Musician's Friend SDOTD: Martin 18 Style Dread VTS

[gr81dorn]

Just to be clear - that is NOT a D18, rather it is an "18 style". I haven;t looked super close at the differences, but that's noteworthy that it's not formally a D18. I also wonder if the photo or the description is wrong because it lists white binding, though it's clearly not white binding. Obviously nothing fishy since it's a huge authorized dealer, but something about the listing aint right.

[GTRGUY005]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

Just to be clear - that is NOT a D18, rather it is an "18 style". I haven;t looked super close at the differences, but that's noteworthy that it's not formally a D18.

You're right...I changed the title of the thread to "18 Style"

[jim1960]

Can't this guitar be had for much cheaper than that through numerous vendors that participate on this site?

$2800 x .6 = $1680

[russchapman]

This guitar is clearly a custom D-18. The custom feature being the VTS top. If you can get a custom VTS D-18 for $1700 from a dealer, then get me one too.

[Shades of Blue]

Originally Posted by jim1960

Can't this guitar be had for much cheaper than that through numerous vendors that participate on this site?

$2800 x .6 = $1680

Dealers, even our own, will not typically discount the customs. If anyone here does, contact me.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

Dealers, even our own, will not typically discount the customs. If anyone here does, contact me.

Yes, they will. They usually advertise them at about 30-35% off so there is not as much wiggle room from the listed price because it's already been discounted. Maury's does, MFG does, Reno's does. My Favorite Guitars lists the spec sheet with the custom and you can do the calculations right on that number. He usually advertises them a couple hundred over the 40% off list price.

For instance, this one lists for $4500 which at 40% off would be $2700. He has it listed for $2800.

https://www.myfavoriteguitars.com/Ma...t-2260950.html

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by jim1960

Can't this guitar be had for much cheaper than that through numerous vendors that participate on this site?

$2800 x .6 = $1680

That's not the list price. That's the equivalent of the MAP price that GC usually charges for the instrument. The list is probably around $3400

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by russchapman

This guitar is clearly a custom D-18. The custom feature being the VTS top. If you can get a custom VTS D-18 for $1700 from a dealer, then get me one too.

Talk to Jon at MFG - I have a quote for essentially this exact guitar, but with the shallower (000) body and it's very favorably priced compared to this deal.

GuitarCenter/MusiciansFriend have had some models very closely based on the standards that are exclusive to them. This seems likely to be the case here. They find some meaningful changes to bring the cost down, though this one seems pretty close to an actual D18 spec without digging in.

I do contend, however, that this photo is wrong and appears to be something completely different than the description is suggesting it is. I think the WHITE BINDING note is one of the key design things that makes it unique and ironically makes it not "18 style' at all. Either the photos or the description are wrong.

[warfrat73]

I made the same math error the first time too, but the higher price listed here is the original selling price, not MSRP, or MAP (they're not bound by MAP on customs). The cost here comes in just $100 above the best street prices of a stock D-18, but the VTS Sitka top is a $520 MSRP upgrade... so, maybe not the bargain of the century, but still pretty good.

Edit: on second thought, likely the higher price is the equivalent of MAP

[russchapman]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

Talk to Jon at MFG - I have a quote for essentially this exact guitar, but with the shallower (000) body and it's very favorably priced compared to this deal.

GuitarCenter/MusiciansFriend have had some models very closely based on the standards that are exclusive to them. This seems likely to be the case here. They find some meaningful changes to bring the cost down, though this one seems pretty close to an actual D18 spec without digging in.

I do contend, however, that this photo is wrong and appears to be something completely different than the description is suggesting it is. I think the WHITE BINDING note is one of the key design things that makes it unique and ironically makes it not "18 style' at all. Either the photos or the description are wrong.

Photos are right, the binding description is wrong.

Again, this is just a standard spec'd D-18 with VTS upgrade. A decent deal if that's what you're looking for. Good return policy too.

[archerscreek]

Looks like a good deal to me. Based on the 2017 Custom Shop upcharge price guide, a sitka VTS top added $570 retail in 2017. Given price increases and 60% off the retail quote, I'd estimate a VTS top would add approximatey $350-$400 on top of the base model. That puts a Custom Shop D-18 with a VTS top around $2200-$2250 if you're getting 60% off, doesn't it?

[warfrat73]

Also listed as "Genuine Mahogany" neck, not "Select Hardwood," which is another upcharge.

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by Shades of Blue

Dealers, even our own, will not typically discount the customs. If anyone here does, contact me.

You bought one didn't you?

[Scolaguitar]

Someone better jump on that. That someone better not be me!

[dhodgeh]

Oh my, great deal....

But GAS did not kick in here (whew).

D