Switching from D18-GE to a dread with rosewood??

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by sgfoutz

I'm considering switching from a 2009 Martin D18-GE to a dread with rosewood back and sides due to my tonal preference. I will make every effort to play each of my candidates but would love opinions. So far I am considering the following:

Martin HD-28V
Eastman E20D-TC
Furch D33
Collings D2H (if I could find one under 2500)

What should I add to the list? For those that have played some, or all, of these guitars, what are you thoughts? Everyone described sound differently...but I really want a sweet almost "sticky" sounding warm dread.

A sincere thanks for responses!

I had a 2008 Martin D-18GE which was a great-sounding guitar. If you're looking for a rosewood dreadnought, you may be able to find a used Huss & Dalton TD-R for around what you'd like to pay. It's got the rosewood vibe but with a nice clarity of tone like a Martin D-18GE.

[sakar12]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

My recommendation is to keep the D-18GE, if you can. It's largely considered one of the best models Martin makes. Being recently discontinued, the value may increase slightly.
And, if you can afford it, I would simply add the Eastman E20D TC. It's also an excellent guitar, but at a more modest cost. The D-18GE has an Adirondack top like the Eastman. The others have Sitka, if I'm not mistaken. If you really don't like the Mahogany back and sides, consider the D-28 Marquis, which is the same guitar with East Indian Rosewood. I own one, and it is exactly what you describe you are looking for. But, it is outside of your budget. Maybe there is a member here, or on the UMGF, who would be interested in trading the D-18GE for the D-28 Marquis?

As a D-18GE owner, amen!

[jbeecham]

Thinking of selling your Martin D-18GE? I think one day you will find yourself singing that old Aretha Franklin song. How does it go?

R - E - G - R - E - T

Jerry

[llew]

A D-18GE and a HD-28V are like "Yin/Yang" as Rich said. Keep the 18...buy the 28!

[sgfoutz]

I really appreciate all the replies. I wasn't expecting so much quality feedback. I actually just returned from a local shop where I played some nice instruments to compare. I was able to try the following: Martin HD28-LSV, Martin D35, Collings D2H, Martin D28 Marquis, and a Bedell Coffeehouse Dread. The D28 Marquis was my favorite followed by a surprise second in the form of the Bedell dread.

Thanks again for all the thoughts.

[KenL]

I've played a D-18GE, and it was perhaps the finest acoustic guitar I've played. Unbelievable instrument.

If I had one, I would not let it get away.



I know that's not what you asked, but it's my $.02.

[llew]

Jon @ MFG has the D-28 Marquis built by the Custom Shop for his shop. Or did we already cover that?

[martingitdave]

Originally Posted by sgfoutz

I really appreciate all the replies. I wasn't expecting so much quality feedback. I actually just returned from a local shop where I played some nice instruments to compare... The D28 Marquis was my favorite.



Thanks again for all the thoughts.

Not surprised in the least. :-)

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by sgfoutz

I'm considering switching from a 2009 Martin D18-GE to a dread with rosewood back and sides due to my tonal preference. I will make every effort to play each of my candidates but would love opinions. So far I am considering the following:

Martin HD-28V
Eastman E20D-TC
Furch D33
Collings D2H (if I could find one under 2500)

What should I add to the list? For those that have played some, or all, of these guitars, what are you thoughts? Everyone described sound differently...but I really want a sweet almost "sticky" sounding warm dread.

A sincere thanks for responses!

I don't know what an Eastman E20D-TC model is but I do know what an Eastman 20D is, I owned one. It comes down to how much you want to spend. All those are great guitars but you just cannot touch a E20D at it's price point for what it brings to the table. Mine was simply amazing. I just prefer Mahogany guitars. I sold it to a friend and he owns two Taylors and a Martin OM. His comment was that the Eastman 20 D is a great guitar...period.
I may buy it back from him as he bought it as a gift for someone else and he graciously has offered.
By the way, mine was well broken in and it had the "sticky" warmth in spades. Too much for me but now I miss it. I knew I would.

[L20A]

Originally Posted by sgfoutz

I really appreciate all the replies. I wasn't expecting so much quality feedback. I actually just returned from a local shop where I played some nice instruments to compare. I was able to try the following: Martin HD28-LSV, Martin D35, Collings D2H, Martin D28 Marquis, and a Bedell Coffeehouse Dread. The D28 Marquis was my favorite followed by a surprise second in the form of the Bedell dread.

Thanks again for all the thoughts.

Go back with your guitar and compare it to the others in the same environment.
When you are close to choosing one, have the shop string it up with a new set of strings that you like.
This will help with your decision.

[chasingchet]

similar paths....after playing 30 dreads last couple of weeks including brazilian Bourgeois...beautiful collings...huss and dalton santa cruz pre war....a gorgeous 40s original j45....Honestly the martin Hd28v beat em all....incredibly balanced big bass response but never muddy....loud ...rings like a bell and THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS LESS....So I pulled the trigger,,,One of the best Dreads in the world at any price!! Good luck

[Perchman]

I’m surprised that I’m the first to make this suggestion, but, if you’re thinking about a rosewood dred, make sure that you play a Guild D55 before buying anything else. I know that I’m a broken record on here about it, but that’s my opinion after playing many makes and models.

[Mbroady]

Can you keep the 18 and pick up another rosewood dread?

I see you have a Furch D33 on the list....fantastic guitar.
A bit more balanced then the Martin sound. if you like more balanced .....

If you like the Martin sound Perhaps the new upgrades to the D-28 might make it an option

[Brucebubs]

Martin J-40
Martin J-28 Custom from Maurey's Music
Guild F-50R
Guild D-55

[jimcaleca]

Keep the GE, you'll miss the Hog when it's gone.....