Let's talk Hog.

[Wardo]

The new D18 is certainly worth a look if you're in the market.

I got one 2.5 years ago and since then each time I look at buying another guitar I go home, play mine for a bit and realize this D18 works best for me.

Although I think there's an HD35 in my immediate future after playing one a few days ago.

[Brucebubs]

I have one of these;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6pLqcsB8ek

[Redbeard]

There's an embarrassment of riches available. Personally, I would look at the used market. $2500-3000 will land you a Collings D1 or D1A, Huss & Dalton TD-M or TD-M Custom, Bourgeois Country Boy, or Santa Cruz Vintage Artist. $3500-4500 you're into a used Martin Authentic, either 1939 or 1937 variety. $4500-5500 and we're talking used Merrill, Circa, Hooper, Altman, and Nashville Guitar Company. Stellar instruments, all.

[Teleman52]

D18 authentic for sure. Definitely consider both models the old discontinued 37 and the new 39. The 37 is more powerful and is a real boomer, the 39 is more melodic and singing imo.

If those weren't around, I love Bourgeios guitars, I'd probably look for a country boy. I find bourgeois to have a little more richer sound than similar martins but otherwise pretty similar . That's a BIG generalization though

[Dangler]

was checking out a mahogany Taylor yesterday and noticed they called it Tropical Mahogany and am wondering if it might be Phillipine Mahogany (luan).
I know honduran mahogany is in very short supply these days and there is a big difference between the two.

[Watt]

The usual suspects: Martin (my choice would be the Authentic 1937), Bourgeois (VVMD, Vintage Aged Tone), Santa Cruz (D-PW or, better still, 1934 D Mahogany), etc. All of these are great, but in my opinion the Martin Authentic, besides being a great sounding and playing guitar, is a relative bargain. If I were in the market for a top quality mahogany dread, my search would probably begin and end with it.

[DRodgers]

Great replies!! Keep em coming. How many years back would you need to go for a used D18 to compare to an authentic?

[SalFromChatham]

Originally Posted by DRodgers

Great replies!! Keep em coming. How many years back would you need to go for a used D18 to compare to an authentic?

Sixty years if more!

[DRodgers]

Originally Posted by themissal

Sixty years if more!

Funny, my Dad's birth year is 54. That would be sixty years old and something nice to have.

[Redbeard]

Originally Posted by DRodgers

Great replies!! Keep em coming. How many years back would you need to go for a used D18 to compare to an authentic?

Depends on what you mean by compare.

Specs wise, you've gotta go back to 1944 to find red spruce top and scalloped rear shifted braces.

Tonally? I've played some D-18s from the 50's that are remarkable. Market price has caught up with them, too.

I'll add this from personal experience. I used to have a 2008 D18 Authentic 1937. At the shop where I acquired it, I got to play it against a 1945 D-18, as well as a 2013 D-18, and a 2013 D-18 GE. Could've bought any of them, and I came home with the Authentic.

That being said, Jim Merrill has ruined me. I traded my last Authentic in on a Merrill C-18. No looking back!

[Treenewt]

Originally Posted by DRodgers

Great replies!! Keep em coming. How many years back would you need to go for a used D18 to compare to an authentic?

I know we tend to rationalize our own purchases, but I'm telling you my D18 custom more than held its own with a 37 Authentic the other day. It's light as a feather, loud, but very balanced and warm. It's not as bass heavy as some of the new D18 either. I'd say go play a lot. See what's out there. I was thrilled to realize that my 2013 model was not eclipsed by the Authentic.

Now I could've played a dud Authentic, though Id be shocked. Martin is making some GREAT guitars right now, and I don't think you have to drop Authentic coin to get a great one.

YMMV

[DRodgers]

Interesting stuff!! I've never played an authentic, or Merrill (wouldn't even know where to), but I'll keep everything open as an option.

[BluesyRob]

Originally Posted by latigo

My Uncle used to raise hogs. Oh! You mean mahogany. Don't know why people are afraid to use the actual words.

I like bacon and pork chops. Ham on Christmas and Easter but not cold cuts. I hear pigs make good pets!

[Earwitness]

So far, I keep preferring and buying mahogany as seen below.

[DRodgers]

One of the guys from Rockbridge just finished their personal 12 fret slope with mahogany and German spruce. I want to get my hands on that to try.