Traded CEO-7 for 000-18

[theghostwriter]

Thoughts:

Pros for the CEO-7
1) Adirondack top is louder, more bass, note separation may be a bit cleaner?
2) Prefer the modified V-neck
3) Prefer the sunburst

Pros for the 000-18
1) Much prefer the bridge string spacing of 2 5/23
2) Prefer the 000 body shape
3) Prefer the tuners

So the last point on the 000-18 is kind of weak since tuners could be swapped pretty easy, but figured I'd mention it anyways. However, the body shape and bridge string spacing are big deals to me for comfort of play. Straight up, I like the CEO sound better, so it mostly came down to playing comfort vs sound. The V-neck was preferred, but not a huge deal.

Ideally, I'd build up a 000-18 with an adirondack top, modified v-neck, and 2 5/32 bridge spacing, but I don't want to do the custom shop thing. I did consider the Eric Clapton model, but just wasn't sure I could come to like the sound of rosewood. Listened to a number of video comparisons with mahogany vs rosewood and I preferred mahogany every time.

Overall, I like the 000-18 a lot, but I wouldn't call it my perfect guitar. I don't think there is one unless I get a custom one, which at the moment I don't feel is worth the super long wait and extra $. But maybe I'll change my mind later on.

Do I regret giving up the CEO-7? Maybe a little...but spending a good amount of time (at least months) with a guitar is the only way I get to know what I like, and I feel like I needed to spend some real time with the 000.

If anyone else has thoughts on these two models, feel free to chime in.

[Lillis]

I think both of those are amazing. I think I’ll own one or the other someday. I’d definitely own one if they had 2 1/4 spacing.

[skouri1]

I've played and enjoyed ceo7s. Tempted by them and tuners aren't thwt big a deal.
Aesthetically I prefer the 00018.
However I have yet to be wowed by one . I don't know why. Played a 00015 I loved yesterday. Maybe it's the hype ? I may expect the 00015 to be budget but its resonant and lightly built and responsive. Then I expect the 00018 to be the perfect guitar and it hasn't yet stunned me like a D18. Don't know If the strings are too new and metallic or dead.
Having said that, I played a 1953 0018 with a cracked unrepaired top ans it's still without a doubt the best smaller bodied guitar I've played. That was alongside a Santa Cruz, reimagined martins etc. No comparison.
The cool thing is if you don't bond with your new 00018, you can probably trade it for a CEO and just replace the tuners.

[Alexrkstr]

Both are great guitars. I A/B'd the CEO-7 OO-18 and OOO-18 (and the rosewood ones as well). I picked the CEO because of the adi top, the responsiveness, and the tone. The -18s were good as well, but the CEO had much more character.

[theghostwriter]

Originally Posted by Lillis

I think both of those are amazing. I think I’ll own one or the other someday. I’d definitely own one if they had 2 1/4 spacing.

The Clapton has 2 1/4 spacing, which is somewhere between the 2 5/32 of the 000-18 and the 2 5/16 of the CEO. That was another unknown with the Clapton along with the rosewood that I wasn't sure if I would like or not, but I'm sure I'd like it more than 2 5/16.

Originally Posted by skouri1

I've played and enjoyed ceo7s. Tempted by them and tuners aren't thwt big a deal.
Aesthetically I prefer the 00018.
However I have yet to be wowed by one . I don't know why. Played a 00015 I loved yesterday. Maybe it's the hype ? I may expect the 00015 to be budget but its resonant and lightly built and responsive. Then I expect the 00018 to be the perfect guitar and it hasn't yet stunned me like a D18. Don't know If the strings are too new and metallic or dead.
Having said that, I played a 1953 0018 with a cracked unrepaired top ans it's still without a doubt the best smaller bodied guitar I've played. That was alongside a Santa Cruz, reimagined martins etc. No comparison.
The cool thing is if you don't bond with your new 00018, you can probably trade it for a CEO and just replace the tuners.

I would also say I wasn't stunned by the 000-18 sound, but it does sound good. Another reason I want to give it time to open up and see how it does. I've also only played it with one set of strings so far, so will have to try some others.

[KenL]

Sounds like you want a 000-18GE, which would have the neck and string spacing that you like, and an adi top.

[raysachs]

Originally Posted by KenL

Sounds like you want a 000-18GE, which would have the neck and string spacing that you like, and an adi top.

I was thinking that too, but I read it that he likes the sunburst of the CEO-7 and the narrower string spacing of the 000-18. I’d personally probably love the 000-18GE (I love the CEO-7, but with a natural top and a larger 000 body I’d like it even more, and that’s basically available in the 000-18GE), but to me it sounds like that wouldn’t be what the OP is after…

-Ray

[Dotneck]

Originally Posted by theghostwriter

but spending a good amount of time (at least months) with a guitar is the only way I get to know what I like, and I feel like I needed to spend some real time with the 000.

I agree with this sentiment. It takes me quite a while to decide if a guitar is a keeper. I might decide quickly that I don't like a guitar...and it won't come home with me. But once we get home its a slow process to get to know each other well.

Good luck. I enjoy a nice 000...I hope you enjoy yours.

[Luckymud]

I’m relatively confident Wildwood Guitars had a few 000-18s with Adi tops and mod v necks recently. The only ones left are the mod low oval necks, but you might check and see if they have more with the v neck on order.

[Dok]

The CEO-7 is a great guitar. I just bought a 50s Original J-45, fully expecting for it to replace the Martin but after three months the CEO isn't going anywhere. It's just so **** comfortable to play and hold and it really does sound great. If I could get one with a deeper body I honestly don't think I'd want for another guitar.

[Teherie]

In 2015, I ordered a custom 000 12 fret short scale with 1&3/4 low profile neck and 2&1/4 spacing at bridge. It also has a slotted head stock, scalloped bracing, Sitka spruce top and three piece mahogany back and sides.

I would stack this guitar up against anything else I’ve played and it is a nice companion to my 2006 14 fret OM35 with the same neck width, low profile and string spacing.

[Teherie]

In 2015, I ordered a custom 000 12 fret short scale with 1&3/4 low profile neck and 2&1/4 spacing at bridge. It also has a slotted head stock, scalloped bracing, Sitka spruce top and three piece mahogany back and sides.

I would stack this guitar up against anything else I’ve played and it is a nice companion to my 2006 14 fret OM35 with the same neck width, low profile and string spacing.

[mawmow]

I own a 2014 OOO-18 and would not change for a CEO-7…
My main criteria is sound.

[jaymarsch]

I have not played a CEO-7 but have heard wonderful things about them, I have played several 000-18s in shops and was mostly underwhelmed but then I played one that was several years old and it had wonderful tone.
I ended up having a small D made for me by Sparky Kramer, a reputable luthier here in CA. It gives me something closer to a D-18 in a slightly smaller body.
BTW - Tony Polecastro of the Acoustic Challenge did a ranking of a selection of Martin guitars and the CEO-7 was on the top of his list so they get some love from folks who know something about guitars.
Best,
Jayne

[Elijah Forester]

I played both in a shop yesterday

I think the biggest consideration may be the personal preference of neck profile: V vs MLO

Both sounded great, the CEO-7 maybe a bit tighter and focused mid range while the 000-18 had a deeper broader sound

Also sunburst vs natural top as an aesthetic consideration