Just played my first D-18

[FOG01]

Stopped in my local SA, then GC on my way home. I've been on the hunt for "The Sound." Thought I knew what I wanted...

Had them get their D-18 down, since they didn't have an HD-28 or a Taylor Grand Pacific, because I thought I was a rosewood guy.

It was an epiphany. No offense to any other brand or model. I was just blown away. Gorgeous warm deep tone with shimmery highs that is stuck in my head.

Funny thing is I just mentioned watching Vince Gill play a sinker D-18 on YouTube, but I figured that one was just special...

I'm afraid nothing else is gonna do.

[Steadfastly]

Well, it is the signature model for Martin and if you like the Martin sound, the D-18 has captured many ears and hearts over the decades.

[FOG01]

I like a lot of sounds, but that was different. It was just crazy good. In hindsight i'm not sure why I've never given a look sooner, beyond avoiding dreads in general. That changed today.

[archerscreek]

Yeah, I used to prefer rosewood over mahogany, but I've played some very light and responsive 18 series Martins lately that sound terrific.

[ataylor]

Do it! Do it! Do it!

I set out on a slow search for a Martin or Martin-style dreadnought when the D-18 was revised to its present form back in 2012. Over that time I played literally dozens of them and not once did I play one I didn’t want to take home. I played a number of more expensive models, from Martin and other makes, and kept coming back to the standard D-18.

At long last, Santa came through a few months ago...



You can read my full review here.

[thechariot1x]

I love the Martin Rosewood sound. My baby is a 000C-16RGTE.

[KenL]

I was blown away last night, once again, by the tone of my 00-18V. Happens every time I get it out.

I used to be a rosewood snob too. Not anymore.

[IndyHD28]

If there’s anyway you can stretch to a Sinker, you won’t regret it. Think of it as an authentic Authentic.

[FOG01]

Originally Posted by IndyHD28

If there’s anyway you can stretch to a Sinker, you won’t regret it. Think of it as an authentic Authentic.

I was looking... ugh. They sure do look good.

[FOG01]

Originally Posted by FOG01

I was looking... ugh. They sure do look good.

Could it be THAT much better than what I just played?

[Max23]

I remember the first time I played a D-18 a few years back, it was an epiphany too. Was blown away at how great it sounded and played. I was a rosewood guy as well, but I learned there's room for both. It's such a fun guitar for finger & flatpicking, especially!

[pszy22]

May want to try a 000-18 as well.

[llew]

Hard to beat a good D-18...

[Sloplay]

Originally Posted by llew

Hard to beat a good D-18...

Mmhmm...THIS!

[mmasters]

Try one with Adirondack Spruce and Mahogany if you can find one. I prefer these to the Sitka Spruce topped ones!