This is an outstanding comparison of the two tone woods. Those are two amazing guitars and the two of you are supremely talented players, I could listen to you all day long. In fact, I've listened to this video many times already. Thank you both for sharing this comparison, and your talent.
@@mariodriessen9740 😂 being cremated in a guitar sounds like a morbid country song. I agree for solo performance the d18 is amazing. I've found myself wanting an 18 and 35
He is in the neighborhood vocally. If you really want to hear a Johnny cash voice check out the kid from Canada Colter wall. This guy oughta get together with colter they’d do Johnny proud.
First off, of course they play great, that’s obvious. Also, if you listened to a side-by-side comparison of someone playing with any contact on the top of an acoustic versus minimal contact and a floating hand, you would notice a difference. Especially in a super resonant guitar.
Dear John, our mic-setup might not be perfect in this video, but we would never choose money over a fair comparison. We too were curious to the real sound-difference between the 18 & the 28 and wanted to make a video to do both these guitars justice!
I have still have my first Martin. A 1969 D18 and would not trade it for anything. It’s in pristine shape. And sounds great. I think I paid $250 or $350. Still have my tags and layaway slips from the music store. What a day it was to bring it home.
Love the masterful playing. D-28 is like an orchestra with rich overtones while the D-18 is more focused and has more distinct note separation. Both are wonderful,
I have watched a LOT of Martin guitar demos and comparisons...a ridiculous number in the last 6 months, but that was an EPIC playing demo guys. Wow you guys can play.
I have a 2008 D-28 Marquis & my son has a 2001 D-18 GE (both have an adirondack top). My son plays the frills and leads (he's a MUCH better player), I do the rhythm parts. Both are fantastic sounding easy playing guitars. Both are cannons with great bass and balance across all the strings. My son likes to flatpick while I prefer fingerpicking. Seems to fit all our needs. We both just can't put these Martin's down for long and play every day.
I’ve got a 2017 D-18 and a 2017 D-28. I bought the D-28 about a month after the D-18, because it was popular among so many famous musicians. I am not in a band and just play for myself and my family. After about a year of playing each one, The D-18 is the superior instrument as far as the overall sound in my opinion; however I see in this video that the D-28 really cuts through when there is an accompaniment, which I don’t have. Also my D-28 really responds well to string changes, more so than the D-18. It may be my imagination, but that’s what I’m hearing.
Its not really a fair comparison because the D-18 mic is angled instead of straight on like the D-28.. Sad because the upper range is amazing on the D-18
me too! 1967 D35S & 1970 D35. I had a fantastic D18 once but for me it sounds too thin , lacking something I need in the sound of a good guitar - compared to a good D35 which has it all. Amazing playing by amazing musicians. Listening to them stimulated me to pick up my guitar and start practicing again and a lot more for that matter :-) Fantastic comparison - this is how it should be done!! Btw: here is another good review which fits more to what my ears here as difference between the D18 and D28, but ears, guitars and strings and playing styles differ, luckily :-)
You need both,... Absolutley. The D28 seems scooped mid, reverby sound, while the D18 seemed Drier and more present, flatter eq. Both are the opposite sides of the same coin. The Yin and Yang of each other......😉 ✌
Thank you for the call out of my technology sabotaged an inadvertent vocabulary nightmare in my last message. Essentially I am saying that playing style accounts for as much variation and alteration in tone and subsequent final qualities, as does the guitar itself. plectrum size, composition, shape, angle etc. all effect the tone tremendously. Then you have the factor of resting your hand or your pinky on the top of the guitar. This in itself completely changes the tonal characteristic. It is likened to putting a blanket over a speaker. So it’s not so much is one guitar versus the other, however how each guitar is presented for evaluation so as to showcase it’s true quality. I hope this makes more sense and thank you again for the call out. Incidentally, I am Dutch “Derek Jan Ferwerda”. I moved to the United States from Wassenaar Netherlands. While living there in the early 70s, I was fortunate enough to have famed musician Frank Zappa as my next-door neighbor. Thank you for the video 😊
@@thefellowshipofacoustics Some funky Martins in 73. My d35 was hurting: Bridge lifting, shrinking pick guard split the top in two places. The binding on the neck started splintering off on the treble side of the neck. I had other d35's (97, 2020) and a 97 d42. Never a single issue. I've seen many 70's Martins with some of the problems I had. So be careful.
Great video guys! I spent the last few days at Guitar Center playing the Aged VTS D-28 and D-18 side by side. I expected to like the D-28 better because of the beautiful Rosewood and because D-28 was over $1000 more expensive ($8000 for D-28, $6800 for D-18). To my surprise I preferred the D-18. It had a cleaner, punchier, more direct sound...whereas the D-28 was louder, and had a ton of overtones. It totally makes sense why the D-18 is easier to record. Tone was great on both though. Makes sense to have a D-28 for playing rhythm and D-18 for playing lead...maybe one day.
Okay. I bought you a Martin D-28 years ago and every day I bless having that instrument close by. I feel that you guys really love what you do, and I'm proud to be a part of it as a little sidekick. Surely it is not the last guitar that I buy from you. Congratulations on that enthusiasm. For that love ♥
Absolutely the best comparison video of two guitars on RUclips and the best players too. Do you prefer the light gauge strings on these guitars over medium gauge? I have a D-18 and I am debating whether to get the D-28 or HD-28 next any thoughts much appreciated.
Hi Rog, thank you so much! That means the world to us :) We prefer at least 0.12's on our Dreadnoughts, 0.13's are our favourite. In this video we're playing 0.12's by the way ;)
D-18 is very mid-range focused. D-28 sounds a lot brighter to me. Which one to choose depends on the role you are playing. Solo playing and lead in a band seem more suited to the D-28. If you are playing backing rhythm, D-18 might work better and not get lost in the cymbals.
I played them side-by-side and (surprising myself) ended up with the D-18--the last great guitar I'll ever have. Oddly stores often don't even stock them.
Same here. D-28s are everywhere, I rarely see a D-18. I ended up with a D-18 as well over a 28 and it impresses and inspires me every time I pick it up.
DAMN!!! 😮 I’m partial to the D-18 because I’ve got one that’s 53 years old. It was my first great guitar and I can’t imagine ever getting rid of it. But 20-25 years ago, I was in a trio with a guy who had a 1926 00-21. When we played them on stage - him fingerpicking, me flatpicking - it was just freakin’ magic! You really can’t go wrong with either one of those fabulous dreads.
I have owned both, and like both. They both have their respective place I guess. I personally am partial to the 18'S. Just my preference. Love Martins! LOL
It's interesting how sound is so subjective. I've always found a D-18 to be more "trebly" and the D-28 to be warmer and fuller. Love them both, though.
Scott Greenlee I just got my 000-18 about 3-4 weeks ago and I’m completely blown away and in love with it. Before that, I had a Taylor 224 Koa Deluxe. That was nice, but the Martin is in another league tonally. I wanted an heirloom guitar, and now I think if my house was on fire I’d try to save the Martin before any of my electrics. And the family... of course 😂
Fine Guitar styles Erwin and Adrian...can you repair up and coming musicians... now...would you mind sending these two guitars to me to test out ..will return after 10 years when I have become a brilliant guitarist ...So ..will pay for postage and pack a gin... all the best now ...the gin is a bribe....
I love watching Erwin and Adrian play together they look like they have real admiration for each other , and love Adrians reaction to Erwins playing at 2:03 , both real class acts.
Both players are good and both guitars are good, the issue here is the player on the right is using a much thinner pic than the one on the left. With guitars that are this resident and produce this quality of natural tone, your guitar pick composite, thickness and your pick attach as well as pic placement make all the difference. It is essential when trying to determine the overall characteristics of a guitar. As far as picking style, Flatpicking is the best way to bring out all the tunnel qualities of an instrument. It is usually associated with Bluegrass, but many players flat pick across the board. In this video, the player on the left obviously use a far thicker pick it has a far stronger picking hand so this has to be considered when making the analysis between the two guitars. They are both fabulous instruments. I personally prefer the D 18. Warmer, clearer, more dynamic, more natural wood sounding at a far better recording instrument. That’s why I have one. Since 2013, Martin has really taken over the world again. They went back to their Original vintage bracing. Even George Gruhn of Gruhn guitars in Nashville boasts an that the Martin D 18 is the finest handmade/commercially made acoustic dreadnought on the market today. Great job you guys, thank you for this video
So you just have to look like Mark Knopfler to become a highly skilled guitar player? Time to get myself a hair cut! Jokes apparts, this is exactly the comparison I wanted in order to help me decide between both guitars! I am still not able to make a choice but thank you anyway!
Such gorgeous playing and a great demo of the two. I’m wondering if I need a D-28 someday to add to my D-18 which I’m loving more every day. I will definitely be listening to this demo many more times as I decide! Thank you guys.
@@stephenk419 Thank you. I have a Taylor 224-K which has some great tones from the Koa and a very payable neck- but is scooped and not as loud as the dreadnought.
I have a custom built D18 from '97 which has the same specs as what became the D18GE. I've been a Gibson player for many years but have always searched for a Martin I could bond with and really enjoy. Several have come and gone, but this D18 is absolutely exquisite. It has similar tone to the 18 in this video, but with the added depth and power of an Adirondack top which has had 22yrs of play to break it in. It's stunning and SO even across the entire range, every note rings out with a gorgeous halo of overtones from the bottom to the top. I've never warmed to the Rosewood tone, I had an HD28 for a while which I could never really get the best from. All my Gibsons are Maple or Mahogany, and the "hardness" in the RW dread midrange is something I haven't adjusted to yet. The D18 is endlessly playable though, as a friend of mine recently remarked "it's almost impossible to play a wrong note, however hard you try!"
I have a J-45 and decided to get the D-28 rather than the D-18. I find myself playing the J-45 more. I actually make myself play one for a month and then trade out for a month. I am going to save for a D-18. I think the warmth of the mahogany suites me more than the rosewood. I do really like the D-28, but the 18 calls me.
I hope this is what Heaven is like; two extraordinarily gifted musicians playing Martins!
Heavon on earth at least! ;)
I could listen to 8 hours of you two going back and forth with 2 guitars.
Noted! Will make an 8-hour long video soon haha
The warmth at 7:50 is why I love my D-18 so much. I love the lead sounds of Rosewood too, Great review!
Thanks Chris!
Those Martins sound great together. It's like how singing voices from the same family sound so well together.
Exactly! They compliment eachother very nicely.
Very nice. @@thefellowshipofacoustics
This is an outstanding comparison of the two tone woods. Those are two amazing guitars and the two of you are supremely talented players, I could listen to you all day long. In fact, I've listened to this video many times already. Thank you both for sharing this comparison, and your talent.
Thank you Carl! Good to hear :)
Yeah, I noticed how much better the D-18 sounded immediately! I don’t like the bright sound as much.
Just my opinion, Great playing!
D18 cuts through so much better. I thought I wanted a rosewood, but i think I'll keep my hog
That Hog will out cut that 28, since the Hog has scalloped forward shifted bracing , which also add more vol.
Is these guitar has trus rod? Please answer....
Both of these guitars have a truss rod ;)
Can someone tell me the name of tune he played at 5 min .30secs please ✌
Danny Boy
I'm willing to buy an acoustic guitar, confused between the D-28 and Taylor 410ce. Please help. I know it's a little out of context! 😋😔
Well, the 410ce has Ovangkol back & sides, a cutaway and a pickup installed ;) arguably, they are in a different price-point and league of their own.
If I were you I'd get the Martin.
Sounded awesome!
Great players. D-18 is nice and sounds good.
Thanks Huile! Yea, this D18 was a one-of-a-kind beast!
I truly think the D-18 is the most beautiful sounding acoustic ever made. I can die happy owning one!
And use it as your coffin? 😳
@@mariodriessen9740 😂 being cremated in a guitar sounds like a morbid country song. I agree for solo performance the d18 is amazing. I've found myself wanting an 18 and 35
I have one
Living happily is also a possibility.
I have two. One's old and the other a Limited Edition The Mamas and the Papas.
Is no one going to mention how much this guy sounds exactly like Johnny Cash, Amazing!
Yeah, I thought so, and he's a great guitarist! I like these guys...
We totally agree! :')
He is in the neighborhood vocally. If you really want to hear a Johnny cash voice check out the kid from Canada Colter wall. This guy oughta get together with colter they’d do Johnny proud.
First off, of course they play great, that’s obvious. Also, if you listened to a side-by-side comparison of someone playing with any contact on the top of an acoustic versus minimal contact and a floating hand, you would notice a difference. Especially in a super resonant guitar.
Not really.
D-18 sounds so warm and inviting. The d-28 sounds more punchy and powerful with a bit more bass response. I really like the d18
Yea the D18 is such a great instrument... Thanks for commenting!
Because rosewood versus mahogany
Mic angle on the 28 is sideways....the 18's Mic angles almost straight to hole.... Tone equals dollars here I believe..
Dear John, our mic-setup might not be perfect in this video, but we would never choose money over a fair comparison. We too were curious to the real sound-difference between the 18 & the 28 and wanted to make a video to do both these guitars justice!
Blown away! You guys compliment each other well. I must get a D-18!
....Could listen to them play all day!
I have still have my first Martin. A 1969 D18 and would not trade it for anything. It’s in pristine shape. And sounds great. I think I paid $250 or $350. Still have my tags and layaway slips from the music store. What a day it was to bring it home.
@@beverlymichael5830 it's part of who you are at this stage - you can't trade that
This video is all about the pickers nothing against Martin but those boys could make any guitar sound good
Thinking the same thing. Those sound wonderful, but these boys could get it done on a cigar box with strings.
Love the masterful playing. D-28 is like an orchestra with rich overtones while the D-18 is more focused and has more distinct note separation. Both are wonderful,
Perfect description in words
Think you got this backwards
I have watched a LOT of Martin guitar demos and comparisons...a ridiculous number in the last 6 months, but that was an EPIC playing demo guys. Wow you guys can play.
Wow, thanks David! Kind words :)
I have a 2008 D-28 Marquis & my son has a 2001 D-18 GE (both have an adirondack top). My son plays the frills and leads (he's a MUCH better player), I do the rhythm parts. Both are fantastic sounding easy playing guitars. Both are cannons with great bass and balance across all the strings. My son likes to flatpick while I prefer fingerpicking. Seems to fit all our needs. We both just can't put these Martin's down for long and play every day.
Once I’ve had the covid vaccine , and I’ve grown 6 fingers on each hand, then I’ll show you boys a thing or two 😂
Hahaha, look forward to it. Thanks!
The simple purity of a D-18 the brilliance of a D-28 . Had both but now playing a Lowden cedar over mahogany sweet .
The D 18 is the winner ! The choice for sologuitar and fingerpicking, the D 28 is more the bluegrass machine.
Been saving for a D28 or an HD28 but, after this, I think I'll save me some money and just get a D18!
Wow! Keep in mind that they are véry different instruments! And that this D18 is exceptionally good. (Yes it happens!)
I’ve got a 2017 D-18 and a 2017 D-28. I bought the D-28 about a month after the D-18, because it was popular among so many famous musicians. I am not in a band and just play for myself and my family. After about a year of playing each one, The D-18 is the superior instrument as far as the overall sound in my opinion; however I see in this video that the D-28 really cuts through when there is an accompaniment, which I don’t have. Also my D-28 really responds well to string changes, more so than the D-18. It may be my imagination, but that’s what I’m hearing.
I love my D35
Absolutely excellent demonstration, clearly shows the difference between these two wood types, bravo!
And this D-18, what an exceptional instrument!!
Thanks Don! This was indeed, an exceptionally good D18!
You guys oughta record an album, cause that shit was was amazing.
Another note 28 better for recording or for installing pickup. If you play 100% acoustic 18 wins.
That D28 sounds incredible. So clear and articulate
What surprised me is that the D-28 actually cuts better during lead playing, I expected the D-18 to be better in this regard
Its not really a fair comparison because the D-18 mic is angled instead of straight on like the D-28.. Sad because the upper range is amazing on the D-18
Wow Adrian your Cash rendition was absolutely amazing :-)
Also of course great playing from both of you
UUHH YEAH!!!.... both great!...I love my D35 . Pure American Sound!. Martin forever!!
me too! 1967 D35S & 1970 D35. I had a fantastic D18 once but for me it sounds too thin , lacking something I need in the sound of a good guitar - compared to a good D35 which has it all. Amazing playing by amazing musicians. Listening to them stimulated me to pick up my guitar and start practicing again and a lot more for that matter :-) Fantastic comparison - this is how it should be done!! Btw: here is another good review which fits more to what my ears here as difference between the D18 and D28, but ears, guitars and strings and playing styles differ, luckily :-)
You need both,...
Absolutley.
The D28 seems scooped mid, reverby sound, while the D18 seemed Drier and more present, flatter eq.
Both are the opposite sides of the same coin.
The Yin and Yang of each other......😉 ✌
Nicely put Harry! Love it, thanks for sharing!
Drier is the right word. Very good. Warm as well.
Thank you for the call out of my technology sabotaged an inadvertent vocabulary nightmare in my last message. Essentially I am saying that playing style accounts for as much variation and alteration in tone and subsequent final qualities, as does the guitar itself. plectrum size, composition, shape, angle etc. all effect the tone tremendously. Then you have the factor of resting your hand or your pinky on the top of the guitar. This in itself completely changes the tonal characteristic. It is likened to putting a blanket over a speaker. So it’s not so much is one guitar versus the other, however how each guitar is presented for evaluation so as to showcase it’s true quality. I hope this makes more sense and thank you again for the call out. Incidentally, I am Dutch “Derek Jan Ferwerda”. I moved to the United States from Wassenaar Netherlands. While living there in the early 70s, I was fortunate enough to have famed musician Frank Zappa as my next-door neighbor. Thank you for the video 😊
There’s a 1973 D18 for sale in a local shop, can’t decide between it and a new D28 they also have. Both sound great, the choice is not easy.
The 70's could be a fun 'investment'!
@@thefellowshipofacoustics Some funky Martins in 73. My d35 was hurting: Bridge lifting, shrinking pick guard split the top in two places. The binding on the neck started splintering off on the treble side of the neck. I had other d35's (97, 2020) and a 97 d42. Never a single issue. I've seen many 70's Martins with some of the problems I had. So be careful.
@@garcdonald Great advice for all of us. Cars and houses were not that great in the 70s either.
I don’t know, seems like mic position had something to do with the sound.
After the swap I realized my right ear is warmer than the left.
I was leaning towards the 18, but now I'm convinced. Very well done fellas.
The Martin D18 has a howl all other guitars wish they had. It’s seriously THE WAY a guitar should sound.
Right on the money Jason! :)
Great video guys! I spent the last few days at Guitar Center playing the Aged VTS D-28 and D-18 side by side. I expected to like the D-28 better because of the beautiful Rosewood and because D-28 was over $1000 more expensive ($8000 for D-28, $6800 for D-18). To my surprise I preferred the D-18. It had a cleaner, punchier, more direct sound...whereas the D-28 was louder, and had a ton of overtones. It totally makes sense why the D-18 is easier to record. Tone was great on both though. Makes sense to have a D-28 for playing rhythm and D-18 for playing lead...maybe one day.
Thanks for sharing man! Great to hear that you ended up with the right one for you, have fun!
Hi! Welke mic hebben jullie gebruikt? Wat een sound zeg,. Ik heb zelf een d-18 sunburst! Heerlijke gitaar
Ha Kevin, vette gitaar! Goede keus ;)
De mic setup is eigenlijk heel simpel, een paar Neumann KM184's :)
wow this playing blew my mind, I did not even know i liked this kind of music!
Haha, always glad to help! :)
Stunning performance and comparison. The d 28 sounds more rich and complete. No doubt
Thanks!
Wow! Fell in love with both. Great video. Really great. The 18 was my pick for my needs. Not playing in a band and appreciate the extra warmth.
Okay. I bought you a Martin D-28 years ago and every day I bless having that instrument close by. I feel that you guys really love what you do, and I'm proud to be a part of it as a little sidekick. Surely it is not the last guitar that I buy from you. Congratulations on that enthusiasm. For that love ♥
Thank you very much! Glad to have you on board :)
I honestly must have hearing problems…comments over and over again how the 18 sounded better. That 28 was better. Significantly in my opinion.
And that's the beautiful thing about an opinion! ;)
Absolutely the best comparison video of two guitars on RUclips and the best players too.
Do you prefer the light gauge strings on these guitars over medium gauge?
I have a D-18 and I am debating whether to get the D-28 or HD-28 next any thoughts much appreciated.
Hi Rog, thank you so much! That means the world to us :) We prefer at least 0.12's on our Dreadnoughts, 0.13's are our favourite. In this video we're playing 0.12's by the way ;)
I still wish that Martin would produce a D-18 Authentic Aged 1937. But, the D-18 Reimagined sounds very nice as well. Well done, Adrian and Erwin!
Both guitars sound great, but I'm pretty sure these two cats could make a junk guitar sound good. Nicely done lads.
Hahaha thank you Dan! We haven't tried out that last one yet, would make a fun video I guess.... ;)
the D-28 spoke clearly, but the D-18 sang to my soul.
I have a 1970 D-28 and just love it. I’ve always wanted a D-18 as well. Wonderful guitars.
D-18 is very mid-range focused. D-28 sounds a lot brighter to me. Which one to choose depends on the role you are playing. Solo playing and lead in a band seem more suited to the D-28. If you are playing backing rhythm, D-18 might work better and not get lost in the cymbals.
Your conclusion is like totally different from the other comments 😂
Ok, one day I'm going to own both, that's it.
There’s just something about a D-18
Yes. It is hard to put into words.... More 'vibey'?
I played them side-by-side and (surprising myself) ended up with the D-18--the last great guitar I'll ever have. Oddly stores often don't even stock them.
Very odd indeed, the D18 is such a great instrument... I'm glad you're happy with yours!
Same here. D-28s are everywhere, I rarely see a D-18. I ended up with a D-18 as well over a 28 and it impresses and inspires me every time I pick it up.
You are very lucky, and must be very happy to now own this D-18, which really is an exceptionally well sounding instrument and D-18!
I ran into this too looking for a D-18 everyone had the D-28 but i had to order my D-18e on line. Anyone know Y this is?
here in nyc d18s everywhere!!
Amazing playing, both of you. Nice tribute to Shenandoah. Much love from Denver CO
Getting Ry Cooder vibes.❤️
On a Martin, everything's in G!
Otherwise it ain't a Martin!
Just got a Martin d 18 2006 I can die a happy man I'm in love with it
Like my uncle Roy Grady Bowling said ,there are guitars then there are Martin's
G = *Great
G,C,D,A .... BLUEGRASS
D-18 is the star of this show i think
DAMN!!! 😮
I’m partial to the D-18 because I’ve got one that’s 53 years old. It was my first great guitar and I can’t imagine ever getting rid of it. But 20-25 years ago, I was in a trio with a guy who had a 1926 00-21. When we played them on stage - him fingerpicking, me flatpicking - it was just freakin’ magic! You really can’t go wrong with either one of those fabulous dreads.
That sounds amazing! The magic of vintage guitars! A good Martin is often a guitar for a lifetime 😉
Good pickin' gentlemen. Glad they posted this. Bravo!
Thanks Paul! :)
I have owned both, and like both. They both have their respective place I guess. I personally am partial to the 18'S. Just my preference. Love Martins! LOL
It's interesting how sound is so subjective. I've always found a D-18 to be more "trebly" and the D-28 to be warmer and fuller. Love them both, though.
D-28 is louder and richer, afaict.
Typical Rosewood characteristics :)
they don't play guitar.. but sing with guitar😇😇
I like the D28 : )
I was debating between a d18 and a d28 when I found this video. Totally convinced now. Just ordered a d18 ambertone. Thank you.
That's great to hear Tony! And great choice on the Ambertone, don't see those enough anymore...
Agreed
Great playing both of you guys. I really love these new re-imagined Martins.
Thanks Bob!
I love my D18
Could you tell me what picks each of you were using and what type of microphones setup as well. Sounded amazing! Oh and great Cash impersonation!
Bluechips for both and a pair of Neumann KM184s :)
The Creep Galaxy RUclips 🌠🎆🎇✨🌈
Awesome picking! I bought the 000 18 for ergonomic reasons (sit on my couch and sing to myself) 😂
Well that's the finest reason to pick up a guitar if you ask me! Thanks for sharing Scott ;)
Scott Greenlee I just got my 000-18 about 3-4 weeks ago and I’m completely blown away and in love with it. Before that, I had a Taylor 224 Koa Deluxe. That was nice, but the Martin is in another league tonally. I wanted an heirloom guitar, and now I think if my house was on fire I’d try to save the Martin before any of my electrics. And the family... of course 😂
Fine Guitar styles Erwin and Adrian...can you repair up and coming musicians... now...would you mind sending these two guitars to me to test out ..will return after 10 years when I have become a brilliant guitarist ...So ..will pay for postage and pack a gin... all the best now ...the gin is a bribe....
i asked first, lol
D-18, why? Becuase its LOUD! LOVE EM. If you want similar tone for less $ buy the 000-15m streetmaster. Best bang for buck out there!
I love watching Erwin and Adrian play together they look like they have real admiration for each other , and love Adrians reaction to Erwins playing at 2:03 , both real class acts.
Class acts for sure... They have a deep musical connection as well, nothing like watching them play together!
That D-28 is close to the Holy Grail pre-war D-28!! Nice.
Nothing wrong with those new D-28's ! Martin knows their stuff ;)
The guitars are great! But even more impressive is Adrian‘s baritone voice, in the first few seconds he sounds exactly like Johnny Cash.
Haha it's his party-trick! Also available for hire on off-days ;)
Mahogany all day. D18 for sure!
Both players are good and both guitars are good, the issue here is the player on the right is using a much thinner pic than the one on the left. With guitars that are this resident and produce this quality of natural tone, your guitar pick composite, thickness and your pick attach as well as pic placement make all the difference. It is essential when trying to determine the overall characteristics of a guitar. As far as picking style, Flatpicking is the best way to bring out all the tunnel qualities of an instrument. It is usually associated with Bluegrass, but many players flat pick across the board. In this video, the player on the left obviously use a far thicker pick it has a far stronger picking hand so this has to be considered when making the analysis between the two guitars. They are both fabulous instruments. I personally prefer the D 18. Warmer, clearer, more dynamic, more natural wood sounding at a far better recording instrument. That’s why I have one. Since 2013, Martin has really taken over the world again. They went back to their Original vintage bracing. Even George Gruhn of Gruhn guitars in Nashville boasts an that the Martin D 18 is the finest handmade/commercially made acoustic dreadnought on the market today. Great job you guys, thank you for this video
OK, that's it, I'm coming for a visit. Which of these will make me sound like one of you guys?
You're too kind
So you just have to look like Mark Knopfler to become a highly skilled guitar player? Time to get myself a hair cut!
Jokes apparts, this is exactly the comparison I wanted in order to help me decide between both guitars! I am still not able to make a choice but thank you anyway!
........get both.....
@@adriennekulcsar7734 Well I finally bought a D18 :)
Johnny cash on point
Great video , great audio, well done , excellent playing and excellent review
Thank you
Cheers
Such gorgeous playing and a great demo of the two. I’m wondering if I need a D-28 someday to add to my D-18 which I’m loving more every day. I will definitely be listening to this demo many more times as I decide! Thank you guys.
Thank you Stephen!
Really missing my long lost D18. The one I sold in the late '70's to ransom my MGB from my mechanic. It had character for weeks.
Uggh that’s tough. Hope you can replace her with something similar someday!
@@stephenk419 Thank you. I have a Taylor 224-K which has some great tones from the Koa and a very payable neck- but is scooped and not as loud as the dreadnought.
Wow!!! Awesome video and great playing !!! Thank you 🙏 Both spectacular guitars when you put them both that way ... 😃
Thanks Mario!
Wow that D 18 😳that’s all anyone needs
Wouldn’t I love to be in The Netherlands with my dear beloved and gorgeous Martin D 18..
You're more than welcome Ken! ;)
i'm partial too the D28 as i own a 2006. but both Guitars are beautiful.
D18 as a rhythm instrument. So good.
52 years of playing I prefer the D18 LOVE mahogany!
I knew the Dude loved 18's ;)
Outstanding comparisons. I hear some Rice influences but yet your own interpretation. Hearing the 2 models side by side was very helpful. Thanks guys.
Thanks Danny! We'll keep em comin' ;)
I have a custom built D18 from '97 which has the same specs as what became the D18GE. I've been a Gibson player for many years but have always searched for a Martin I could bond with and really enjoy. Several have come and gone, but this D18 is absolutely exquisite. It has similar tone to the 18 in this video, but with the added depth and power of an Adirondack top which has had 22yrs of play to break it in. It's stunning and SO even across the entire range, every note rings out with a gorgeous halo of overtones from the bottom to the top.
I've never warmed to the Rosewood tone, I had an HD28 for a while which I could never really get the best from. All my Gibsons are Maple or Mahogany, and the "hardness" in the RW dread midrange is something I haven't adjusted to yet. The D18 is endlessly playable though, as a friend of mine recently remarked "it's almost impossible to play a wrong note, however hard you try!"
What an awesome story, sounds like a dream D18 ;) Thanks for sharing!
5:32 was so beautiful, phenomenal playing!
Thanks!
Yeah the warmth of the D-18 is incredibly , it litrealy warms your body , if you look really closely you can actually see the smoke coming off of it!!
Dude! How do you sing like that? You sound like you’re from the USA! Great 👍!
Adrian sadly won't tell us his secret... I will definitely share this compliment with him!
More showing off than comparing guitars!!
Pipe down man
Wow haha, if you think so ;)
The mic position on the viewer right guitar is more direct and clearer - otherwise a very good comparison.
Thanks Nick!
Amazing D-28 👌🏽
I have a J-45 and decided to get the D-28 rather than the D-18. I find myself playing the J-45 more. I actually make myself play one for a month and then trade out for a month. I am going to save for a D-18. I think the warmth of the mahogany suites me more than the rosewood. I do really like the D-28, but the 18 calls me.
I understand Greg, the mahogany just has a certain warmth ánd vibe to it you can't get with Rosewood. Thanks for sharing!