Time to just get a D-18?

[Mr. Paul]

There is no consensus among agf guitar fans. None

But the D18 is as close as we get.

[Wellington]

Originally Posted by Mr. Paul

There is no consensus among agf guitar fans. None

But the D18 is as close as we get.

Now that's a true remark.

I would go pre 2012 to avoid all these binding issues.

[kaos]

I have a d18 with an adi top and GE bracing and it is killer! Never a regret.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Wellington

Now that's a true remark.

I would go pre 2012 to avoid all these binding issues.

I've had a 2013 D-18 *Reimagined that I kept for 5 years without binding issues, and I currently have a 2016 D-18 *Reimagined with no binding issues ...yet ... keeping my fingers crossed ...

*Reimagined - from 2012 onward, the Martin D-18 has had all the same features of the "Reimagined" D-18 model that received the Reimagined nomenclature around 2019. Therefore, from 2012 to the present, the "Reimagined" label can be applied to all Martin D-18 guitars made during this time period.

[guitarxan]

I have wanted a D18for some time. I finally have gotten the motivation to part with a couple of guitars to fund the 18..

[Bob from Brooklyn]

It's not mine but I can personally vouch for this beauty.

https://www.russomusic.com/products/...-with-ohc-used

[egordon99]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

It's not mine but I can personally vouch for this beauty.

https://www.russomusic.com/products/...-with-ohc-used

That burst looks awesome! I bought my D-16H (in 1992) from Russo Music in Hamilton.

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

It's not mine but I can personally vouch for this beauty.

https://www.russomusic.com/products/...-with-ohc-used

Considering the price of a new D-18 in Ambertone, that is a great price. I’ve visited the Russo’s shop in downtown Philadelphia, and it’s first rate.

If I didn’t already have a 000-18 (oh, and if I were right-handed), I’d be all over this like Cheez-Wiz on a South Philly cheesesteak.

Speaking of 000-18s, for all of those who have visions of D-18s dancing like sugarplums in your heads, try out a 000-18 just for sake of comparison. I have a few Ds (D-28, HD-28 and HD-35) which I love, but every time I play the the 000, with its slightly shorter scale, lighter strings, comfortable body and sweet sound, I wonder why I bother with dreadnought-sized guitars.

[llew]

Played mine at church this morning...love that D-18!

[Digitalshrub]

Thanks for all the great responses (and enabling)!

Originally Posted by sinistral

Considering the price of a new D-18 in Ambertone, that is a great price. I’ve visited the Russo’s shop in downtown Philadelphia, and it’s first rate.

If I didn’t already have a 000-18 (oh, and if I were right-handed), I’d be all over this like Cheez-Wiz on a South Philly cheesesteak.

Speaking of 000-18s, for all of those who have visions of D-18s dancing like sugarplums in your heads, try out a 000-18 just for sake of comparison. I have a few Ds (D-28, HD-28 and HD-35) which I love, but every time I play the the 000, with its slightly shorter scale, lighter strings, comfortable body and sweet sound, I wonder why I bother with dreadnought-sized guitars.

Valid -- but personally, I don't care for the ambertone look. As for 000-18s, a good friend of mine owns one, and I never could get on with it. Too quiet and subdued for the kind of music I play and the type of response I'm used to getting from an acoustic guitar. I guess I'm just a dyed-in-the-wool dreadnaught lover!

Lots of great advice throughout this thread...as for Furch and the other respectable brands mentioned, I must say that after so much time pining for a D-18, I am pretty set on winding up with a Martin. Though I do need to play more of them in person...an AGF member sent me a PM mentioning that the reimagined D-18s have a tricky neck taper that may not agree with some. And since my favorite guitar neck profiles tend to be fairly beefy (Baja Tele, National Triolian resonator), this could apply to me! And sadly, I don't think my funds can quite handle a $2500~ purchase right now, despite my GAS. Perhaps I'll have a nice enough tax refund this year that I can put towards the purchase. Thanks all for your input!

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

I’m going to go against the grain just a tad here to make things interesting. Before I got my D-18 I had a Custom D. In a way I still wish I had the Custom D. It had a tone that my d-18 does not, and visa versa.

I'm a big fan of the Custom D. I originally bought mine because of a preference for the 1 11/16" nut, and I'm completely happy with it. Its tone is my tone, but it's not that much different than a D-18. And I love the satin finish after a decade or so.

[rollypolly]

well that rules out a D-15 or Custom D. The nut width and profile are very slim. That was pretty much the only thing that kept me from keeping my Custom D. You might get on well with a Martin OM, like OM-21. Wider neck and probably more volume than a 000.

[Gee Man]

Look for a used D-18V, the 1 11/16" nut with the Mod V is about perfect. Some other nice options as well, and not as pricey as the GE.

[Acousticado]

In 2002 when I was auditioning acoustic guitars as my first quality instrument after 26 years of playing at that point, I opted for a Taylor 814c which has been my main guitar since. That said, I’ve always wanted a D-18, but other guitar interests always seemed to get in the way.

About 6 weeks ago, I finally took the plunge and ordered a Standard through the rep I deal with at Sweetwater, got a sweet deal (even in these times), got a very fine example of a new reimagined 2021 D-18 and I couldn’t be happier. Such a wonderful complement to my 814c. The D-18 has a rich, classy, resonant tone with a lot of range. It’s all everyone makes it out to be, and then some. I love everything about it...the history, the understated look, the quality build, the neck feel, the light weight, the “peppery” smell of mahogany...and most of all, the tone.

Buy one!

[Borderdon]

I’ve had a style 18 Martin for years now, and very occasionally I’ll catch myself
thinking about another guitar, until I go to a shop and play something else, so far I’ve always kept my money in my pocket, gone home and happily played mine.
Many other stellar guitars out there, but a good D-18 is one fine guitar.