Two different Martin D-18s

[The Orb]

I played a life-changing Martin D-18 "natural" in a store. I later found out they make a Martin D-18 "satin" that is $400 less. Are there any significant differences between them?

Martin D-18 Natural L I N K

Martin D-18 Satin L I N K 2

Thank you!

[sinistral]

The satin versions are life-altering. There have been a couple of recent threads here on the topic:

A humble opinion on Martin's D-18 satin vs. gloss

D-18/D-28 Satin vs Gloss

Some people find that they sound roughly the same, some people find that they sound better. I haven’t come across anyone here or elsewhere who thinks they sound worse!

In addition to the experiences I mention in those threads, the other day I had the salesman at Rudy’s play the gloss and satin versions of the D-28 for me (they didn’t have one of each of the D-18). He played a tune on each as I watched, and then he played them again with my eyes closed. I had a 50/50 chance to guess right, and I got it wrong. I have now heard or played dozens of the satin guitars, and they sound like their gloss counterparts to me. Through headphones or good speakers, I hear Laurel, fwiw.

[DownUpDave]

I'll be the first to say it. If you are ready to buy a D-18, run, do not walk back to the "life changing" one and buy it now. I've played a number of D-18s and they are all good, some are great, just like every other make and model they can vary .

[Wade Hampton]

Dave nailed it: buy the guitar that impressed you so much, don’t try to save money in the hopes that a satin finish D-18 sounds as good. These guitars are all individuals, and there’s no guarantees that any of the successive guitars you try will sound remotely as good as the one that blew your mind.


whm

[Zissou Intern]

Originally Posted by DownUpDave

I'll be the first to say it. If you are ready to buy a D-18, run, do not walk back to the "life alerting" one and buy it now. I've played a number of D-18s and they are all good, some are great, just like every other make and model they can vary .

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Dave nailed it: buy the guitar that impressed you so much, don’t try to save money in the hopes that a satin finish D-18 sounds as good. These guitars are all individuals, and there’s no guarantees that any of the successive guitars you try will sound remotely as good as the one that blew your mind.

What Dave and Wade said! When you find it, you know. If you can afford it, buy it.

[lowrider]

Did you ask what they could do on the price of the natural one. You might be surprised at what they say.

When you find a ''life changing'', that's the one you buy.

[sinistral]

Yes, but… I do believe that the Ambertone finish is life-transforming!

[The Orb]

Originally Posted by sinistral

The satin versions are life-altering. There have been a couple of recent threads here on the topic:

A humble opinion on Martin's D-18 satin vs. gloss

D-18/D-28 Satin vs Gloss

Some people find that they sound roughly the same, some people find that they sound better. I haven’t come across anyone here or elsewhere who thinks they sound worse!

In addition to the experiences I mention in those threads, the other day I had the salesman at Rudy’s play the gloss and satin versions of the D-28 for me (they didn’t have one of each of the D-18). He played a tune on each as I watched, and then he played them again with my eyes closed. I had a 50/50 chance to guess right, and I got it wrong. I have now heard or played dozens of the satin guitars, and they sound like their gloss counterparts to me. Through headphones or good speakers, I hear Laurel, fwiw.

Thanks for bringing those threads to my attention. Are guitars with satin finish more prone to dings and scratches?

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by sinistral

Yes, but… I do believe that the Ambertone finish is life-transforming!

Yes;



Since I got mine everything has changed. There are women camping out on my lawn, just for a chance to hear me play!

[sinistral]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Yes;



Since I got mine everything has changed. There are women camping out on my lawn, just for a chance to hear me play!

Did you hair suddenly get wavy and grow out to shoulder length, too?

[SFCRetired]

Originally Posted by The Orb

Thanks for bringing those threads to my attention. Are guitars with satin finish more prone to dings and scratches?

No they are not, if anything they don't show dings and scratches like a gloss will.

A satin finished guitar in most cases will be more open. D-18's are all life changing. I have never played a bad one, so if you want to save some money then go ahead and get a satin. You will be happy with either one. Although I'm sure some folks will always have that thought in the back of their mind its somehow inferior to what they have always thought of what a D18 is supposed to be.

[SalFromChatham]

I have the Satin. And I’ve owned my share of other D18s.

You can’t go wrong!

Count me in the camp that feels the Satin sounds more open.

[JackC1]

Originally Posted by SFCRetired

No they are not, if anything they don't show dings and scratches like a gloss will.

I think the best thing about a satin finish is the shine you can put on them at the contact points. Like leather patina and creases in old shoes; that shine makes the guitar really, really beautiful (on the condition that I put it there myself, of course).

[Bob Womack]

Unlike the attitude from fast food drive-though providers, in guitars, the bird in the hand that calls your name is worth at least two in the bush.

Bob

[Slothead56]

I played a new D-18 5 0r 6 years ago and it was magic and did call my name. At the time I was not looking for another guitar and did not buy it but I remember how incredible it sounded.

Fast forward to last year….I picked up a newer preowned D-18 and, this one too, is magical. It’s beat my OM-28 and HD28vs as my primary gigging guitar…most of the time.

These are fine instrument to be sure.