#1
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Best D18 for Bluegrass flatpicking?
Howdy,
My next purchase will be a D18. I am really getting into the styles of Tony Rice and Billy Strings. My chops are getting there too, kinda [emoji4]. Anyways, I don't want to buy the "wrong one" or have regrets I didnt spring for a vintage unit or a GE model. At the end of the day, is there really that big of a difference between those or a recent model at half the cost? I know there can be gems and duds on every level but any advice will help. Especially if you have owned one. I have several rosewood guitars and am looking specifically for a D18 at this point. Thanks |
#2
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The D18's produced in 2012 and later are overall pretty great...you should be able to find one at a reasonable price. If it's within your range however, a used D-18GE can be a fantastic deal, and frequently a lot closer to the sound you'll get from a vintage one at a FAR lower cost.
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#3
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There are D-18GE models available used...it's a bluegrass monster. Check reverb.com. It's a cut above the standard model D-18 for the style of music you're interested in. Also, the 75th Anniversary D-18 that came out in 2008/2009 is essentially a D-18GE in a different outer package.
FWIW I had a '62 D-18 that had a neck set/refret and a few cracks fixed/cleated and it was a great sounding D-18 but I still preferred the newer D-18GE to the '62.
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Jim Dogs Welcome......People Tolerated! Last edited by llew; 06-20-2019 at 10:56 AM. |
#4
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I believe the "GE" has been discontinued. It had an Adirondack top. It had a voice that was a little punchier and the bass was less muddy but the current standard sounds "sweeter".
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Nothing bothers me unless I let it. Martin D18 Gibson J45 Gibson J15 Fender Copperburst Telecaster Squier CV 50 Stratocaster Squier CV 50 Telecaster |
#5
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Psst ---- here's a secret: Martin America 1 Model. Built to the specs of a D-18 but sycamore back and sides and Adi top. I compared mine side by side to a D-18 before buying it, which paled in comparison.
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"I've always thought of bluegrass players as the Marines of the music world" – (A rock guitar guy I once jammed with) Martin America 1 Martin 000-15sm Recording King Dirty 30s RPS-9 TS Taylor GS Mini Baton Rouge 12-string guitar Martin L1XR Little Martin 1933 Epiphone Olympic 1971 square neck Dobro |
#6
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Sycamore! Interesting.......
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#7
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In what ways?
__________________
Nothing bothers me unless I let it. Martin D18 Gibson J45 Gibson J15 Fender Copperburst Telecaster Squier CV 50 Stratocaster Squier CV 50 Telecaster |
#8
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If by D18 you mean Martin brand, there are a lot of choices but you don’t state your price range.
If by D18 you mean a spruce/mahogany dreadnought, I suggest a plain jane Collings D1 (not D1A), used. There are a few around right now. I’d say a high price for excellent condition would be 2500, low around 2000. Good luck on your quest. |
#9
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I think the best D-18 for you is the one that you go out and find live, either new or used. If you just want a d-18 buy it online and the one that arrives will most likely blow you away. If you want the absolute best one for you, not for me, not for your favorite BG player, you've got to go find that one!
Good luck, guitar shopping is just as much fun as playing. I love it! |
#10
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I was considering a D-18 but purchased this instead. Maybe worth a look?
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...40s-tt-natural
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"All the money is down around the third fret" A couple of good guitars Mac Computer #2 Pencil Various Scraps of Paper |
#11
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__________________
"All the money is down around the third fret" A couple of good guitars Mac Computer #2 Pencil Various Scraps of Paper |
#12
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The best D-18 is a Takamine EF340tt...half the money....same specs, just as good a tone..check it out.
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Free speech...its' not for everybody |
#13
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Quote:
Wow! I honestly did not see your post. I agree with you 100%. I found one used but in perfect shape. This guitar rocks.
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Free speech...its' not for everybody |
#14
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Running out for popcorn now..
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#15
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Everything. Volume, tone and responsiveness. To me, the America 1 sounds more "like a Martin" than the D-18.
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"I've always thought of bluegrass players as the Marines of the music world" – (A rock guitar guy I once jammed with) Martin America 1 Martin 000-15sm Recording King Dirty 30s RPS-9 TS Taylor GS Mini Baton Rouge 12-string guitar Martin L1XR Little Martin 1933 Epiphone Olympic 1971 square neck Dobro |