Martin 2012 D18 vs D28
 

Hey everyone, I'm thinking about selling my Taylor 316 ce and getting a Martin 2012 D18, the only issue is that I can't find one locally to play. I have played a few D28's and was wondering if there is a major difference between the D28 and D18. Thanks in advance.

The new 2012 D-18s are the same as what the D-18V was meaning it has forward shifted scalloped bracing. The standard D-28 doesn't it has tapered bracing which gives it a much different sound. To get the same bracing in D-28 form you have to buy an HD-28V. They are all great guitars in their own ways and you for sure should play them all before deciding on what to buy.

My favorite is the D-28 Marquis .

I would heartily endorse your thought to get a Martin.

I presume you know that one big difference is that the D-28 has EIR back and sides, the D-18 mahogany. Great tradition there.

However the new D-18 for 2012 has vintage style shifted and scalloped braces. This makes the new -18 much deeper sounding and more resonant than the older model. This is a dangerous notion, but I find the tone of the new -18 to be more open and freer than the straight-braced -28, and having much of the same bassiness . But the tonal pallette is still 'hog.

So they don't sound the same. I definitely prefer the new -18 (and -18GE, and D Mahogany) to the straight D-28. If/when the -28 gets the same bracing treatment (like a HD-28 V), the choice becomes narrower to my ear.

Rosewood back & sides (D28) vs Mahogany back & sides (D18), in addition to the bracing differences as mentioned by SuperB.

I personally love the D28 for its balance, but you really need to try both side by side at the same time. Tone is a very subjective thing. Take your time and don't rush it.

Yes, I'm aware of the different tonewoods used in each. I liked the tone of the D 28, but the ones I played almost sounded too dark. Not sure if that is typical of rosewood. I have played a D 15m and I was really impressed with the tone on that guitar. It was bassy but had nice trebles as well.

They are very different animals- bracing systems, tone woods, etc. Speaking very generally, in an either/or situation, I will usually prefer rosewood to hog. But, in my opinion, Martin accomplished something special with the 2012 D18. Hopefully, though, you'll have the opportunity to try both. You are choosing between two guitars that will sound and play very differently from one another.

Stephen

Martin D-15
Martin HD-35
Martin OM-28V
Martin 000C nylon

Apples and oranges, mahogany and rosewood, and yes they sound very different, I've owned many Martins of both woods.

Better? That's up to you ears, I have always prefered scalloped or scalloped forward shifted braces myself and personally would take the 2012 D-18 over a standard D-28, get into an HD-28V or D-28 Marquis then "for me" it would be a tossup.

Also consider the nut widths and neck profile differences, Martin has a lot of different combinations. Worth a road trip if you can manage it to be "sure", happy shopping.

As mentioned by several, the bracing and the tonewoods are different. But, one of the most notable differences in the 2012 D-18 is the "Performing Artist" neck profile and the 1 3/4 inch nut. You can also get this feature on the new D-28P model.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7Bx_AqgMNw

I've played both back to back a few times and prefer the D-28.

If I was to get another D-18 I'd get a pre-2012 D-18.
I love the old straight bracing on D-18s. Yes the 2012 model is more like the vintage D-18s but the straight braced model sounds more like the classic D-18 tone you hear in the majority of 1960/70 singer songwriter albums. Amazing guitars (especially after a few years play).

The nut width on a D28 is 1 11/16. Nut width on the new 2012 D-18 is 1 3/4.

You can hear my D18 here (mine is a 2012)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X16JYp59mos

Not to throw a monkey wrench into the picture, but also take a look at the D15. After seeing and hearing the post here on the forum yesterday I really now would consider looking at that as well. Also take a another look at the Taylor line up before making your decision. You might just be surprised in what you hear. Lastly please try and play all the guitars that you might consider before buying. Let your ears and the guitar tell you which one to buy. then and only then will you be truly happy with your purchase.

Sincerely
Andy

Thanks for all the info. I think the 2012 D18 is the one I'm after. The 1 3/4 in. neck is ideal since I've been playing a Taylor. I also prefer hog over the rosewood. I'll keep everyone posted when I do get one.

MODEL Martin D-18
CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE: Style 18
TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard ''X'' Scalloped, Forward Shifted
TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
BACK MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany
BACK PURFLING: Style 18
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid Genuine Mahogany
ENDPIECE: Delmar Tortoise Color
ENDPIECE INLAY: none
BINDING: Tortoise Color
TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White Boltaron
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: none
NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
NECK SHAPE: Modified Low Oval Profile w/ Performing Artist Taper
NUT MATERIAL: Bone
HEADSTOCK: Solid/Square Taper
HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood
HEELCAP: Tortoise Color
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-3/4''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Old Style 18
FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss w/ Aging Toner; Sunburst available at additional cost.
FINISH NECK: Satin
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
BRIDGE STYLE: 1930's Style Belly w/ Drop-In Saddle
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-3/16''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
TUNING MACHINES: Nickel Open-Geared w/ Butterbean Knobs
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium Gauge (MSP7200)
BRIDGE & END PINS: Black
PICKGUARD: Delmar Tortoise Color
CASE: 445 Hardshell
INTERIOR LABEL: none
ELECTRONICS: Optional
OTHER OPTIONS: Available left-handed at no additional charge
OTHER COMMENTS: All prices & specifications are subject to change without notice.


MODEL Martin D-28
CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE: Style 28
TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard ''X''
TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
BACK MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
BACK PURFLING: Style 28
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
ENDPIECE: White Boltaron
ENDPIECE INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
BINDING: White Boltaron
TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White Boltaron
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
NECK SHAPE: Low Profile
NUT MATERIAL: Bone
HEADSTOCK: Solid/Diamond/Square Taper
HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil
HEELCAP: White Boltaron
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-11/16''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss ; Sunburst available at additional cost.
FINISH NECK: Satin
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/8''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
TUNING MACHINES: Chrome Enclosed w/ Large Buttons
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin SP Lifespan Phosphor Bronze Medium Gauge (MSP7200)
BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD: Black
CASE: 640 Molded
INTERIOR LABEL: none
ELECTRONICS: Optional
OTHER OPTIONS: Available left-handed at no additional charge
OTHER COMMENTS: All prices & specifications are subject to change without notice.

A good set of 80/20 strings will fix the d28 right up. They come factory with phospher bronze strings which add to the darkness IMO. 80/20s add a little zing to them

An HD-28 would be a better comparison to the new D-18 because of the scalloped/forward shift bracing.

I own both, and they are two different animals. EIR and mahogany are each wonderful tonewoods, but very distinctive from one another. You should play both and see which sound your ears prefer.

But overall, you can't go wrong with either.