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  #1  
Old 10-16-2017, 12:35 PM
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Default D-18: Dread Under $1200 That Sounds Closest to a Martin D-18

I"m always curious about people's opinions. I have the resources to acquire a D-18, but will most likely be going in an OM direction for the time being.

I prefer to buy used, but am always open to buying new.

With that in mind, what square-shouldered dreads have you owned or played that come CLOSEST to the tone of a D-18 for under, say, $1200. FYI: I am only looking at models that would have a 1.75" nut.

Thanks!

scott
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Old 10-16-2017, 12:39 PM
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This isn't what you asked and it probably isn't going to help, but if I didn't have my D18 and I was looking for a dread in that price range with 1 3/4 nut, I'd be looking for a used Martin DR Centennial. I know it is rosewood but that looks like a heckuva lot of guitar for the money to me!
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Old 10-16-2017, 12:42 PM
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Eastman E10D ...
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Old 10-16-2017, 12:46 PM
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There is a nice Alvarez-Yairi DY-57 on eBay right now. Nice guitar, I had one once but sold it to a guy who gigs with it. If I go see him he lets me play it.

One A-Ys prettiest guitars, I think, and they sound as good as they look.
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Old 10-16-2017, 12:48 PM
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In my tiny experience yes an equivalent Eastman sounds very, very nice.
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Old 10-16-2017, 12:58 PM
Twilkins Twilkins is offline
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Larrivee D40 is one I'd look at.
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:03 PM
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Good luck!
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:08 PM
posternutbag posternutbag is offline
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The answer to the question is a Martin D16 ‘93H, but it has a 1 11/16 nut. A Blueridgr Br 140a would be my choice if I had to have a 1.75 nut.
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:12 PM
mmasters mmasters is offline
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A good used Martin D-16 would get you there. They are around 1000-1200 dollars.

I have a D-16 Adirondack and it sounds as good as the upper models, I'm very happy with it.
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:15 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Judson View Post
Eastman E10D ...
Definitely - wouldn't sell my modified version for twice what I paid for it.

Had a 2014 D18 and a newer D18GE here and it obliterated both of them.
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:30 PM
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Blueridge BR-240A. Really, really nice mahogany backed dreadnought.
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:43 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mmasters View Post
A good used Martin D-16 would get you there. They are around 1000-1200 dollars.

I have a D-16 Adirondack and it sounds as good as the upper models, I'm very happy with it.
Yeah...the D-16 Adirondack would be my choice too. I have one and I think it's one of Martin's "sleeper" guitars.
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Old 10-16-2017, 01:43 PM
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I'm also going to vote for the Eastman E10D (Adi/hog), though not on its "D18 Clone" characteristics. In the same class tone wise, but Eastmans tend to roll their own tonally, and they almost always sound great, and I would venture to say the dreads are bit more balanced than Martin dreads (I've had a few:-) My favorite dread ever .. amongst Martins, Collings, Santa Cruz and others was an Eastman E20D (the rosewood brother of the E10D).

In that class, the Blueridge sound closer to Martin, and they are fine guitars also. I definitely would consider the 16 series Martins though.
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Old 10-16-2017, 02:02 PM
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You just had to throw that 1.75" nut thing in there didn't you???

I think this is Martin's best value on the market right now, but the nut width is 1 11/16". But it's a solid wood, American made Martin that has a gorgeous tone for not much money.

Brand new $1199.00
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Martin/C...stic-Guitar.gc

Used @$700
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Martin-Custo...EAAOSwjRpZWmAB

Comes with a Martin TKL hardshell case too.
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Old 10-16-2017, 02:19 PM
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A used Martin DM. People mistake my DM for an 18 all the time.

Very underrated guitar. Don't let the laminate back and sides turn you off before you actually play one.
$500-600 used at a craigslist ad near you!
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