I bought my Martin D18 last February and have been totally enamored with it. The sound is so sweet and beautiful and I love that it does not have a bunch of bling on it. Just an honest unadorned guitar. It is expensive, especially for me being retired. But I was lucky to get 4 year financing so the the financial bite is not too bad. I am pretty much a beginner but had to have this guitar because I wanted to learn on a quality instrument and am not disappointed. Plus I love that this guitar will sound even better as it ages.
2 weeks ago , i went buying one, what can i say , I'm in love with this beautiful guitar.. the neck and the sound is totally balanced , when i strumming chords and play crosspicking notes blending chords and individual notes everything is clear . The tone of the guitar is beautiful . It was my dream guitar and I'm totally amazed
They're exquisite. I bought one in 2012 when they first came out. Best looking spruce I've ever seen anywhere. This one gets wiped down and returned to the case after each play. Light as a feather, but very solid. No matter how hard I play it, it never breaks up. Just an outstanding achievement by Martin.
Just finished a guitar-buying expedition from Spokane, WA to Billings, MT. I played many shapes and wood combos of Gibson, Taylor, Martin (as well as a few smaller luthiers: Kopp, Roberts, and Walker, which were excellent instruments). But the response of a Martin D18 (I found at Hansen's Music in Billings, MT) best fit my heavy-handed, blues-based playing. This guitar will make me a better player/songwriter. :)
My friend Jimmy in Kentucky has one with the Shade top and it is one of the most beautiful guitars I have seen. It sounds amazing and plays so so nice!
allows one to understand some more on the whole scalloping-thing, bridges and more...we all read tons of specs but who really knows what it's all about? Not me. Learned some more today thanks to this here fellow Bill. Well, thanks Bill!
The D18 comes stock with mediums on it. It lost a ton of power when I switched to lights. I actually went and swapped back those new lights to mediums again to get that powerful and airy sound again.
I'm getting a D18 or D28 soon and I'm pretty sure I'm getting the D18. It seems to have a slightly warmer, richer sound, which I like a bit more than the D28.
“Introduced in 1931 ... It was designed for folk and bluegrass players.” Undoubtedly it’s changes over time have been shaped by bluegrass players, but the D-18 predates the first bluegrass band ever formed by 8 years.
I'm not parting with my 2012 model! My '12 model remains the finest "new" acoustic I've ever played. The increased nut width means I flub fewer "cowboy" chords than with my D-28.
this recording is amazing, don't know if that's the guitar or the mic placement, I can see a KM84 but not the other mic, for the D42 you used an AKG 414, is it the same here? Really outstanding/record-like sound here, props guys
Could you please clarify your comments on strings? Martin recommends medium guage strings on the D-18. You have led us to believe that light guage strings should be used because of the forward shifted bracing. Apparently this is not true. Perhaps it was in the 1930's.
He said the bracing was moved back later in the 30's because of damage it was doing to the guitar. In 2012, it was moved forward to its original position, thus light string recommended.
@@richardperkins5046 The D-18 is now designed (even with the forward shifted bracing) to handle medium guage strings. The guitar is shipped from Martin with medium guage strings... (See Martin website)
Just got one, but funny thing is when i went to Guitar Center in Seattle/Tacoma area, they didn't have any, was told they don't carry them? I bought it from Sweetwater having never played it. I have made a few action adjustments at nut and saddle and very happy with it so far. This one never hung on the wall and played by every person that walks in(like guitar center guitars). I hate trying to shop for guitar there, seems when ever I go there someone is having there own personal concert in the acoustic room, often complete with singing, with no intention of buying anything. I do like the D18 so far, and I can say the following without hesitation.Its the best smelling guitar I have ever played, lol its amazing the wood smell i get every time I pick it up, sweet smell of the mahogany i guess. I know over time it will open up and blossom even more. Get one I don't think u can go wrong!
Just got one in At the Tukwila store, 1st new D-18 I've seen at a local GC. it was amazing. For my Mahogany Guitars I like a J-45, But this D-18 has got me leaning towards it..
I picked one up new for 1900. You can find used even cheaper. It's made in USA by Americans and you get a lifetime warranty with a company that has been making guitars for 180 years. It's worth it! It's a guitar that you will pass down for generations.
Thanks for your excellent presentation. I had an Eric Clapton 000 model which I bought for over 5,000$ and thought it was the best folk guitar that I ever had owned until I bought a continental D 18 which only cost 3000$ but which in my opinion sounds superior in tone, volume, projections and brightness....a famous guitarist friend of mine helped me ick out the latter and said it was the bets sounding guitar he had ever played. I sold the EC model to another seasoned professional whop plays it in his studio.
The Martins that I played at the Guitar Center in Lansing and even the Gibson's that I played their had horrible fret buzz. The sales people gave me some stupid excuse. Made me appreciate elderly instruments where you never hear a fret buzz on a guitar. Made me wonder if Guitar Center should even be a distributor for Martin and Gibson.
skerlkiller All my Martins come with the pick guard installed man- including this one. Maybe if you contact Martin custom shop they can supply one without but I wouldn’t worry man.
Is there anyway to stop that buzzing? I just bought one, and I've not played for years, so I'm glad the guy in the video also was buzzing a bit. It really requires some finger memory and getting them right on the fret for it to sound good. I'm assuming I'll get it down in a few months. Would switch to 12 gauge strings diminish the tone?
Well, funny story, I got my D-18, asked the "guitar tech" if there was any way if I could raise the bridge because of the buzzing. He said the fingerboard looked warped a bit, and he proceeded to take out a wrench and tighten it a bit. Sudden, CRACK and the tie-rod broke. He said he's never seen that happen before. They gave me a new guitar, that the fingerboard looks very straight on, and I haven't wanted any to risk it again. Still on 13 gauge strings.
I got this guitar ,sounding really nice with the Martin strings, hated it with elixirs , does sombody know about any others strings thats great on a D-18 ?
Trevor Graham Welch, that's a great question, and I thought they were quite pricey until I held one in my hands. The level of workmanship and materials in a factory instrument is mind blowing. The thing is featherweight and solid at the same time, and the sound is like warm honey. My local store has them at around $2500, and that seems like a bargain to me now.
'this guitar is happy with light gauge string'? So what's the point then? You've said before that, that it was designed to accommodate heavier gauge strings?
WOW! A one piece "SOLID WOOD" neck. Why is Martin making their high priced top end instruments with a neck wood of unknown wood type? For god sakes, the guy even raves about the way the freaking pickguard is molded not poured. Is the American Tropical Mahogany not suitable for the neck? What is going on?
lynyrddeville Yes I found it odd too until I read that they use a number of different woods. It makes sense to use the term select hardwood if they change it often depending on availability. They supposedly use mahogany, cedar, sapele, maple etc.
So much marketing bs. Should have made them the same way they always have. Oh this year we did this and we did that blah blah. Don't ever change the recipe
I bought my Martin D18 last February and have been totally enamored with it. The sound is so sweet and beautiful and I love that it does not have a bunch of bling on it. Just an honest unadorned guitar. It is expensive, especially for me being retired. But I was lucky to get 4 year financing so the the financial bite is not too bad. I am pretty much a beginner but had to have this guitar because I wanted to learn on a quality instrument and am not disappointed. Plus I love that this guitar will sound even better as it ages.
2 weeks ago , i went buying one, what can i say , I'm in love with this beautiful guitar.. the neck and the sound is totally balanced , when i strumming chords and play crosspicking notes blending chords and individual notes everything is clear . The tone of the guitar is beautiful . It was my dream guitar and I'm totally amazed
They're exquisite. I bought one in 2012 when they first came out. Best looking spruce I've ever seen anywhere. This one gets wiped down and returned to the case after each play. Light as a feather, but very solid. No matter how hard I play it, it never breaks up. Just an outstanding achievement by Martin.
how does it compared to the golden era series bro?
Ngiam Tee Ee Sorry, I'm not familiar with those. I imagine the specs are on Martins website tho.
Do u recommend this guitar?? Whats the pro and cons? Mind sharing?
That guitar sounds absolutely amazing through my headphones...
Just finished a guitar-buying expedition from Spokane, WA to Billings, MT. I played many shapes and wood combos of Gibson, Taylor, Martin (as well as a few smaller luthiers: Kopp, Roberts, and Walker, which were excellent instruments). But the response of a Martin D18 (I found at Hansen's Music in Billings, MT) best fit my heavy-handed, blues-based playing.
This guitar will make me a better player/songwriter. :)
My friend Jimmy in Kentucky has one with the Shade top and it is one of the most beautiful guitars I have seen. It sounds amazing and plays so so nice!
My favourite of this bunch of 4 demos.
What an awesome Windy and Warm version.
allows one to understand some more on the whole scalloping-thing, bridges and more...we all read tons of specs but who really knows what it's all about? Not me.
Learned some more today thanks to this here fellow Bill. Well, thanks Bill!
The D18 comes stock with mediums on it. It lost a ton of power when I switched to lights. I actually went and swapped back those new lights to mediums again to get that powerful and airy sound again.
Wow! What a musical beast!
Sponsored by Guitar Center. Which doesn't stock the D18.
quarter_moon and_a_guitar Year 2014 they did.
In Austin they don't. I happened to pick it up somewhere else, fell in love with it, and bought it on the spot.
Wrong. They have them out here in Portland. In stock.
quarter_moon and_a_guitar lol mine does not carry it as well
First ten seconds me: show off...
These D18’s are the best sounding guitar in any price range!
Nice to hear the guitar being demo’d with fingerstyle
I'm getting a D18 or D28 soon and I'm pretty sure I'm getting the D18. It seems to have a slightly warmer, richer sound, which I like a bit more than the D28.
AOB How do you like the D-18?
Really nice review.
I've had the pleasure of playing D18s before .. they DO feel wonderful
(One of these days I'll own a Martin!!!)
Sold me. I'm buying one.
“Introduced in 1931 ... It was designed for folk and bluegrass players.” Undoubtedly it’s changes over time have been shaped by bluegrass players, but the D-18 predates the first bluegrass band ever formed by 8 years.
The best review . Thanks a bunch
I have one love it so good thank you martin
Best sounding of all my guitars.. responsive to the touch.. clear n loud..
I'm not parting with my 2012 model! My '12 model remains the finest "new" acoustic I've ever played. The increased nut width means I flub fewer "cowboy" chords than with my D-28.
Perfection!
That guitar sounds Windy and Warm...
He gains points with me purely for playing that tune!
What is the name of the tune?
Windy and Warm - Chet Atkins
I would love to hear this guitar play Heart of Gold, Neil young
This is an awesome guitar...
Excellent acoustic guitar !
this recording is amazing, don't know if that's the guitar or the mic placement, I can see a KM84 but not the other mic, for the D42 you used an AKG 414, is it the same here? Really outstanding/record-like sound here, props guys
That room he's playing and sounds phenomenal too
SECOND-greatest feeling, on Earth. ;)
I really like your version of windy and warm!!!
They say Freddie Mercury played this guitar his song "Crazy Little Thing Called Love"
Vladimir Volodin yes. Also Kurt contain played d18 on unplugged mtv, it was also Andy griffiths go to guitar.
@@adriannasanchez468 also elliott smith, this guitar has some power.
Could you please clarify your comments on strings? Martin recommends medium guage strings on the D-18. You have led us to believe that light guage strings should be used because of the forward shifted bracing. Apparently this is not true. Perhaps it was in the 1930's.
He said the bracing was moved back later in the 30's because of damage it was doing to the guitar. In 2012, it was moved forward to its original position, thus light string recommended.
@@richardperkins5046 The D-18 is now designed (even with the forward shifted bracing) to handle medium guage strings. The guitar is shipped from Martin with medium guage strings... (See Martin website)
Just got one, but funny thing is when i went to Guitar Center in Seattle/Tacoma area, they didn't have any, was told they don't carry them? I bought it from Sweetwater having never played it. I have made a few action adjustments at nut and saddle and very happy with it so far. This one never hung on the wall and played by every person that walks in(like guitar center guitars). I hate trying to shop for guitar there, seems when ever I go there someone is having there own personal concert in the acoustic room, often complete with singing, with no intention of buying anything.
I do like the D18 so far, and I can say the following without hesitation.Its the best smelling guitar I have ever played, lol its amazing the wood smell i get every time I pick it up, sweet smell of the mahogany i guess. I know over time it will open up and blossom even more. Get one I don't think u can go wrong!
Just got one in At the Tukwila store, 1st new D-18 I've seen at a local GC. it was amazing. For my Mahogany Guitars I like a J-45, But this D-18 has got me leaning towards it..
I would prefer a vintage toner finish and a bit of mother of pearl. And fret binding and lower price
I picked one up new for 1900. You can find used even cheaper. It's made in USA by Americans and you get a lifetime warranty with a company that has been making guitars for 180 years. It's worth it! It's a guitar that you will pass down for generations.
what is that little sliding riff thing you play at 5:07 -5:09 , really cool , great review learned a lot , thank you !
When they made all those changes, why not simply change the model d-18-12, d-18fx etc.?
Because that's what it was originally called and the original specs. I agree with you tho. Now you can't get the old D-18 anymore!
Thanks for your excellent presentation. I had an Eric Clapton 000 model which I bought for over 5,000$ and thought it was the best folk guitar that I ever had owned until I bought a continental D 18 which only cost 3000$ but which in my opinion sounds superior in tone, volume, projections and brightness....a famous guitarist friend of mine helped me ick out the latter and said it was the bets sounding guitar he had ever played. I sold the EC model to another seasoned professional whop plays it in his studio.
The Martins that I played at the Guitar Center in Lansing and even the Gibson's that I played their had horrible fret buzz. The sales people gave me some stupid excuse. Made me appreciate elderly instruments where you never hear a fret buzz on a guitar. Made me wonder if Guitar Center should even be a distributor for Martin and Gibson.
Elderly Instruments is the best guitar shop around.
The best!
After listening to epiphone masterbilts all day I can honestly say these are understandably and respectively expensive
The D-18 is my go to; Masterbilt is my traveler and my "rock" acoustic. Only two guitars one would ever need.
These blow those Epiphones out of the water.
I WANT ONE !!
Not sure what you mean. Guitar comes with medium gauge strings.
Dat tone o_o
What's the name of the song that's at the beginning ?
I believe it’s Windy and Warm.
I want one , but I dont want pick guard , is pic guard installed at factory or do yall stick them when you sell one ? Can I order one without
skerlkiller All my Martins come with the pick guard installed man- including this one. Maybe if you contact Martin custom shop they can supply one without but I wouldn’t worry man.
Is there anyway to stop that buzzing? I just bought one, and I've not played for years, so I'm glad the guy in the video also was buzzing a bit. It really requires some finger memory and getting them right on the fret for it to sound good. I'm assuming I'll get it down in a few months. Would switch to 12 gauge strings diminish the tone?
Has the guitar been professionally set up? also, the strings it comes with are Mediums. I like Custom Lights myself (Phosphor Bronze).
Well, funny story, I got my D-18, asked the "guitar tech" if there was any way if I could raise the bridge because of the buzzing. He said the fingerboard looked warped a bit, and he proceeded to take out a wrench and tighten it a bit. Sudden, CRACK and the tie-rod broke. He said he's never seen that happen before.
They gave me a new guitar, that the fingerboard looks very straight on, and I haven't wanted any to risk it again. Still on 13 gauge strings.
I found that the strings buzzed when my fingertips were not firmly pressing down on the strings. Once I corrected that the buzzing went away.
@GUITARTIME2024 truss-rod turn. Take it to someone who knows what their doing. It's a quick fix
Sorry, was for blackdog4818 not you🙏
I got this guitar ,sounding really nice with the Martin strings, hated it with elixirs , does sombody know about any others strings thats great on a D-18 ?
Jon Fjer Martin Retros are great on my 2013 MFG Custom 000-18 (1-3/4 nut width, 5/16 scallloped). Excellent strings.
I really like John Pearse Pure Nickels. They were around before the Retros and sound better, deeper, less clangy.
Jesse Watson Oh, thanks.
try the martin tony rice monel lights. they're amazing on my d18.
Jonny Fjer I recently tried the Ernie ball aluminium bronze. Love it.
Excellent review! Light strings only....no medium? What are the recommended strings? Thank you and thumbs way up!
Gerald West I've been using the stock lifespan mediums on mine and it sounds great. I've heard that monels are good too
Light if fingerpicking. Mediums if using a pick
Wich kind of music I have to listen to play like this ?
Превосходно!!!
I will get one.
what are he playing on beginning ???
Sry for my bad english ! ;)
Matthias, I think it's "Windy and Warm," by the great Chet Atkins. Your English is fine!
#Excellent Review!
☆☆☆☆☆
why did they discontinue d18 ?
Incredible playing on an incredible guitar. How long did it take you to learn to play that well?
Best for singing...
What song is this
Must have
Wish I could afford it on a teacher’s retirement
What song is he playing?
nicolas sanchez Ngiam Tee Ee
Windy and Warm
Nice guitar playing. Why so expensive ?
Trevor Graham Welch, that's a great question, and I thought they were quite pricey until I held one in my hands. The level of workmanship and materials in a factory instrument is mind blowing. The thing is featherweight and solid at the same time, and the sound is like warm honey. My local store has them at around $2500, and that seems like a bargain to me now.
What is tje fingerpicking melody? I want to learn it
Windy&Warm
...hope it has 'ebony' pins ?,...if not, why not ?
'this guitar is happy with light gauge string'? So what's the point then? You've said before that, that it was designed to accommodate heavier gauge strings?
Those treble strings sound a bit shrill.
Looks better than a black pickguard
i'm waiting for "Hi I'm Johnny Knoxville.. Welcome to Jackass".. 🎸
what song is he paying?
+Luis Mesa Windy and Warm. Its different from Chet's or Tommy Emmanuel's but sounds just as good!!
WOW! A one piece "SOLID WOOD" neck. Why is Martin making their high priced top end instruments with a neck wood of unknown wood type? For god sakes, the guy even raves about the way the freaking pickguard is molded not poured. Is the American Tropical Mahogany not suitable for the neck? What is going on?
lynyrddeville it's called marketing and sales. Don't like it, don't buy it.
lynyrddeville Yes I found it odd too until I read that they use a number of different woods. It makes sense to use the term select hardwood if they change it often depending on availability. They supposedly use mahogany, cedar, sapele, maple etc.
I would never buy a guitar at Guitar Center. Just look closely and you can see all the scratches on the body. Its OK to test there but buy new online.
I actually think the D18 was better pre 2012.
I agree, very little difference in the sound if any. Just about all companies modify their products to bump up sales.
damn this man can play.
So much marketing bs. Should have made them the same way they always have. Oh this year we did this and we did that blah blah. Don't ever change the recipe
Play something else besides the same repeating thing!
bracing and bone,, anyone can get those with good strings my gosh,,, not even impressed~
It's not a finger picking guitar
useles demo
FUCK!!! I just wanna hear someone play without fucking talking
You invented the guitar perhaps. Not the name. Never forget its British. 😁🤣
The name “Martin?” Thought they were from Austria?
Dreadnought was the name given to huge British wars ships before and during ww1. So big guitar.....Dreadnought was a fitting name.