Martin D18 - 1947 or 1954?

[Dafgog]

Ok guys I know this is an unanswerable but would welcome your views. I'm looking at 1947 D18 and a 1954 D18. There is a difference of around $1500 with the 47 obviously the most expensive. I know the X brace moved and scallops braces changed but do you think the 47 is worth the extra $1500. I fingerpick mostly.

I know its a ridiculously unfair question, but would welcome your views. The 50s guitar does have some rock personality history. Once owned by a rock celeb.

Thanks

[bluemoon]

1950s had some cool vibes with the mystery tops. Most examples I have seen were d-28s though. Personally I’d go with the 54 but that of course is dependent on the tone of each guitar and what sounds best to you.

Best of luck.

[L20A]

I would consider condition over age.
Also I would go with the one that sounds best.
Let us know which one you get.
And Pictures if you find out how to post them here.

[zmf]

Not much experience with vintage guitars, but I did spend some time with a '48 D-18. Have you played either guitar?

The '48 was perhaps the most unusual Martin I've played in terms of tone and projection pattern. Very dry tone, and it's projection re the player seemed like a laser beam out of the box. The opposite of the "surround sound" that envelopes the player that I've experienced from nearly all other guitar I've played.

If you're interested in uniqueness and history, this might be a plus for you.

[Dafgog]

Have played the '48 some time back but opted for my warmer '48 J45. It seemed to fight against me. I havent played the 54 - but from the photos I've seen looks a bit more bashed around (not suprisingly rock star's guitar). I'll keep you all in touch.

[bufflehead]

One thing to realize is that necks were not standardize back then, and different Martin luthiers crafted neck shapes they thought felt best to them. I played a 1950s D-18 that sounded great but the neck was as clunky as anything I've ever played.

So, consider playability as well as tone.

[EverettWilliams]

In general, I have been more consistently impressed with late 40s Martins than mid 50s Martins, but there's so much variability here that it's hard to say with any confidence which would be better.

I'd play each and that will provide you with all of the answers you need. Especially for a fingerpicker, I'd want to try them out first. Some old Martin dreadnoughts are killer for fingerstyle, but once you're in the range of tapered braces (which many like for flat picking) you're getting into what I would consider to be less fingerstyle friendly territory. Again, there's a ton of variability and some real gems in each of these eras, so there's no substitute for playing.

Good luck!

[oliverkollar]

I own a '47 and owned a '57 that I sold after I acquired the '47.

The '47 has a much larger neck profile, akin to the modern modified V. It also has a tucked bridge plate and tapered braces. This adds up to a very loud and responsive guitar with a very even tone.

The '57 wasn't as loud, but still had good volume, and not nearly as responsive. It was also VERY bright, the trebles cut like a knife.

For what it's worth, I'm partial to tapered braced Martin's and own a '49 D-28.

Good luck, I'm sure they're probably both fine guitars.

YMMV

[Mr Bojangles]

The only logical choice is to buy both and keep them awhile. Eventually you'll be able to decide which one is better for your style of playing. Otherwise you'll always wonder if you made the correct decision.

[Dafgog]

Thanks all I'm going to try the 54 tomorrow.(Only because I can) I'll keep you all in touch. Really appreciate your time and thoughts.

[OjaiAndrew]

As others have said try them and see which feels and sounds better to you.

But also, be careful to check on condition. Do they need neck resets, refrets, bridge repairs, or other significant work.

I just got a ‘48 D-18 that is stellar- amazing tone, resonance, love the neck - it’s a gem. It did however need a neck reset which costs $600 from the tech I use. I’m ok with that because it will be a life long guitar after the reset.

Sounds like you’re going to get a great guitar one way or the other. Keep us posted.

[Dafgog]

Update - just been to try the '54 D18. Didnt blow me away. Now I know they are different animals but by J45 (1948) sounded much clearer and balanced -(Also felt the guitar could have done with a set of new strings- not the best sales idea - keep old strings on).

The '47 D18 is further away and due to Covid I'm not so keen to travel. But will do and keep you guys informed. Thanks All.

[Br1ck]

Those old D 18s don't come to mind if asked for a fingerstyle guitar. I'd suggest a newer Authentic for that.

[gfirob]

A 000 or OM is going to give you better service for fingerpicking in my experience. I had a 47 D-18 and an '83 HD 28 and I sold them both. An OM is going to have the long scale of a D-18 but more balanced voice, and less low end. But what do I know?

[zombywoof]

If the '47 has the long slight taper non-scalloped bracing yeah, it is worth the extra bucks. That, however, was also the year Martin went with a more radially tapered bracing so it could go either way.