Would you buy a new Martin D-18 Standard?

[powerpopper]

Originally Posted by woodbox

What I’m about to say may sound incongruent, but please read carefully.

I’m going to disagree with those claiming the D18GE being superior to the Standard.
No, not necessarily.

Yes, the GE style bracing and Adirondack top may give a louder, more dynamic edge compared to a Standard, but that may not be what someone wants or needs.

My longtime playin-buddy had a D18GE, while I had a Standard.
He was the lead guitar/background singer, I was lead singer/background guitar player.
My D18 Standard was perfect for its job, and his GE was perfect for its job, but I was glad I didn’t have a GE.

Now, that all said, I’m a fan of the Golden Era models.
I had an OM-18GE for years and loved it.
My 000-18GE was my “number 1” guitar, and one of the last to go.. I loved it!

The GE’s are great!
But sometimes they could be more than required, and a Standard was the right tool for the job.
Especially the post 2012 models, which mine was.

To the OP... yes, I would buy a new D18, and NOT a used D18GE.
But that’s just me.

While I'm not in a band/duo/trio at the moment, I would be more like you and I'm leaning toward the D-18. Great comment, thank you.

[gregory70]

Dumb question from someone how is considering a D-18 purchase.

What happened before 2012 (several folks have stated they would buy one made post 2012)? Is it a new model year?

Thank you.

G

[Scolaguitar]

I got mine, a 2016, almost new and I love its clean straightforward tone. Like others have said, it is the best strummer. I thought about trading up for a GE but like it too much. I think it's really opened up in the 4 years since owning it.

One thing for sure, they're popular. So, if it wasn't for you, you wouldn't have much trouble selling it.

[woodbox]

The OP just wrote:

“ While I'm not in a band/duo/trio at the moment, I would be more like you and I'm leaning toward the D-18. Great comment, thank you. “

Yes, you are most welcome.
And allow me to make another comment based on what you just wrote.

Your Original Post asked about if we would buy a new D-18, and the majority of respondents have said “Yes”.
But perhaps now we have a bit more information about your usage.
If your purpose is to sing, supported by your guitar (solo, duo, trio, band)
I would strongly encourage you to be open to a 000-18 as well.

It’s tough to beat a D18, as so many have stated in this thread, but they can get loud, and perhaps overwhelming to a vocalist.
But it’s not just about volume, it’s about the powerful presence a D-18 brings.
They can hold their own on a BlueGrass stage and tell a banjo to settle down.
The D18 is an authoritative instrument!

So if you ask if singer-songwriter/vocalists would buy a 000-18, you will get similar (if not more) “YES” responses.

Do as you will my friend, but you might do well to consider the well mannered 000-18 if you plan to sing with your guitar.

Thankyou for listening to my thoughts.

[Wade Hampton]

Originally Posted by gregory70

Dumb question from someone how is considering a D-18 purchase.

What happened before 2012 (several folks have stated they would buy one made post 2012)? Is it a new model year?

Thank you.

G

2012 was when Martin, concerned about the D-18’s flagging sales, reintroduced the model with the type of scalloped bracing it had had prior to WWII. This frees up the top and creates what most of us consider to be a major improvement in tone.


whm

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

2012 was when Martin, concerned about the D-18’s flagging sales, reintroduced the model with the type of scalloped bracing it had had prior to WWII. This frees up the top and creates what most of us consider to be a major improvement in tone.


whm

Also, Martin returned to the ebony fingerboard and open-back tuners for the 2012 through current D-18 models.

[powerpopper]

Originally Posted by woodbox

The OP just wrote:

“ While I'm not in a band/duo/trio at the moment, I would be more like you and I'm leaning toward the D-18. Great comment, thank you. “

Yes, you are most welcome.
And allow me to make another comment based on what you just wrote.

Your Original Post asked about if we would buy a new D-18, and the majority of respondents have said “Yes”.
But perhaps now we have a bit more information about your usage.
If your purpose is to sing, supported by your guitar (solo, duo, trio, band)
I would strongly encourage you to be open to a 000-18 as well.

It’s tough to beat a D18, as so many have stated in this thread, but they can get loud, and perhaps overwhelming to a vocalist.
But it’s not just about volume, it’s about the powerful presence a D-18 brings.
They can hold their own on a BlueGrass stage and tell a banjo to settle down.
The D18 is an authoritative instrument!

So if you ask if singer-songwriter/vocalists would buy a 000-18, you will get similar (if not more) “YES” responses.

Do as you will my friend, but you might do well to consider the well mannered 000-18 if you plan to sing with your guitar.

Thankyou for listening to my thoughts.

I own an OM-28V (which I realize is Rosewood) and it generally satisfies my itch for a smaller bodied guitar. I have in the past found myself accompanying other singers along with myself and I just, well...play softer?

But I do very much appreciate the tip, and make no mistake--if money and my wife were not considerations, I would have no problem owning both a Rosewood and Mahogany backed smaller body.

[DC2]

I just bought one last month. Makes a great companion to my 00015 and HD28.