D-18: Dread Under $1200 That Sounds Closest to a Martin D-18

[CSG]

Originally Posted by Zissou Intern

But Scott sed he doesn't want a 1 11/16" nut.

Missed that, sorry. I can hardly tell the difference when I play a 1 3/4" vs 1 11/16" so it's a non-issue for me.

[flagstaffcharli]

Originally Posted by CSG

Missed that, sorry. I can hardly tell the difference when I play a 1 3/4" vs 1 11/16" so it's a non-issue for me.

I missed that too. Apologies.

I took delivery of a brand new Martin DST today. 1 3/4” nut. I imagine the first of these to hit the used market will be around $1200.

Sapele body & Spanish Cedar neck. Ebony board and bridge. Simplified dovetail. Some different visual details. Forward shifted braces. Satin finish. The sharks will be circling here if I say it sounds like a D18. It sounds like a D18 to me, and I have owned two D18 guitars and played a bunch of others.

Mine is new as of today. I can tell you more in a few weeks after playing it a lot.

[Cas-v86]

Easy; Eastman E10d. Best looking wood in the world

[brancher]

Originally Posted by Cas-v86

Easy; Eastman E10d. Best looking wood in the world

Well I don't know if it is 'the best looking wood in the world', but I agree that Eastman has a very nice dreadnaught. There are two mahogany Eastmans you want to look at -- E10D (adirondack top), and the E6D w Sitka.

Play 'em both and decide for yourself. I played 'em both when I was looking for a D-18-like instrument, and both are very nice, I liked the quick 'chirp' of the addy and I liked the sitka as well.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

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

Here is an excellent Demo of some of the various Blueridge Dreads.
I really am convinced that while no guitar will give you the D18 refined voice, the 140 comes so very close at $600 new it would make you happy.

[Goodallboy]

That would be a used D-18........

[Zissou Intern]

It should be mentioned that the BR140/160 have 1 11/16" nuts. The red spruce topped 140A and 160A have 1 3/4" nuts.

[martingitdave]

Eastman E10D for a D-18 sound-alike. Also, the Blueridge BR-140A is a good option. Both have Adirondack tops, which really boost the tone, are below your budget and Asian made. It’s actually harder to find a North American equivalent for $1,200 than to find a Chinese made equivalent for under $1,000. Eastman has also released torrefied versions of their E20D-TC line which appear to be excellent. I’d like to get my hands on one locally. Lastly, if you look really hard, you should be able to buy a used D-18 (2012 or later) for a little more than your stated budget.

[vindibona1]

I really like the Larrivee OM-03. A friend of mine has one and it doesn't sound like a Martin OM. To me it sounds like splitting the difference between a Martin OM and a D-18. Now, I've only experienced it from a listeners standpoint and haven't yet played it. And if you don't like the Larrivee OM than try a D40 as someone else suggested.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

Which 140 sounds closest the Sitka or Adirondack?

Can't say. I've only A/B'ed a few of the Siktas against an Adirondack D-18 I used to own.

[JGinNJ]

I second the reco for a D-16, but an older one. I think the newer ones they downgraded some of the materials. I have a DC-16RGTE that's about 10 years old, it sounds about 90% as good as my D-35- very hard to tell apart, has that great Martin tone.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

That would be a used D-18........

PM me when you find one for under The OP's price point.

[Skarsaune]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

PM me when you find one for under The OP's price point.

Bought mine from an AGF member for $1200. Admittedly not pristine but lovely nonetheless.

I also have a Blueridge 140. Also lovely and half the price. Probably needs to go away but it sounds so good.

The OP is just trolling anyways - asked about square shouldered dreads that sound most like a D-18, then later says he doesn't want a D-18 anyways!

[earri]

Originally Posted by Charmed Life Picks

Tony, a valid point. Really, I have too many dreads as it is right now, so I'm saving for a VERY nice OM. The new D-18 is wonderful; however, I have a friend with one and played it extensively against my HD-28. To my ears (and hands), I didn't notice enough of a difference between the two that I'd want to jump on a D-18, new or used, at the moment. Wonderful guitar, so taking nothing away from it.

thanks,
scott

Hmmmm, you really do sound as though what you want is an E10D then. I know how you feel about your E10SS; you won't be disappointed with an E10D, trust me. Mine compliment each other quite nicely,

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by Skarsaune

Bought mine from an AGF member for $1200. Admittedly not pristine but lovely nonetheless.

I also have a Blueridge 140. Also lovely and half the price. Probably needs to go away but it sounds so good.

The OP is just trolling anyways - asked about square shouldered dreads that sound most like a D-18, then later says he doesn't want a D-18 anyways!

Please don't assume I'm "trolling." Perhaps you're new around here or not very active, but I never troll. I have been a proud member and Sponsor on AGF for many years. There are two reasons I'm not wanting to buy a genuine D-18 at this time: 1) Money and 2) I already have a TON of square-shouldered dreads. Repeat: I don't troll.

scott memmer