About to buy a 000-18 from Ted @ LA. Any last words of insight?

[jgottsman11]

As you can see from my sig, ive got a few vintage acoustics, one being all mahogany (0-17), one being spruce top hog b/s (LG-3), and one being spruce top hog side maple back (LG-2). I've been wanting a brand new guitar that I can be the first owner to and I just haven't played a rosewood martin I like yet. Too much high end when I really like the balance of the of mahogany. Any last insight from you guys on anything else to look at or consider? I'm thinking this 000-18 will be right on the money

[Wade Hampton]

No, JL, I can’t think of anything other than enjoy yourself. Once you fill in and mail the warranty card one of us will be by your house to show you the Martin guitar owner’s secret handshake and give you your secret decoder ring!

Seriously, congratulations on snagging a great guitar.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Coastman]

And Ted is a great person to deal with! One of the good guys!
Congratulations, and enjoy your new Martin!

[Hoyt]

Although I do like rosewood, I have a 6 month old 0-18 that is wonderful. The 000-18s I've played were great too, but I was looking for a small guitar when I got 0-18.

You'll love it.

[DenverSteve]

Nothing to add as you're getting ready to buy a guitar that will rock your socks.

[Mr Fingers]

IMO, a good mahogany 000 is the best guitar made, period. There's a reason Julian Lage plays this model. Good luck buying new. I virtually never do that myself, simply because there are so many excellent used, aged instruments available, and find Martin's current production of its regular models to be very good, while sorting through the used market, patiently, always seems to me to be the best way to find an outlier: something potentially great, exceeding the normal standard. If you're determined to buy new, by all accounts LA Guitar Sales is the place to get a good one. I find that the same models, at the big guitar stores, are consistently dull.

[AllThumbsBruce]

Find a local guitar store you can trust and a guitar you can play before you buy it.

[AgentKooper]

Originally Posted by AllThumbsBruce

Find a local guitar store you can trust and a guitar you can play before you buy it.

Not always practicable, depending on where you live and which guitar you're interested in. There's no reason not to go with a trusted online dealer with a good return policy. I bought my 00-18 from Ted, and it's a great guitar. You're going to love that 000-18.

[Tracy Perry]

Another future 000-18 owner here. I just (well, actually Sunday) ordered one and am awaiting shipment of it. I really like my OM-28 for the size (it's comfortable) and wanted something in mahogany so finally decided on the 000-18. Got clearance from the boss (wife) to order it and I didn't let any grass grow under my feet. I'm hoping it sounds as good as my 00-17SE.

[chitz]

Tip generously

[crikey]

Do it. You know you want to.

[Athens]

While I have no opinion on the guitar, I have seen nothing but the highest praise for Ted from anyone who has dealt with him.

[Shades of Blue]

I think that the 18 series is phenomenal and you will love it. You are also purchasing from an awesome guy! Enjoy that beast!!!

[rmyAddison]

I have a number of Martin mahogany OM/000's, Sitka and Adirondack tops, standards GE's and Authentic's, all wonderful instruments, and I've preferred mahogany over rosewoods for decades.

Don't second guess yourself, if the specs suit you Ted's price will be "right", buy the guitar. Other options, yes, the usual suspects, Bourgeois/Santa Cruz/Collings/H&D, fine guitars all, but they will cost as much and mostly more, and they will have their builders "flavor", not Martins. What do you want ??

My opinion, nobody does mahogany like Martin with that signature warm woody vintage sound, you won't be disappointed...........

[Toby Walker]

There's a reason why Ted is so popular here on the AGF... he's the kind of person that everyone should have the pleasure of dealing with. His reputation is stellar.

Enjoy your instrument.