NGD: Martin D-18, Finally

[mds08]

Congratulations on your new Martin. I too am extremely impressed with the D18 and have had mine going on almost a year. I'm sure you will enjoy playing it and making that bond. I too tried different end pins and strings and I must say I went back to the standard plastic pins and Elixir medium pb strings and to me it sounds even better. I did polish the entire neck and headstock out and it improves the look tremendously. Again enjoy and report back soon on how she sounds and plays. By the way she is beautiful.

[Wildgift]

Originally Posted by mds08

Congratulations on your new Martin. I too am extremely impressed with the D18 and have had mine going on almost a year. I'm sure you will enjoy playing it and making that bond. I too tried different end pins and strings and I must say I went back to the standard plastic pins and Elixir medium pb strings and to me it sounds even better. I did polish the entire neck and headstock out and it improves the look tremendously. Again enjoy and report back soon on how she sounds and plays. By the way she is beautiful.

Many thanks. I'll likely put in ebony pins with abalone and try some elixirs. This guitar is so much better than I but it's awesome to own a classic piece of instrumental art.

[rmyAddison]

Congrats, the new D-18s are a huge hit, they sound great....

[good_hillbilly]

Originally Posted by Play2PraiseHim

Beautiful 18. Vent nice mahogany on that one.
Seems like these 18's are a lot more guitar than what their price suggest.

I've heard some are selling their more expensive guitars and buying these new 18's.

For me, it just doesn't get any better than a great spruce / mahogany dread.
Enjoy!!

They are so good as all-around guitars that anything beyond them is basically riding the curve of diminishing returns. I am curious how Martin's sales of different models is going. I would guess that many more people are getting these than base D-28s these days. Slight cost difference aside, they are just better.

[ADK]

She's a beauty! Enjoy!

[Sauntman]

Nice! HNGD!

[Bunny64]

Originally Posted by Wildgift

Hey, thanks. Sweetwater lets you choose the actual guitar you buy. They post a bunch of pics and you can compare them. I chose out of 4. This one had the most regular mahogany back. Perfectly matched. And there is one endearing oddity that I hadn't noticed. One of the inlay dots, on the 12th fret, is completely dark blue/purple. Really kind of cool; the rest are whitish/blue. It's really a well crafted and pretty guitar.

Fabulous guitar, photos and feline. Like me you have at least an audience of one! Molly our tabby loves to jump in the case while I play. What a great idea to let you choose the guitar you want. I think if I had a D18 a D35 and a J45 my Gas would be cured forever. Every good wish with your new Martin and hope the foot heals soon. Meowwwwwwwwwwwww!!!

[Dru Edwards]

Congrats! Looks like the cat is impressed with the D-18 too. That must have been a tough 6 days. I'm glad you're able to finally play it.

[rmyAddison]

Originally Posted by good_hillbilly

They are so good as all-around guitars that anything beyond them is basically riding the curve of diminishing returns. I am curious how Martin's sales of different models is going. I would guess that many more people are getting these than base D-28s these days. Slight cost difference aside, they are just better.

There are still folks who prefer rosewood, that isn't going to change, but yes the models Martin has upgraded/changed has certainly been for the better.

Folks are still going to buy GEs and Authentics for the different voices and bracing (Martin is behind on Authenic orders), but that doesn't diminish the fact the new D-18 is "improved" and a wonderful model, and certainly more affordable.

In fact, "at it's price point", I don't think anything from the other vintage builders like Bourgeois/Collings/Santa Cruz can compete, so I'm certainly giving props to the "new" D-18.

[BillyHank]

Yes in deed it's a beauty!

I've had mine about a month now and it seems to get better every day.

I must say I have a very hard time choosing between the new D-18 and my '84 HD-28. Both are extra special in their own way.

Bill G

[Placida]

That is one good looking D-18! Definitely a friend for life - congratulations!

[madhat]

Such a great great guitar!
Enjoy

Madhat.

[Bix58]

Congrats! The new D-18 truly lives up to the hype.

I just bought one last month (mint cond.) from the original owner. My luthier did a complete set up, inc. slotting the bridge and installing vintage ebony (unslotted) pins. Plays great and sounds great. This model is one of those "if I could only have one guitar" kind of guitars.

Enjoy it! I know the cat does...

[Wildgift]

Originally Posted by Bix58

Congrats! The new D-18 truly lives up to the hype.

I just bought one last month (mint cond.) from the original owner. My luthier did a complete set up, inc. slotting the bridge and installing vintage ebony (unslotted) pins. Plays great and sounds great. This model is one of those "if I could only have one guitar" kind of guitars.

Enjoy it! I know the cat does...

How did the bridge slotting help? Ditto the unslotted pins? My kitty refuses to give any advice and he's the smartest cat I have ever had.

[Bix58]

I have the bridges slotted on all my guitars (unless they already come that way; usually standard on better guitars). Once that's done, slotted pins are superfluous... and the stock pins are usually plastic.

My understanding is that it puts less strain on the bridge plate and the side benefit is better sound. I'm sure there are numerous opinions on the subject.

I think the subject has been addresses ad nauseam, esp. over on the UMGF.