cannot be attributed to the finish but rather to miniscule differences in the builds themselves. Now, after hearing perhaps 5 or 6 against each other I might come to a definative conclusion. I've played tens of different D-18 and in my experience they are not clones of each other... but I'm sure that is fairly obvious.
As noted earlier, in the initial stumming demo, the D-18 satin guitar was positioned further from the mike than the D-18 instrument, and the D-18 sounded more powerful. I only play fingerstyle and I felt the D-18 satin instrument sounded more open and fuller in that demonstration. in the final strumming demo, I felt the D-18 satin instrument sounded open and the D-18 instrument sounded more focused. In the D-28 demonstrations, I couldn't decern a noticeable difference between the two instruments in the fingerstyle demo. Aesthetically, I just prefer a satin finish. Is this a closed pore finish or an open pore finish as on my DSS-17?
To my ears, the standard D-18 sounded louder and slightly deeper. But, that could be just the difference between 2 particular guitars irrespective of their finishes. I was surprised that the satin model didn't sound more "open" to me than the gloss, but it didn't. I assume they both were strung with the same kind of strings. I also assume that neither had scalloped braces, and that both were built within months of each other (one is not significantly older).
Notice that the guitar positions are different for each guitar. For the parts where the gloss sounds louder, the guitar body is facing more towards the mic, which is aimed at about the 14th fret or higher, whereas the satin sounding lower, the guitar is facing away from the mic, which is aimed at about the 12th fret or lower. The parts of the video where the guitars are facing similarly, the sound between the two is much closer
I totally concur with the "good eyes" (as well as ears) of several other commenters who noticed the same thing as I did regarding the "Distance Of The Placement Of The Mic" in relation to the guitars in the Strumming Demos. (I couldn't see the mic at all in the Fingerpicking Demos, so it's hard to make the same comparison opinion). For the early Strumming Demos, the Standard D-18 Gloss was positioned closer to the mic by near 'bout 6-inches, as compared to the D-18 Satin? (And it didn't have as much to do with the "exaggerated camera lens " as noted by Maury, as it did where Spoon had each guitar sitting on his right knee and the distance to the mic)! So, it's hard to compare because of that noted difference in position of the mic to guitar? Notwithstanding, to my ears, I was actually surprised that I found the Standard D-18 Gloss to be louder, crisper/brighter with more projection compared to the D-18 Satin. I was expecting the opposite to be the case? But again, that may be due to the D-18 Gloss being a tad closer to the mic in the Strumming Demo? However, I really like the appearance more of the Satin Amberbursts and the new "printed top" technique to obtain the reliced look, rather than actually physically removing silly millimeters away from the Spruce Top, as they do in the relicing process. So, final opinion: •Satin gets the ✅️ for better looks and feel •Gloss gets the ✅️ for better sound, tone and projection I'll come back to see if the Shootout gets "reimagined" with more precise mic placement during each switch of the axes!😁 PS: I was listening with Bose Bluetooth Earbuds, so there's that too!
@Maury's Music Well, there you go, mate! What a great way of thinking about a re-do. No matter, it'll be fun to shoot and fun to watch and listen! Plus, kudos to Spoon for his continuing CFMartin Encyclopedic Knowledge. He's like a livin', walkin', pickin' museum all in one!
To my ears the satin sounds clearer and brighter. Whereas the gloss sounds more subdued and rounded off. Both sound great! These 70 year old ears prefer the satin. Probably due to loss of hearing in the trebles. Lol
Recently bought the D18 standard as a “factory second” for less than the satin finish version. I preferred the tone of the satin finished D18, but as I’ve played it hard for the past few weeks, I’m certainly happy with my choice. The standard grows on me for sure. Only regret is that I hadn’t opted for a used sunburst finish. Either way it’s a fantastic instrument (post 2012).
They’re great and I think it comes down to cost and preference. Offering the standard D-18 at this price point is going to be well received. Nice job Martin and I love my D-18!
They sound different but it’s hard to say if that’s satin or individual guitar differences.. I’m definitely considering getting a satin because a gloss finish will get ruined in my house
I did not expect to hear a different. But I did. I preferred the high gloss tone. The satin sounded good but thinner. It seemed to cut through more so.
It's such a tough call based on your demos. To my ears, the satin finish sounds thinner, less Martin-like, less impactful. But it also sounds more resonant and sweeter. The gloss sounds a bit more boxed in, less resonant, more boomy. To be honest, if given the choice, I'd go with the gloss finish bases on looks and that Martin sound, but I can absolutely see the appeal in the satin finish as well. Especially as a stage guitar that won't reflect so much light.
That comparison SUCKED! Want to know why? Because the player kept changing positions. One time he tilted the guitar towards the mic the next time angled it away from the mic. kept doing it. There was NOTHING WORTH EVALUATING and NOBODY caught that in post?
Yikes. We were hurried and didn’t notice until the video was already live. If you’d read the description and watch the card that automatically pops up early in the video, you’ll find that we uploaded an updated video that corrects the accidental issue… UPDATE: Some keen observers noticed that Spoon wasn't facing the mics exactly the same way during part of this video. That could be slightly influencing the test results. Check out Maury's updated video with the D-18 Satin Amberburst VS D-18 Ambertone here: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
![KSI - Thick Of It (feat. Trippie Redd) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/At8v_Yc044Y/mqdefault.jpg)
Satin sounds a little thinner to me, whereas the gloss sounds more robust, warm, and full.. Hats if to Martin for enhancing their selection, though, and making such an iconic guitar more affordable.. They haven’t forgotten where they came from, gotta love ‘em!
Agree, Mike - choices are good.
I noticed a sightly clearer tone in the satin one, which I preferred. For a daily use guitar, I prefer satin finishes, less worry about scuffs and scratches!
I like how satin finishes wear faster; any spot the hand routinely touches will turn to gloss in under a coon's age!
Thanks Randall! Good point.
Wow! Big difference...I've quite surprised. I like the satin tone a bit better, more mellow and less boomy, but both sound great. I also like the feel of a satin body, like my 000-15M.
Right on!
me too#
Definitely.
Definitely more tranquil
Awesome playing! I noticed that the different position of each guitar, relative to the mic, accounted for the major sound difference in some parts of the vid. When the guitars were positioned the same (ie mic pointed at the 12th fret for both), the difference was not nearly as much, but could hear the difference. I agree, I like the sound of the satin, a bit more mellow tone, sounds more broken in.
Thanks yes, we addressed this in the video's description. UPDATE: Some keen observers noticed that Spoon wasn't facing the mics exactly the same way during part of this video. That could be slightly influencing the test results. Check out Maury's updated video with the D-18 Satin Amberburst VS D-18 Ambertone here: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
Satin for the win.
Sounds like an older guitar.
It’s warm and mellow.
Definitely not as punchy which is what my ear prefers.
It’s really a matter of looks and taste.
One thing that the satin version has over the gloss is the player would never have to worry about scratches in the nitrocellulose from clothing and such.
With use, there would be portions that would become polished and the look after playing would be very cool.
I think Martin hit a home run with this one because of inflation and maybe this would allow a player to enter the Martin arena who otherwise wouldn’t because of that cost.
I bought a 000-15M in 2019 for $999.00 at AMS
Today’s price $1447.00
Martin was smart in making a price point for yester-year prices since the price increase is just about %50 up
Nice response to this issue because, in the case of the D18
$400 bucks is $400 bucks man.
Thanks!
I have had the satin 28 and D18 and MD 18 and 3 standard D18 and this Satin is just amazing just loaded with tone it has aging toner on the top and a fantastic satin finish very pleased for my $$
Thanks for sharing!
The angle of the guitar to the mic seems to have a big impact on apparent volume & bass. The first couple clips are a little inconsistent. Both guitars sound incredible though!
That's our bad ... we'll have to re-do when possible. The lens we use exaggerates the angle difference a bit, but you're right.
Updated version: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
@@MaurysMusic Well done!
Hmmm...I think any difference heard between only two of the same guitars cannot be attributed to the finish but rather to miniscule differences in the builds themselves. Now, after hearing perhaps 5 or 6 against each other I might come to a definative conclusion. I've played tens of different D-18 and in my experience they are not clones of each other... but I'm sure that is fairly obvious.
Well-said.
As noted earlier, in the initial stumming demo, the D-18 satin guitar was positioned further from the mike than the D-18 instrument, and the D-18 sounded more powerful. I only play fingerstyle and I felt the D-18 satin instrument sounded more open and fuller in that demonstration. in the final strumming demo, I felt the D-18 satin instrument sounded open and the D-18 instrument sounded more focused. In the D-28 demonstrations, I couldn't decern a noticeable difference between the two instruments in the fingerstyle demo. Aesthetically, I just prefer a satin finish. Is this a closed pore finish or an open pore finish as on my DSS-17?
Thanks Bill - this finish is closed pore.
Updated version: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
To my ears, the standard D-18 sounded louder and slightly deeper. But, that could be just the difference between 2 particular guitars irrespective of their finishes. I was surprised that the satin model didn't sound more "open" to me than the gloss, but it didn't. I assume they both were strung with the same kind of strings. I also assume that neither had scalloped braces, and that both were built within months of each other (one is not significantly older).
Both of these guitars are wearing the same exact strings, and they do have forward shifted Scalloped braces.
@@MaurysMusic Thanks!
Notice that the guitar positions are different for each guitar. For the parts where the gloss sounds louder, the guitar body is facing more towards the mic, which is aimed at about the 14th fret or higher, whereas the satin sounding lower, the guitar is facing away from the mic, which is aimed at about the 12th fret or lower. The parts of the video where the guitars are facing similarly, the sound between the two is much closer
I totally concur with the "good eyes" (as well as ears) of several other commenters who noticed the same thing as I did regarding the "Distance Of The Placement Of The Mic" in relation to the guitars in the Strumming Demos.
(I couldn't see the mic at all in the Fingerpicking Demos, so it's hard to make the same comparison opinion).
For the early Strumming Demos, the Standard D-18 Gloss was positioned closer to the mic by near 'bout 6-inches, as compared to the D-18 Satin? (And it didn't have as much to do with the "exaggerated camera lens " as noted by Maury, as it did where Spoon had each guitar sitting on his right knee and the distance to the mic)! So, it's hard to compare because of that noted difference in position of the mic to guitar?
Notwithstanding, to my ears, I was actually surprised that I found the Standard D-18 Gloss to be louder, crisper/brighter with more projection compared to the D-18 Satin. I was expecting the opposite to be the case? But again, that may be due to the D-18 Gloss being a tad closer to the mic in the Strumming Demo?
However, I really like the appearance more of the Satin Amberbursts and the new "printed top" technique to obtain the reliced look, rather than actually physically removing silly millimeters away from the Spruce Top, as they do in the relicing process.
So, final opinion:
•Satin gets the ✅️ for better looks and feel
•Gloss gets the ✅️ for better sound, tone and projection
I'll come back to see if the Shootout gets "reimagined" with more precise mic placement during each switch of the axes!😁
PS: I was listening with Bose Bluetooth Earbuds, so there's that too!
This will certainly have to be redone with exact mic distance for sure. Any excuse to play ‘em again.
@Maury's Music
Well, there you go, mate!
What a great way of thinking about a re-do.
No matter, it'll be fun to shoot and fun to watch and listen!
Plus, kudos to Spoon for his continuing CFMartin Encyclopedic Knowledge. He's like a livin', walkin', pickin' museum all in one!
@@MaurysMusic Very kind response. I appreciate your beautiful playing. It’s a joy to listen to.
Updated version: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
To my ears the satin sounds clearer and brighter. Whereas the gloss sounds more subdued and rounded off. Both sound great!
These 70 year old ears prefer the satin. Probably due to loss of hearing in the trebles. Lol
Too many concerts at Penns Peak, Ken. :D
Recently bought the D18 standard as a “factory second” for less than the satin finish version. I preferred the tone of the satin finished D18, but as I’ve played it hard for the past few weeks, I’m certainly happy with my choice. The standard grows on me for sure. Only regret is that I hadn’t opted for a used sunburst finish. Either way it’s a fantastic instrument (post 2012).
Who was selling this? Martin doesn’t sell factory seconds.
@@MaurysMusicI guess that’s the wrong term. It was a demo/open box from Sweetwater. It’s a lightly blemished model.
@@andrewcoffey4694 ah that makes sense.
They’re great and I think it comes down to cost and preference. Offering the standard D-18 at this price point is going to be well received. Nice job Martin and I love my D-18!
Totally agree
I prefer the sound with gloss but I like them both!
Thanks for your vote
Which do you guys prefer? Another great video.
I’ve just ordered a standard gloss with lr-baggs anthem but the satin sounds nice too! Damnnnn
Thanks for the kind words. Honestly, I'm not sure which one I prefer yet, but they both have their qualities for sure.
@@MaurysMusic my d18 with lr baggs anthem arrived today. I love it!!! 👌
I'd take either one of those fine guitars great playing!
Thank you very much, Scott!
They sound different but it’s hard to say if that’s satin or individual guitar differences.. I’m definitely considering getting a satin because a gloss finish will get ruined in my house
Thank you, Jake
Does the Braves and have a forward shifting scallop ration?
Yes forward-shifted scalloped bracing
What's the chord progression he is using in the strumming part?
Em C G D
Satin sounds more open and clear to me...the gloss sounds muffled and muddy by comparison.
Thank you, Lord
The gloss finish is louder.
👍
Gloss for the win but was really hoping with all my wallet the satin was better
Awe
I did not expect to hear a different. But I did. I preferred the high gloss tone. The satin sounded good but thinner. It seemed to cut through more so.
It's such a tough call based on your demos. To my ears, the satin finish sounds thinner, less Martin-like, less impactful. But it also sounds more resonant and sweeter. The gloss sounds a bit more boxed in, less resonant, more boomy. To be honest, if given the choice, I'd go with the gloss finish bases on looks and that Martin sound, but I can absolutely see the appeal in the satin finish as well. Especially as a stage guitar that won't reflect so much light.
Thanks for the thorough reply. It is a close call, for sure.
Not the same guitars, amazing.
Thanks SB
The satin is more brighter. The other one is more deeper. That’s what I can hear.
thanks for your vote
More bottom on the D18
Thank you Richard- that's how I hear it, too.
Satin has more clarity
Thank you, Richard
That comparison SUCKED! Want to know why? Because the player kept changing positions. One time he tilted the guitar towards the mic the next time angled it away from the mic. kept doing it. There was NOTHING WORTH EVALUATING and NOBODY caught that in post?
Yikes. We were hurried and didn’t notice until the video was already live. If you’d read the description and watch the card that automatically pops up early in the video, you’ll find that we uploaded an updated video that corrects the accidental issue… UPDATE: Some keen observers noticed that Spoon wasn't facing the mics exactly the same way during part of this video. That could be slightly influencing the test results. Check out Maury's updated video with the D-18 Satin Amberburst VS D-18 Ambertone here: ruclips.net/video/1bHL_9fF9Io/видео.html
The angle of the mic to guitar is quite different....thats basic...get right before you post!
Read the video’s description before you post! 🤦♂️