I have played two of the new 000-18s. I too heard they were similar to the 000-18GE.
This is only my impression, but I don't think the new 000-18 can touch the 000-18GE, of which I have played quite a few. Those guitars are responsive and have a bold sound that is somewhat dry and old-timey sounding but still loud and rich. I just couldn't handle the mod v neck, so I never bought one.
The new 000-18, while having a much more comfortable neck, sounds actually quiet and way too polite to me. Both examples I have played were beautiful to look at but did not move me. In fact, the 000-15sm guitars I've owned in the past were more responsive and had more attitude and character than the 000-18. I so much wanted to like and buy the new 000-18, but to my ears they didn't have the power of their GE cousins.
Just my experience.
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