Looking to upgrade to a new acoustic (Martin 000-18 or 28?)

[att87]

Originally Posted by emuhunter

I own a 000-18 Golden Era, which if you’re unfamiliar is something of a step up from the standard issue 000-18 (Adirondack top, bracing, etc) and although I’m currently very enamored with other guitars I can definitely say it’s a fantastic instrument and applicable to a wide range of music.

That being said I don’t currently own a rosewood guitar so a 000/OM-28 is very much on my radar for my next guitar!

Thanks for your input! I was looking at those golden era ones too. I do really like the idea of getting an Adirondack top. I've only ever had acoustics with mahogany back and sides so very used to those tones that has had me leaning toward getting a 000-18.

[att87]

Thats a great idea I hadn't thought to try that!

[att87]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

It's a matter of personal preference. Are you able to go play some?

I haven't been able to find any within a few hours of me. Thinking about making a road trip to Nashville or Chicago to see if i can test some out there.

[Osage]

Originally Posted by att87

I haven't been able to find any within a few hours of me. Thinking about making a road trip to Nashville or Chicago to see if i can test some out there.

This is an excellent idea! If you find one you love, buy it! Don't worry about specs or model and whatever you do, don't just order the same model online to save a buck. Every guitar is different and I've seen it time and time again where someone will play a guitar that they love in a store and then go home and order the same model only to be disappointed that the one they ordered isn't the same as the one they loved.

[tomcstokes59]

Originally Posted by att87

I haven't been able to find any within a few hours of me. Thinking about making a road trip to Nashville or Chicago to see if i can test some out there.

Head to Gruhn's in Nashville. They usually have multiples of each type to try. I have visited a couple of times and they have always been extremely welcoming. Plus stay a couple of nights and check out the music scene. Now that would be a road trip.

[DBW]

I have an HD-28 and a 000-18. I really love them both. Go play them both if you can or get one of each eventually. To me the 28 is brighter and the 18 growls more. I got my 28 because it was my dream guitar. I got the 18 later and really love it.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by att87

I haven't been able to find any within a few hours of me. Thinking about making a road trip to Nashville or Chicago to see if i can test some out there.

This is the best way to go about it. You'll probably learn a thing or two about your own preferences during the process. Have fun with it!

[SalFromChatham]

As a recent owner of the Martin Reimagined 000-28, I heartily endorse. Such an easy great model, and the short scale is so playable. I am sure the 18 is sweet too, but I think the 28s are a real sweet all rounder.

[stillsteven]

I’m in an agreement with the suggestion to get them both and return one later

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by DBW

I have an HD-28 and a 000-18. I really love them both. Go play them both if you can or get one of each eventually. To me the 28 is brighter and the 18 growls more. I got my 28 because it was my dream guitar. I got the 18 later and really love it.

This is very much my situation, except that I got the 000-18 first. The description matches my impressions. In addition to the 000-18, I have a D-28, a (pre-reimagined) HD-28, and an HD-35. I’m still tempted to get a 000-28 because the 000-18 is so comfortable to play.

I agree with the suggestion to order both to try, but I’ll offer a word of caution—if you’re anything like me, you will have a very difficult time choosing which one to return.

[leew3]

I own both and, like others have said, would say each have their strengths. I do like the shorter scale on the 000-18 as my OM 28 is a 12 fret but full length scale. If I had to choose I"d go with the 28 as I like rosewood just a bit better than mahogany. Also my 28 is a custom that is very lightly built and loud so even fingerstyle I feel like I'm cheating as it doesn't take much effort. Play both and see which you can't do without.

[ewalling]

Originally Posted by att87

Thanks for your input! I was looking at those golden era ones too. I do really like the idea of getting an Adirondack top. I've only ever had acoustics with mahogany back and sides so very used to those tones that has had me leaning toward getting a 000-18.

Two 000-18GEs (one 14-fret, one 12-fret ltd) I owned were a little on the dark side of the tonal spectrum. I found myself looking for strings to accentuate the treble 'ring' a little more. The '28 might give you that added sparkle if that's something which is important to you.

[Social Exodus]

As a guy who was solidly in the Taylor camp until last year (I own an 814ce, a 458e 12 string and a GS Mini-e Koa) I couldn't recommend the 000-28 more highly. Last July, I went to Music Villa in Bozeman MT and tried a 912ce (among other higher end short scale Taylors) and was unimpressed. On literally a lark, I walked to the Martin section and picked up my 000-28 and it was mine from the first strum. It's truly a wonderful guitar and it is hands down my favorite guitar and gets 80% of my playing time.

The 24.9" scale length, cozy 000/OM body size and 1 3/4" nut make this the most comfortable guitar I own, and my aching arthritic hands are very happy now.

Don't get me wrong, I still do love my 814ce for harder strumming stuff and the 245e is what it is, namely a great playing guitar despite being a 12 string and the GS Mini-e Koa is (to me) the ultimate travel guitar. But the 000-28 is just a special instrument.

[jklemm18]

The two in my signature were bought days apart with the intention to return the one that didn’t pass muster. Long story short, be careful getting both…they are killer guitars and enough of a difference to keep the two. I tend to lean more towards the mahogany and it is the first one I reach for. The short scale is amazing and the smooth sound gets me every time. Can’t go wrong with a standard 18 series and you’ll save about $600 bucks.