Martin CEO-7 or OO-18?

[Annie B]

OMG, I would love to try that 00 18 with Adi top. Lamentably, the price is above my budget.

[Annie B]

Thanks, TJ, Going to compare necks this week. But I can't get the tone and articulation of the CEO7 out of my mind, I'll say that. Still, I gotta hear that 00-18 too.

[kensmith]

Originally Posted by Annie B

OMG, I would love to try that 00 18 with Adi top. Lamentably, the price is above my budget.

What is your budget?

[fwphoto]

Originally Posted by Annie B

OMG, I would love to try that 00 18 with Adi top. Lamentably, the price is above my budget.

I hear ya! When I went to their site to see what they had I was surprised a bit by the price. Was quite a bit less in 2017. :-(

It's a very special guitar, though, & I'm glad I stretched the budget even back then to get it. Had to trade in another guitar but Mark gave me a very reasonable offer.

Make sure you check out the standard 00-18. I've played a few that were very, very good, as well!

Frank

[Annie B]

Hi Ken, it's 3K.

[leew3]

FWIW, not sure whether you've seen this on the forum

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=682721

[kensmith]

@AnnieB if you’re considering used there is a nice looking 00-18 with K&K on the for sale page here on AGF. If you decide to go that route.

[Luckymud]

Originally Posted by Annie B

Hi Ken, it's 3K.

The Music Emporium regularly stocks a 00-18 with an Italian or Swiss spruce top at just over $3K (VERY close to the CEO-7 list price). They don't currently have a natural one in stock, but they do have an 00-18 ambertone, which costs a bit more and a 000-18 natural with Italian spruce

IMO Italian spruce sounds similar to Adirondack in that you can drive it harder, has a bit more bottom end and punch, and is louder than sitka. I have an OM-18 with Italian Spruce from TME -- it's awesome.

https://themusicemporium.com/product...ruce-ambertone

https://themusicemporium.com/product...4-swiss-spruce

[FretMuse]

I'm a newbie to AGF, after having enjoyed The Forum from the sidelines for the past two years because I have an "@me.com" email address. I finally got an Outlook email address so I could join in and participate ... this is my third post.

OP, my journey over the past two years took me through each of the guitars that are flirting with you. After a six-decade pause I decided to return to the guitar, and over the past two years I've bought, and then traded, six Martins, including the 00-18 and CEO-7. Each of them sang to me in different ways.

Several folks have already mentioned how important it is to feel and listen to both of them. From the sidelines I've heard, listened to, and heeded this wisdom all during my journey, which continues. Of the two, I have my preference, but my hands and ears feel and hear sounds, tones, and frequencies differently than, I'm sure, yours do. Enjoy test drives on both of them. The challenge of choosing between two worthy instruments is part of the joyride!

Gary

[rlgph]

Originally Posted by sinistral

(I don’t believe that martin has ever made an Authentic version of a 00).

Martin did make an Authentic version of a 12-fret 00-18. Great sounding guitar, but i preferred my 000-18 GE -- but then, i like mellow guitars.

[Annie B]

Had a swell day at the shop today playing the CEO7 back-to-back with the 0018. They certainly sound different and overall, they're both pure Martin fabulousness at relatively affordable prices. I love the dazzling articulation and bass tones of the CEO and agree that the 18 projects a smoother, sweeter sound. Ultimately, while they both sang to me, I decided the 18 is my choice mostly because I prefer the thinner MLO neck over the Mod V. I'm still recovering from thumb surgery, for example, and I couldn't play a clear bar chord on the CEO whereas it was easy-peasy with the 18. The 18 neck felt just right and the slightly smaller body felt more comfortable for my small frame. I want to thank all of you for sharing your extremely helpful thoughts which really provided guidance in navigating this fun, fun process!

[sinistral]

Congratulations! There is no “wrong” choice between a 00-18 and a CEO-7—it really comes down to comfort and personal preference.

[Annie B]

Originally Posted by sinistral

Congratulations! There is no “wrong” choice between a 00-18 and a CEO-7—it really comes down to comfort and personal preference.

Thank you! I'm psyched... A new Martin... Few pleasures rival getting a new terrific guitar! Along with those that come as it ages..

[dirkronk]

Enjoy that new 00, Annie B! Now play it until you bond with it!

Dirk, cheering from the “ain’t got mine yet” section

[Corndog]

Congratulations Annie, on a great guitar.

Cheers!