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-   -   Martin 2012 D18 (Adi) vs. D17m (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325361)

Taylorman98 01-15-2014 02:47 PM

Martin 2012 D18 (Adi) vs. D17m
 
Hey all.. Wanting to pick your brain on this one. I'm really interested in these two guitars and actually the D18 adi top one as well. Of course there are none local to me but was really wanting to see if any of you a/b these. I hear really good things about the d17m but hear excellent things about the d18. Big $$ difference as well. I'd just like to hear your XP on this. Thanks!

GuitarDogs62 01-15-2014 03:02 PM

Here are the specs for Both Guitars below:


Choose the Martin D-18 acoustic guitar for classic tone with remarkable craftsmanship!
Specification Detail
Number of Strings 6
Body Style/Shape Dreadnought
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Color Natural
Finish Gloss
Top Wood Spruce
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Body Bracing X Scalloped
Neck Wood Hardwood
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Old Style 18 Inlays
Binding Tortoise-colored Binding
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Tuning Machines Nickel Tuners with Butterbean Knobs
Bridge Material Ebony
Nut/Saddle Material Bone
Nut Width 1.75"
Electronics No Electronics
Case Included Hardshell Case Included
Manufacturer Part Number 10D18


The Martin D-17M: an all-solid-wood Martin at an incredible price!
Specification Detail
Number of Strings 6
Body Style/Shape Dreadnought
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Color Shaded Gloss
Finish Gloss top; satin neck, back, and sides
Top Wood Spruce
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Body Bracing A-Frame
Neck Wood Hardwood
Fingerboard Material Morado
Fingerboard Inlay Diamonds & Squares - Short Pattern
Binding Tortoise-colored Binding
Neck Shape Modified Low Oval
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 25.4"
Tuning Machines Nickel open-geared tuners with Butterbean Knobs
Bridge Material Morado
Nut/Saddle Material Bone
Nut Width 1..6875"
Electronics No Electronics
Case Included Hardshell Case Included
Manufacturer Part Number D-17M

Taylorman98 01-15-2014 03:08 PM

d18 neck
 
Does the new d18 have a satin finish neck? I really like those. My breedlove has one.

Ikeepem 01-15-2014 03:09 PM

If this would be your first Dread I'd say go with the D-18 for the long haul...save or spend a little more and cry once:)

Legolas1971 01-15-2014 03:44 PM

Yeah, it's not even close IMO. Get the D18 with ADI. That is gonna be a cannon. The D17m is nice but maybe pick up a used one later.....

jmjohnson 01-15-2014 03:52 PM

Another vote for the Adi D18... Don't settle!

Treenewt 01-15-2014 03:54 PM

D-18 without a doubt. The D-17m is a great guitar, but it's not a D-18.

SalFromChatham 01-15-2014 07:17 PM

I played the D17m several times. I owned an old style D18, as well as a newer2012 model since the redesign.

1) you can not go wrong with either.

2) this may be heresy for some Martin folks, but the D17m, a below-standard series, is perhaps the best Martin Dread I have played in a long time. I prefer the 1 11/16 width, as opposed the the 1 3/4 width PA taper neck on the new D18. I also prefer the sound. It is an amazing guitar at any price point, let alone sub $1500

D18Hoglover 01-15-2014 07:53 PM

D-18 Adi is fantastic. Jon and Sharon at MFG do some of these.

akwingnut 01-15-2014 09:56 PM

This is easy. D-18

opnwhl4 01-15-2014 11:32 PM

The thing to remember is these are 2 very different guitars.

If you like the PA taper neck the D-18 with Adi top is a great choice. It is a standard Martin with fwd shifted scalloped bracing.

The D-17M is a 15 series Martin with a spruce top instead of Mahogany. It has the A frame bracing. Not a bad thing, just different.

In the end, play both and pick the one that has the sound you want.

Bill

Rockguy475 01-15-2014 11:42 PM

I can't say one over the other because I have never tried a D18 but I did own a d17m and the only reason I don't have it anymore was for a trade in for credit towards my d45. But, it truly was an awesome guitar.

rbock 01-15-2014 11:44 PM

I have one of the first of the aid D-18's purchased from MFG at the beginning of last year. It was great from the start and is now really coming into it's own.

Not wanting to make it too easy for you, here's another option I just came across you might want to keep an eye on. (no connection to seller)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tchlink:top:en

Taylorman98 01-17-2014 03:29 PM

On the Adi top D18 does it have the same bracing as the 2012 D18? forward shifted only Adi top? can't seems to find it.

llew 01-17-2014 03:57 PM

D-18....hands down!


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