Martin D-18 or 000-18 ?

CASD57 · #1 05-23-2022, 07:07 AM

I've got an itch for a Martin but all the lower line Martin's I didn't like the unrefined feel and even the sound...

But...I keep hearing about the D-18 and 000-18 are they that much different than the entry solid bodies?..The Road Series...15series and even the 17series??
And what about the 17 series? I like the Prices...

UNFORTUNELLY ....I can't find one local to try

I like a full sound... I don't mine the Dread size but I also like the feel of the 000 and 0000

Which should I try? since I have to order it

llew · #2 05-23-2022, 07:12 AM

I'd vote for a D-18 but I'm predominately a "dread guy". I still think it's the best bang for the buck in the entire Martin lineup.

jacot23 · #3 05-23-2022, 07:22 AM

Yes

I vote D-18, mainly because I just took delivery of a new one last week

jmjohnson · #4 05-23-2022, 07:38 AM

The -18s are Standard series - so yes should be a notch above. Dove Tail neck, 'choicer' woods, etc.

IF I had to have 1 guitar, for over-all tone it would be a dread. The smaller OM/000s CAN be a little brashy sometimes (the rights string help). I notice my RW dread echoes and booms a bit more than the 000-28...though the 000 can hold its own for a bit of strumming - and with its short scale is great finger picking. The 000-18 has 1/4" bracing - which could also help bring on some more boom.

Note the D-18 will be speced for medium strings, the 000 for lights.

Golffishny · #5 05-23-2022, 07:44 AM

I own 15, 18 and 28 series Martins. I've played X series and Road series models and the often compared to Eastman guitars. My personal thoughts were the X series were solid guitars for the budget but didn't impress me tone wise. The X series and Eastman were better but still left me wanting more. The Road series almost came home with me. To my taste the 15, 18 and 28 series just delivered more sound and feel that I preferred. The 18 series is my favorite. I was very patient and played a number of guitars. Remember our thoughts are opinions, only you know what you actually want. Good luck.

Treenewt · #6 05-23-2022, 07:48 AM

Having owned both, as fine as a 000-18 is, the D18 is the hands down winner in my opinion. It’ll do everything you want…and more.

Bob from Brooklyn · #7 05-23-2022, 07:53 AM

You can always make the big ones sound smaller, not so much the other way around.

DanR · #8 05-23-2022, 08:02 AM

If you mostly flat pick, I'd go with the D-18. If you fingerpick a lot, I'd go with the 000-18. In my opinion the 18 series is a good step up from the lower series. I had a 000-18 that was just fantastic. I only sold it because I wanted the better fingerpicking guitar which is my 00-18. And I did have them both for about 4 months before I made my decision of which one should go. I felt it was too extravagant for me to have both.

llew · #9 05-23-2022, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn

You can always make the big ones sound smaller, not so much the other way around.

^^^Truth^^^

phydaux · #10 05-23-2022, 08:08 AM

Before I bought my Eastman AC422CE I played all the 11-17 series Martins I could get my hands on, and I was disappointed by all of them. An 18/28 was out of my price range, so I got an Eastman.

If I were to get a Martin 18 series today then without a doubt it would be a 000. I like the shorter scale length.

Osage · #11 05-23-2022, 08:16 AM

I'd personally take a 000 over a dread any day of the week. I like the size, feel and tone better.

lowrider · #12 05-23-2022, 08:34 AM

This is the kind of thing you have to decide for yourself. For me, long scale and a big box just blows away short scale/small box. You might feel differentley, but you've got to find out for yourself.

Can't decide? Go to Willcutt Guitars website and look at their 0000-18 12 frets. It's the best of both worlds, most of the power and depth of a dread in a very comfortable package.

I got mine in November. It's a shockingly great guitar;

rollypolly · #13 05-23-2022, 08:39 AM

In my experience, the 15 series delivers on a level close to that of the standards. I'm very satisfied with them. But they are all mahogany so pretty different in tone. Well, my GPC-15ME is amazing, not too mellow or dark at all.

I'm not sure about the 16s and 17s but I'd imagine them being pretty good too. But the 15s have a consistent reputation for being solid guitars. Other than that, step up to a standard and you should have absolutely no regrets.

6L6 · #14 05-23-2022, 08:41 AM

I own a 2021 D-18 and a 2022 OOO-18.

I've always been dread guy until I found this particular OOO-18 that didn't have the small body characteristic "boxy" sound. It is a hoot to play!

But if I was only going to keep one, it would be the D-18. Nothing sounds as good as a quality dread.

My only warning is to be sure you like the MLO neck shape and the 1 3/4" nut on both. For me it took some getting used to.

doublescale1 · #15 05-23-2022, 09:50 AM

I went the other way - I sold off my D-15 and got a 000-18 and couldn't be happier. I really like the smaller body, and I use it for strumming with no issues. I also put a Fishman Elipse Aura pickup in it, which easily makes the amplified voice extremely organic mic'd sounding and easy to dial in. I don't feel as if the 000-18 when amplified gives up anything to a Dred. PS. I just put a sample pack of D'Addario XS 12-53's on the 000-18 and I think I've found a new go-to string set. Very balanced top to bottom, nice bold voice, and very nice and crisp and clean on top without being "too bright", and great ring-out sustain. Just now doing the longevity test in real time against the Elixirs I have been using. With the 000-18's mahogany back/sides the XS's give the guitar a great mid-forward, big voice.