Martin D18 vs. D16RGT

[margotrich]

Money is tight for me and I really want a Martin guitar... I love the shape of the 000's but I just don't think it's a big enough sound for strumming. So, I think I am looking for a dreadnought, unless anyone has any suggestions? I was trying to choose between a Martin D18 and a D16RGT but am leaning towards the D16RGT since it's so much cheaper. What is the best Martin dread I can find for under 2,000? Also with your suggestions could you put a pickup you like for that model?
Thanks!

[sbeirnes]

I would buy a used D18.

[Teleman52]

I think is perfect for you. You can probably talk them down a little bit too

http://m.guitarcenter.com/Item/Defau...=3957694&urx=1

The retro series is the same as the standard, but you get, imo at least, the best pickup system around right now. You can call them and have it shipped to your nearest guitar center and check it out before you buy, so you can't lose. I think if you can afford to, it's always best to go for standard series or above with martin. Though the 16 series is pretty good I will admit, youll just want a standard later any way

[Brad13122]

I love the d18 and thats what I would steer you towards. It just has a sound that speaks to me every time. Other than that I would look at the d15 if you tend to like the mahogany sound. My local gc has a scratch and dent d35 for 1700 that sounds great as well but to me not as good as a d18. Also look at the dcpa4 rosewood for 1549 with great electronics already installed.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by margotrich

Money is tight for me and I really want a Martin guitar... I love the shape of the 000's but I just don't think it's a big enough sound for strumming. So, I think I am looking for a dreadnought, unless anyone has any suggestions? I was trying to choose between a Martin D18 and a D16RGT but am leaning towards the D16RGT since it's so much cheaper. What is the best Martin dread I can find for under 2,000? Also with your suggestions could you put a pickup you like for that model?
Thanks!

Hi and welcome to the forum. $2k is plenty to get yourself a nice standard series Martin like a D-18 or D-28. You'll save a little bit with the 16 series but it will not sound like a standard series dread. Better to buy once and cry once. Also remember that the price you see online and in Guitar Center and elsewhere is MAP (minimum advertised price) which is 25% off MSRP and the lowest price any Martin dealer is allowed to display. But you can do MUCH better than that by talking the dealer down.

Or call some of the sponsors of this forum, including Ted @ LA Guitar Sales and Jon @ My Favorite Guitars for better pricing.

I would also recommend you buy the guitar you like, and install a K&K pure mini pickup afterward for a much more cost effective solution.

[ahorsewithnonam]

Originally Posted by brencat

Hi and welcome to the forum. $2k is plenty to get yourself a nice standard series Martin like a D-18 or D-28. You'll save a little bit with the 16 series but it will not sound like a standard series dread. Better to buy once and cry once. Also remember that the price you see online and in Guitar Center and elsewhere is MAP (minimum advertised price) which is 25% off MSRP and the lowest price any Martin dealer is allowed to display. But you can do MUCH better than that by talking the dealer down.

Or call some of the sponsors of this forum, including Ted @ LA Guitar Sales and Jon @ My Favorite Guitars for better pricing.

I would also recommend you buy the guitar you like, and install a K&K pure mini pickup afterward for a much more cost effective solution.

Great advice. The new D18's are amazing. No comparison to the 16 series.

[Wildgift]

Originally Posted by ahorsewithnonam

Great advice. The new D18's are amazing. No comparison to the 16 series.

Yup. D-18 stellar. 1800 online shipped. Love mine !!

[llew]

I have a D-16 Adirondack that I love but would still advise you to seriously consider the new D-18. For almost the same money (new) the D-18 is a much better deal. Stellar Martin in every way IMO.

[DRodgers]

I love the D18. In fact, if the spirit moved me, I'd trade my GC-MMV in on one.

[Martin00028EC]

Originally Posted by DRodgers

I love the D18. In fact, if the spirit moved me, I'd trade my GC-MMV in on one.

Hi Dave,

I am considering these exact models: D18 and GC-MMV. I'm more of a rosewood person, but I acknowledge the D18 is probably a higher quality guitar. So, I'm divided. Why would you trade your MMV for a D18?

Thanks!

[ibassham]

Originally Posted by Wildgift

Yup. D-18 stellar. 1800 online shipped. Love mine !!

From whom?

[rlouie]

The Martin 000 or the OM is plenty big enough for strumming.

[rockawayrocks]

In case you weren't aware, the 16 has a 1-11/16" nut, the 18 a 1-3/4" nut.

But I think that D-18's before 2012 had the 1-11/16".

Check Elderly Instruments....I believe that have a couple of used D-18's for a reasonable price.

[RedJoker]

We went to see Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield a couple of weeks ago and I think she plays a 000-16GT.

Under $2,000 new? Get the D-18. For one thing, you'll never have to say, "It's like a D-18, except...."