guitar similar to older Martin 000-18

[mercy]

I want to get a new guitar. I like the 1 11/16 nut for rhythm like they used to be but youve got to pay too much for the Martin name and they are 1 3/4 now. I had one so Ive gotten over the name mystique, Ive had the experience now I just want the function.

[Jaden]

I like the Martin 000-15m; an astute ear on this board has described the new 000-18 as a “D-18 light” which I agree with.

[blindboyjimi]

Absolutely no affiliation but you are near me and I’ve been looking at this 1966 000-18 on CL. Now you’d have the “name”, a vintage-y tone, and be under the cost of a new one. I’d be looking for a 60’s 000-18, but there are many other 000s with 1 11/16” out there.

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...926389071.html

[Kinda Old]

Short scale, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, concert size. Many makers of these. Great woody sound from this combo.

[mercy]

I was hoping for some suggestions of subs in the $1200 and under range and yes short scale. I used the word new in the OP but I meant new to me, sorry. I actually prefer used.

[mercy]

someone said Many makers of these, examples?

[lowrider]

You have it wrong. You don't pay for the name, you pay for the tone. The name is what tells you that you are getting the tone. If they were called Chris's guitars and had the same sound and the same history, they'd be just as desirable.

An 000-16 comes to mind;

https://reverb.com/marketplace?query=martin%20000-16

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by mercy

someone said Many makers of these, examples?

Eastman are well regarded hereabouts and seem to be well specified for not a huge outlay. Here's the E10 OM; slightly longer scale than a OOO but that's pretty much the only difference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLFFEThNeQk

[UncleJesse]

I recently got an Eastman E20OM-TC which is really a 000 with a baked red spruce top. Sounds incredible. But if you're wanting the Martin sound this won't have it. It's more pronounced in the mids and doesn't have the deep bass even my Martin ceo7 has. But it's more balanced top to bottom and resonates forever. So that's an option, or an E10OM/E10OM-TC for a mahogany version instead of a rosewood version like mine.

[mercy]

Thanks guys, that is what I was hoping for, ideas. I am not needing the Martin tone but the -16 is long scale and the Eastmans are long scale/wide nut. Im looking for the 18 specs, the functionality. It could be rosewood so a -28 clone would be ok too.

[jkilgour2000]

Maybe Blueridge?

[tomcstokes59]

Mercy
All of the Eastman OMs are 24.9" so more like a Martin 000 than an OM. They do have 1.75" nuts and no they don't sound like Martins.

[Kinda Old]

Originally Posted by mercy

someone said Many makers of these, examples?

I like this one espcally for the money.

https://www.elderly.com/collections/...stic-guitar-41

[DenverSteve]

Originally Posted by mercy

I was hoping for some suggestions of subs in the $1200 and under range and yes short scale. I used the word new in the OP but I meant new to me, sorry. I actually prefer used.

Originally Posted by mercy

someone said Many makers of these, examples?

There aren't. The 000-18 is a guitar that I've only found rivaled by more expensive guitars. You can get close with some Eastman, or similar, offerings but it's a lot like wanting a D-18 sound but only want to spend $500 - it's not likely. So, my suggestion is save a few hundred more and find a great used Martin 000-18 and have the real deal. Most people would be happier in the long run.

[mercy]

That Recording King that Kinda Old suggested seems to fit the bill perfectly. As far as being as good as a Martin Im sure its not.