Trade my D-18 for a 000-18?

[Wildgift]

Hi folks—

I have a mint 2012 D-18 and a Guild F-130rce. I notice that I just don’t reach for the D-18, and I think that as a 62 year old 5’7 dude I bit off a bit more than I can chew. I’m playing only at home and meet ups. I generally strum. Still learning. Juuuust able to change barre chords. No need for electronics.

I’m thinking of trading for an 000-18. Thoughts? I want another Martin because I love them, but want a smaller body that is more comfortable.

Thanks for any input.

[simpl man]

Not a bad idea at all. I've got 2 D-18's right now, & have considered it myself.

A very nice 2017 000-18 was just posted in the Buy & Sell this morning. I offered a trade for an AJ I'm selling, but the owner replied wanting a straight sale.

Wouldn't hurt to ask though, because I've spoke with the seller before regarding a D-18 that I was selling at the time. She may still be interested in one.

Good luck whichever way you decide.

[Wildgift]

Thanks Simplman. I’ll check that out. Looking for all opinions or alternatives.

Btw, that Guild has gotten a lot of raves at my meet ups. It really sings and projects.

[Robert1950]

If it was me, I would go for the 000-18. I just prefer the size, feel and sound It suits the music I am likely to play. But that is me. Consider the what suits you best.

[RussL30]

That wouldn’t be a bad idea. I’ve always been a dread guy and I really love D18’s but I’ve recently changed my mind on small bodies.

I’ve recently got a small body Gibson that would be similar in construction as a 00018 ( mahogany and short scale) and it has proved to me that a small body can sound really good strummed. You’d obviously lose a little oomph, but you’d still have dang good sounding mahogany Martin.

[ManyMartinMan]

The honest truth is the 000-18's are incredible guitars and well worth their (low in my opinion) cost.

[opencee]

Try a 00-18.

Really!


opencee

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[HHP]

If you want the "power and the glory" of a D-18 in a smaller body, look at some of Martin's deep body 00's or a 12 fret 00. I've always found either to be much more capable than the standard 000.

[Wildgift]

Thanks guys for the input.

[Br1ck]

Everything in the guitar world is a trade off. If a D 18 is not comfortable, it does you no good if it sounds great because you never hear it.

I was never a dread guy until recently. Maybe that is why I don't have shoulder issues. For years my main guitar was my Martin M 36, though wide, it is shallow and easy to reach around, and the pinched waste of the J width profile helps too. It still moves a lot of air.

A 000 18 is a fine choice and reason enough to buy one if you can play it more. If you don't have access to a large dealer where you can try them all, it's a pretty safe bet.

A slot head 12 fret 00 or 000 is worth trying too. A 000 15sm moves a lot of air.

[Guildman]

I traded my D-28 for a 000-18e retro about a year ago. Shoulder issue forced me but I am very delighted. FWIW, the store had a 00-18 at the same time and it was no contest. 000-18 is just an amazing guitar.

[archerscreek]

If the D-18 causes you pain and that’s why you don’t play it then certainly trade it for something you’ll actually use. But if it’s not comfortable because you simply don’t play it that much and haven’t spent enough time trying different arm positions, seat heights, standing with a strap or what not then I’d advise you to commit to the D-18 exclusively for a month or so, playing every day and then see how things pan out.

To put it more simply, if you’ve given the D-18 a fair trial and don’t like it then trade it. If you haven’t given it much of a shot, then do so before you trade it.

A dread can be a little awkward when you’re not used to it. But after awhile it can feel like a favorite hat or pair of shoes. Play around with different ways of holding it and strumming it if you haven’t already done so. And don’t accept that just because you’re under 6’ tall or over 60 years old you can’t play a dread. There are plenty of each rocking hard on dreads. Give it a fair chance if you haven’t already done so.

[Wildgift]

Originally Posted by archerscreek

If the D-18 causes you pain and that’s why you don’t play it then certainly trade it for something you’ll actually use. But if it’s not comfortable because you simply don’t play it that much and haven’t spent enough time trying different arm positions, seat heights, standing with a strap or what not then I’d advise you to commit to the D-18 exclusively for a month or so, playing every day and then see how things pan out.

To put it more simply, if you’ve given the D-18 a fair trial and don’t like it then trade it. If you haven’t given it much of a shot, then do so before you trade it.

A dread can be a little awkward when you’re not used to it. But after awhile it can feel like a favorite hat or pair of shoes. Play around with different ways of holding it and strumming it if you haven’t already done so. And don’t accept that just because you’re under 6’ tall or over 60 years old you can’t play a dread. There are plenty of each rocking hard on dreads. Give it a fair chance if you haven’t already done so.

Thanks so much. I’ve had it for 4 years. I’ve used it a lot but I just think I want to go in another direction with a smaller instrument. I appreciate the input.

[Gomers]

I understand your dilemma. There is just something so comfortable about a 000 that does make it an attractive choice.

I tried 4 Martins a couple of days ago (D28ri, D18, 000-18 and 000-15m). The 15m was by far my favourite by a long way.

IMO the 000-15m could be the jewel in the crown and may save you some cash too.

[rmyAddison]

I had nothing but Martin dreads 15 years ago, arthritis moved/forced me to smaller bodies.

Now with years of Martin OM/000/00's distilled to my little retirement collection, I wouldn't go back if I could.

Nothing wrong with that trade to me, and it's your life and your choice...