#1
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NGD: 1978 Martin D-18
It's been a while since I posted here, so I thought I'd post my most recent acquisition, a Martin D-18 from 1978. Martins from the 70s don't seem to get much love. I agree that they are overbuilt, so I understand why they tend to be heavily modded, but at the same time, I think they can be great guitars stock. I'm gonna play this one for a few weeks and see how I like it, and then decide whether I keep it or sell it on. The neck is great, a medium rounded-C shape, and overall it's in great shape. I'm pretty sure the previous owner got it decades ago and just kept it in the case. Speaking of the case, that lining is as 70s as it gets, in my opinion
It feels quite different from the modern D-18s I've played and doesn't have the same low-end thump as my Reimagined 00-18. That's not necessarily bad, just different. It's extremely light and resonant. Definitely feels like 50 year old wood. I currently have PB strings on it, but I'm excited to see how 80/20s sound as well. Here are some pictures:
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2021 Martin 00-18 1978 Martin D-18 2011 Fender CS '64 Stratocaster 2021 Gibson SG Standard VOS 2021 Rickenbacker 330 |
#2
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Wow, congratulations! That D-18 is in great shape for a 45 year-old guitar! And so is the case.
I'm sure you'll be careful with that case. As you likely know, those plastic cases are known for suddenly closing on your guitar and putting a big ding in it. - Glenn
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#3
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Nice guitar, congratulations!
I agree that your probably sounds much different that a modern D-18. I have two modern Martin Dreads and this summer I got a 1979 D-35. It sounds much different and I'm happy with it just like it is. I'm just going to try a few different strings on it but I'm leaving it the way it is. I think it sounds great! |
#4
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Quote:
Addendum: I have a couple of first generation 70s Martin Blue Steel themoplastic cases with the deep blue interior (sometimes colloquially called "Steal Me" cases) that Martin introduced in 1971--predating your fine example with rust-colored lining--attractive vintage artifacts in their own right.
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The Acoustic Guitar of Inyo: 30 solo acoustic covers on a 1976 Martin D-35 33 solo acoustic 6-string guitar covers 35 solo acoustic 12-string covers 32 original acoustic compositions on 6 and 12-string guitars 66 acoustic tunes on 6 and 12-string guitars 33 solo alternate takes of my covers Inyo and Folks--159 songs Last edited by Inyo; 09-21-2023 at 02:16 PM. |
#5
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looks great to me. In a way I prefer rosewood bridge and board on a D-18.
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#6
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Quote:
I agree. I prefer ebony in general but I like the simple, "less blingy" appointments on a D-18.
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2021 Martin 00-18 1978 Martin D-18 2011 Fender CS '64 Stratocaster 2021 Gibson SG Standard VOS 2021 Rickenbacker 330 |
#7
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Sweet looking guitar and case! I bet it sounds great!
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Tags |
d18, dreadnought, martin, vintage |
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