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Old 11-19-2014, 01:05 PM
db25364 db25364 is offline
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Default Why don't we hear more about the updated Martin 000-18?

I hear so much about the redesigned D-18 (I understand, I have one and love it), but I hear very little about the new 000-18. Why is that? Is it simply because the 000 model is not as popular as the dread? Or is the 000-18 update not considered to be as big of an improvement compared to D-18 redesign?
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Old 11-19-2014, 01:08 PM
MrBJones MrBJones is offline
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A few months ago I heard that they hadn't started hitting stores in large number. Maybe that's still the case?
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Old 11-19-2014, 01:35 PM
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Hi DB,
I think it's because 000 18s aren't "iconic" in the way that the dreads are. But to my ear, they are the finest of the standard line.

I want to play a new one--and I'm scared to. (I already have two 000 18s, and neither room nor coin for another).
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Old 11-19-2014, 01:39 PM
llew llew is offline
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I haven't tried one but I've heard they've been compared to the 000-18GE? So if it's anything like the GE model it will be quite good.
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Old 11-19-2014, 03:06 PM
SycamoreDan SycamoreDan is offline
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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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Old 11-19-2014, 03:24 PM
rmyAddison rmyAddison is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SycamoreDan View Post
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.
I agree with this. To me the new 000-18, while certainly an improvement and very nicely balanced (I've only played one to be fair), is not the "beast" the 000-18GE's are for their size, they are just great guitars. The Authentics are even a step further, but most comparisons are GE's with a few years on them and brand new Authentics, and the GE's come very close, but wait a few years for the Authentics to settle in, and then watch out !~!

As someone who has owned the standard, GE and Authentic, I would take a used 000-18GE over a new 000-18 in a heartbeat. The caveat is the Mod V neck profile which folks either love or hate.

Don't get me wrong the new 000-18 is a fine Martin, but my opinion there's a reason the GEs and Authentics cost more, and they are worth an audition to see what those differences are, best of luck.............
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Old 11-19-2014, 04:57 PM
kiva238 kiva238 is offline
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Also agree with Dan.

GE is THE bargain Martin out there in that price range. Get it while you can.
If you hate the V neck, get the OM-18 Custom with the low mod neck. Pretty close to the same specs as the 000-18ge.
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Old 11-19-2014, 05:42 PM
db25364 db25364 is offline
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Default Why don't we hear more about the updated Martin 000-18?

Has anyone compared it to the redesigned OM-21?
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Old 11-19-2014, 07:06 PM
MrBJones MrBJones is offline
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Originally Posted by kiva238 View Post
Also agree with Dan.

GE is THE bargain Martin out there in that price range...
Guess it depends on what you define as a price range. A new 000-18 goes for around $1,750, while a new 000-18ge (burst) goes for $2,899 at MFG. With natural finish, the GE is still going to be nearly $1,000 more. Not exactly the same price range.
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Old 11-19-2014, 08:56 PM
BGS BGS is offline
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I played one a few weeks ago. Very nice, and a solid step above the previous 000-18. Still a couple of steps below the 000-18GE though. A heck of a lot of guitar for the money though - the one I played was purchased used on CL for about $1400.
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Old 11-19-2014, 09:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmyAddison View Post
I agree with this. To me the new 000-18, while certainly an improvement and very nicely balanced (I've only played one to be fair), is not the "beast" the 000-18GE's are for their size, they are just great guitars. The Authentics are even a step further, but most comparisons are GE's with a few years on them and brand new Authentics, and the GE's come very close, but wait a few years for the Authentics to settle in, and then watch out !~!

As someone who has owned the standard, GE and Authentic, I would take a used 000-18GE over a new 000-18 in a heartbeat. The caveat is the Mod V neck profile which folks either love or hate.

Don't get me wrong the new 000-18 is a fine Martin, but my opinion there's a reason the GEs and Authentics cost more, and they are worth an audition to see what those differences are, best of luck.............
I'm with you Rich. I played one of my students 000-18 GE and it was drop dead incredible. We both thought it trumped... but ever so slightly my brand new OM-18 Authentic but then again, his guitar had several years on it.

If I found a used one like his I'd probably pick it up in a heartbeat. It's just one more example of Martin hitting another one out of the park.
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Old 11-19-2014, 09:52 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Toby Walker View Post
...It's just one more example of Martin hitting another one out of the park.
Lots of folks like to dismiss Martins as "factory built guitars" (suggesting that this makes them a little bit inferior somehow), but a really good Martin can be about as good as guitars get in my opinion!
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Old 11-20-2014, 05:36 AM
capefisherman capefisherman is offline
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I've had one for about a month. It needs way more playing time to really show itself but so far I'm impressed most with sustain and string definition, some very nice overtones already too. The fit and finish, and the woods, are superb. Nice tight and even grain on the top, some nice quilting in the 'hog on the back. The neck feels great - I cannot stand any of Martin's versions of the V-neck. Had a K&K installed and I've used the guitar once at my regular cafe gig (through a Carvin AG-300) and it sounded great.
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Old 11-20-2014, 06:07 AM
JimB1 JimB1 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BGS View Post
I played one a few weeks ago. Very nice, and a solid step above the previous 000-18. Still a couple of steps below the 000-18GE though. A heck of a lot of guitar for the money though.
+1 definitely a major improvement but the GE is just another level.
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Old 11-20-2014, 07:03 AM
kiva238 kiva238 is offline
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Originally Posted by MrBJones View Post
Guess it depends on what you define as a price range. A new 000-18 goes for around $1,750, while a new 000-18ge (burst) goes for $2,899 at MFG. With natural finish, the GE is still going to be nearly $1,000 more. Not exactly the same price range.
True. But if you get hold of a used 000-18ge, you would be in the ballpark pricewise. As has been said by nearly all, the GE is a killer guitar. In a few years they'll both be used and I'd rather have that Adi topped GE on my lap than the stock 000-18.
It's the way I'd go every time!
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