New Old Stock Martin 00-18v vs New Martin 00-18

Peter1234 · #1 09-22-2017, 10:46 AM

I have an opportunity to buy a new old stock 00-18v for the same price as a new 00-18, which get glowing reviews and don’t have the modified V neck that some people seem to have real issues with. I understand the neck is a matter of personal preference. The few times I’ve played 00-18v in store it has not caused any pain or cramping, but I have noticed the difference and have some reservations that after extended playing i might feel differently.

In any event, I write for opinions on whether there is any other reason why I might favor the 00-18v over the new version of the 00-18, or give versa. Did the vintage series have higher end tonewoods or anything like that? From what I can tell, the guitars are identical but for the necks and the toner applied.

New member of forum, but have often researched guitars here. I play fingerstyle roots and blues stuff and some bluegrass, although I just sold my HD-28 to fund this purchase.

brencat · #2 09-22-2017, 11:46 AM

Hi Peter and welcome to the AGF. Personally, I like the look of the 00-18v much better with the cut-through long saddle. The bigger v neck may also add a bit of richness to the tone, and of course you have the 2 1/4" string spacing there vs 2 5/32" on the MLO/PA taper newer version. The guitar is still a 00, so expect a bit of boxiness regardless of which version you choose.

Have you looked at or played the 000-18 by chance? If you like to play fiddle tunes, you'll get much more bass response out of the bigger body, and it is a very fun guitar to play too and short scale like the 00-18.

merlin666 · #3 09-22-2017, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter1234

I have an opportunity to buy a new old stock 00-18v for the same price as a new 00-18, which get glowing reviews and don’t have the modified V neck that some people seem to have real issues with.

I don't understand ... the NOS should be A LOT cheaper than the new model.

Peter1234 · #4 09-22-2017, 12:14 PM

Thank you brencat, those are exactly the kinds of details that I need to think about. I was not aware of the different string spacing; must have missed that in reviewing the specs.

I haven't been able to find a 000-18 to play. I played the 000-15 and it but missed the sound of a spruce top. I would like to keep playing the fiddle tunes and agree a little oomph makes that more fun.

Peter1234 · #5 09-22-2017, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin666

I don't understand ... the NOS should be A LOT cheaper than the new model.

That's also good to know. I'm told that it was new to the store in late 2016, but I haven't checked the serial and I don't know exactly when the 00-18v went out of production. I can say the strings on it definitely need replacing . . .

From what I could tell, the original street price for the 00-18v was about $500 more than that for the new 00-18--meaning the price you see listed online for these guitars before any negotiations or other discounts.

Dronfield · #6 09-22-2017, 12:29 PM

Hi

The new Martin standard bridge string spacing on the necks used for the 00-18/ 00-28 and wef Jan 2016 on the 000-18, of 2 5/32" really is a deal breaker for me.

I am unsure re the V necks - many people seem to develop issues that weren't initially apparent when testing the guitar in the shop, which unfortunately means I am reluctant to purchase the 00-18V.

The string spacing on the v neck models (000-28EC, 00-18v) is perfect for me.

When Martin released the revamped 000-18 in 2014, the bridge string spacing was 2 3/16", but unfortunately in Jan 2016 on the back of feedback re top E string slippage, they reduced it to 2 5/32".

So take care when buying a 000-18 - depending on year of manufacture, it may also have the narrower bride string spacing.

Rich

Mycroft · #7 09-22-2017, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merlin666

I don't understand ... the NOS should be A LOT cheaper than the new model.

Nope. The Vintage series was a level or two above the standard series, so as new old stock their prices being about the same may be about right. They are not equivalent models.

Mycroft · #8 09-22-2017, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brencat

Hi Peter and welcome to the AGF. Personally, I like the look of the 00-18v much better with the cut-through long saddle. The bigger v neck may also add a bit of richness to the tone, and of course you have the 2 1/4" string spacing there vs 2 5/32" on the MLO/PA taper newer version. The guitar is still a 00, so expect a bit of boxiness regardless of which version you choose.

Have you looked at or played the 000-18 by chance? If you like to play fiddle tunes, you'll get much more bass response out of the bigger body, and it is a very fun guitar to play too and short scale like the 00-18.

And some of us like the tonal balance of a 00-sized body, and don't find them boxy at all.

opencee · #9 09-22-2017, 12:54 PM

Apparently, I'm not neck profile, nut width, or string spacing sensitive. I have three Martins with different specs in all of those categories. None really bother me.

My Custom 00-18 has the new neck and spacing. I have no problem picking with bare fingers. I'm 6' 4" tall. My hands are not small.

I've played the 00-18V and many older 00-18s with no problems.

YMMV.

opencee

.

zmf · #10 09-22-2017, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mycroft

Nope. The Vintage series was a level or two above the standard series, so as new old stock their prices being about the same may be about right. They are not equivalent models.

Checked out the specs, and I'm not seeing what makes the Vintage a cut above (?)

Dronfield · #11 09-22-2017, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opencee

Apparently, I'm not neck profile, nut width, or string spacing sensitive. I have three Martins with different specs in all of those categories. None really bother me.

My Custom 00-18 has the new neck and spacing. I have no problem picking with bare fingers. I'm 6' 4" tall. My hands are not small.

I've played the 00-18V and many older 00-18s with no problems.

YMMV.

opencee

.

Hi

Am sure to some extent it is psychological.

I went into my local Martin shop this week, played the 000-28EC, and then picked up the new 00-28, in the full knowledge that the neck/string spacing were narrower.

Sure enough, straight away it felt tighter string spacing - is only 1/10" narrower across 6 strings!

Whereas, if I had played a 00-28 fingerstyle all my life as my sole guitar, I would never have had an issue with it!

You get used to what you have, and probably read too much as to what is the right set up for fingerstyle etc etc

Rich

alien · #12 09-22-2017, 01:09 PM

If I could choose between the 00-18V and the 0018...I would buy the 00-18V. I like everything about that model. Oh yeah, I own one! The neck and string spacing would be the primary differences. IF I didn't have the vintage model available as a choice, I could live with the 00-18.

T Texas · #13 09-22-2017, 01:12 PM

Every one is differnent, but I think the v neck on my 00-18V is very comfortable. And I appreciate the wider string spacing.

Peter1234 · #14 09-22-2017, 01:26 PM

Thank you everyone for the thoughtful comments. I wish I had these two guitars in the same room to compare. It sounds like I might want to drive a little bit to try out the 00-18 (or even a 000-18) before making a purchase.

devellis · #15 09-22-2017, 01:30 PM

I have the 00-18V and am very pleased with it. I considered it against the newer oo-18 and preferred the V on pretty much all criteria. I find the neck very comfortable.

Of course, it's your call. But the 00-18V will be a lot harder to find than a standard 00-18 if you buy one and really wish you'd gotten the other.