Best D18 for Bluegrass flatpicking?

[KalamazooGuy]

Howdy,

My next purchase will be a D18. I am really getting into the styles of Tony Rice and Billy Strings. My chops are getting there too, kinda [emoji4].

Anyways, I don't want to buy the "wrong one" or have regrets I didnt spring for a vintage unit or a GE model.

At the end of the day, is there really that big of a difference between those or a recent model at half the cost? I know there can be gems and duds on every level but any advice will help. Especially if you have owned one.

I have several rosewood guitars and am looking specifically for a D18 at this point.

Thanks

[Bogle]

The D18's produced in 2012 and later are overall pretty great...you should be able to find one at a reasonable price. If it's within your range however, a used D-18GE can be a fantastic deal, and frequently a lot closer to the sound you'll get from a vintage one at a FAR lower cost.

[llew]

There are D-18GE models available used...it's a bluegrass monster. Check reverb.com. It's a cut above the standard model D-18 for the style of music you're interested in. Also, the 75th Anniversary D-18 that came out in 2008/2009 is essentially a D-18GE in a different outer package.

FWIW I had a '62 D-18 that had a neck set/refret and a few cracks fixed/cleated and it was a great sounding D-18 but I still preferred the newer D-18GE to the '62.

[rokdog49]

I believe the "GE" has been discontinued. It had an Adirondack top. It had a voice that was a little punchier and the bass was less muddy but the current standard sounds "sweeter".

[DesertTwang]

Psst ---- here's a secret: Martin America 1 Model. Built to the specs of a D-18 but sycamore back and sides and Adi top. I compared mine side by side to a D-18 before buying it, which paled in comparison.

[KalamazooGuy]

Sycamore! Interesting.......

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by DesertTwang

Psst ---- here's a secret: Martin America 1 Model. Built to the specs of a D-18 but sycamore back and sides and Adi top. I compared mine side by side to a D-18 before buying it, which paled in comparison.

In what ways?

[Mark L]

If by D18 you mean Martin brand, there are a lot of choices but you don’t state your price range.

If by D18 you mean a spruce/mahogany dreadnought, I suggest a plain jane Collings D1 (not D1A), used. There are a few around right now. I’d say a high price for excellent condition would be 2500, low around 2000.

Good luck on your quest.

[lowrider]

I think the best D-18 for you is the one that you go out and find live, either new or used. If you just want a d-18 buy it online and the one that arrives will most likely blow you away. If you want the absolute best one for you, not for me, not for your favorite BG player, you've got to go find that one!

Good luck, guitar shopping is just as much fun as playing. I love it!

[slopeshoulder]

I was considering a D-18 but purchased this instead. Maybe worth a look?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...40s-tt-natural

[slopeshoulder]

Here is a review I did.

https://youtu.be/mjOecYC9jRA

[GHS]

The best D-18 is a Takamine EF340tt...half the money....same specs, just as good a tone..check it out.

[GHS]

Originally Posted by slopeshoulder

I was considering a D-18 but purchased this instead. Maybe worth a look?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...40s-tt-natural

Wow! I honestly did not see your post. I agree with you 100%. I found one used but in perfect shape. This guitar rocks.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by GHS

The best D-18 is a Takamine EF340tt...half the money....same specs, just as good a tone..check it out.

Running out for popcorn now..

[DesertTwang]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

In what ways?

Everything. Volume, tone and responsiveness. To me, the America 1 sounds more "like a Martin" than the D-18.