Martin advice

hakkolu · #1 05-25-2017, 08:34 PM

Opinions please. I am a singer/strummer. I have a Hummingbird and an 0-16NY Martin. I want a Martin Dread. Since I am left handed, I only had a chance to try a D18 and a D28 never a D35 since I never saw one in my area. I preferred the sound and feel of D18. D28 sounded too zingy for me. But since I already have a Bird, I am guessing I would regret it later if I got the D18 (having another Hog, as opposed to a Rosewood). So I guess, is it dumb to get a D18 while you have a Hummingbird, should I just order a D35? How does it compare to a D28?

sdelsolray · #2 05-25-2017, 08:42 PM

You might find the sonic and behavioral differences between a Gibson Hummingbird and a Martin D-18 are significant even though each uses the same top and b&s woods.

hakkolu · #3 05-25-2017, 08:46 PM

Thanks. Please expand on that for me.

ManyMartinMan · #4 05-25-2017, 08:51 PM

Different build design, different brand, different size and very different in sound to me. Since you have the ability to play the D-18, I would play the 18 side-by-side with my 'Bird. I love a D-35 but I wouldn't buy one without playing one first. Happy hunting.

hakkolu · #5 05-25-2017, 10:30 PM

Thanks. Ideally I would try all of them however it is not possible. I actually did compare the Bird and the D18. D18 sounded different of course, I would call it more percussive. But I am thinking getting a rosewood guitar would provide more tonal diversity for the money I spend. So the question is, is a D35 similar to a D28, or a D18???

ManyMartinMan · #6 05-25-2017, 11:07 PM

Far more similar to the D-28.

Mr Bojangles · #7 05-26-2017, 04:50 AM

I have had quite a few Martin Dreads over the years, and like them all. But I find myself playing a D-18 most of the time now. I am a singer/songwriter, and perform solo gigs. I also own a Gibson Hummingbird that gets very little playing time. I had a Martin D-35 for a few years, but sold it. My D-28 gets a fair amount of playing time, but the D-18's that I have owned have been my favorites sound-wise. Don't over-think it, just play the ones that float your boat.

Bob from Brooklyn · #8 05-26-2017, 04:58 AM

Maybe this will help a little.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6ooWKYFutM

Brucebubs · #9 05-26-2017, 05:17 AM

You're a singer/strummer.
Why not a Gibson SJ-200, it's not going to be anything like your Hummingbird?

rokdog49 · #10 05-26-2017, 05:22 AM

I really like the Hummingbird for it's ability to cut when used in conjunction with other instruments. A lady in our worship band at church has one and hers really shines. The D18 with it's scooped mids seems better as a solo singer's strumming machine as it allows the vocals to fill that frequencing range. Still, I think 'Bird can work with good strumming technique.
A rosewood-backed Dread of any make with the sustainy-reverb quality seems to compete with vocals but once again, I think technique can make a difference.
I use my Pono SS Dread almost exclusively in our duet because of the same dry mahogany tones. The Pono leans more toward the J45 voicing as it was designed to. Great singer-songwriter guitar.I love playing my Eastman E 20 D Rosewood for it's lushness. It compares well to a Martin Marquis which is Rosewood. It isn't the guitar of choice when singing though. Of all my guitars, my Eastman E10 OO with Addy/Mahogany is the best for singing/recording and it works decently as a strummer too.
Have you considered a Gibson J15?
You might want to.

mickthemiller · #11 05-26-2017, 05:32 AM

Rosewood tends to have a lot of overtones. It always seems muddled - not muddy- to me when strummed. If you hear zingy then maybe that is what you're hearing. Personally, having tried a fee rosewood guitars, I just cannot get on with them. I think the d18 is a different beast to the hummingbird.

catdaddy · #12 05-26-2017, 05:36 AM

FWIW- I've always found the D35 to be my favorite standard series Martin. I've played more than a few over the years and they've never disappointed. On the other hand I've never played a D28 that I've cared for. They may both be rosewood dreads but the bracing on the D35 is thinner which I suspect produces the different tonal characteristics that appeal to me. I also love the look of the three-piece back.

Bluegrassers seem to almost unanimously prefer the D28 but for a singer/songwriter like myself the D35 hits the mark.

Slinky · #13 05-26-2017, 05:38 AM

I have both a D-18 and a Hummingbird. Nothing wrong with having both, the D-18 is long scale, the Hummingbird short scale. My wife got me both guitars over the last two Christmases.

The Hummingbird is magnificent!

musicman1951 · #14 05-26-2017, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hakkolu

Thanks. Ideally I would try all of them however it is not possible. I actually did compare the Bird and the D18. D18 sounded different of course, I would call it more percussive. But I am thinking getting a rosewood guitar would provide more tonal diversity for the money I spend. So the question is, is a D35 similar to a D28, or a D18???

Rosewood would most definitely provide more tonal diversity. Every guitar is a little different, but the 35 sounds more like a 28 than the 18.

I hate to pass up the opportunity to make things more complicated: have you considered a rosewood 00 or 000? Really nice for singing.

hakkolu · #15 05-26-2017, 09:19 AM

Thanks for all the responses. Based on the videos I watched, I am leaning towards a D35 instead of the D28 because to me it sounded darker and more bassy. Would you agree? I would have preferred the D18, but I think the delta between my Hummingbird and the D18 will be subtle compared to the D35. I do want a Martin Dread, so not interested in other models. Let me know what you think, I appreciate your support.