Martin D18 Unboxing & Review Of Sweetwater's 55-Point Inspection/Shipping
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
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Iconic D-18..just the history alone with it, a must have for any guitarist worth his salt. love mine.
I have to say that rings and sings BEAUTIFULLY out of the box man! Hope you found a love in that guitar, it's my favorite Martin model of all time.
Man this is probably the best D-18 video I’ve seen! Very informative especially about the truss rod adjustment!!
Thank you Charles. I hope to have Groovetech on for an interview soon.
A few months ago I bought the satin D18 and I love it really.
Sounds wonderful with fantastic sustain and plays fairly easy too.
The D18 is a classic!
By law when picking up a Martin you have to play a G chord first. I'm not sure why.
I always do E, is that weird?
@@tacoman864 yes
Cause G chord has more bass (main tone on the 6th bass string)?
No, that’s G-string. You’re supposed to be wearing a G String when unboxing a Martin.
@@feliceconte123 I know exactly what you mean. If it hadn't been D-18 I'd had switched off a lot sooner instead of one second after I wrote this comment..
The D-18 is incredible.... Awesome guitar. I might be tempted to install an electric pickup system in it. This is an iconic instrument.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with your viewers. That makes this an important video for new players.
Thanks Rex!
A few months ago I bought the satin D18 and I love it really.
Sounds wonderful with fantastic sustain and plays fairly easy too.
In regard to mahogany verse rosewood.
I also have a 000-16 street master with Adirondack top and rosewood and it’s got character all its own and it’s super easy to play surprisingly loud and has crystal clear tones. A winner.
Wait until you’ve owned an 18 for 3-4 years, they really open up and sound even better. Also suggest using a Dunlop 207 pick with them, it will bring out your inner Molly Tuttle and really ring!!!
Thanks!
As far as intonation is concerned, it's always a good idea to also check each string at the 5th, 7th and 9th fret and the B string in particular at the 3rd fret as well - the B can be a cranky thing on many guitars at these locations despite being in tune on the open string and at the 12th fret.
I love this guitar. I just bought a D-28 because that's the sound I need for a lot of stuff, but actually I prefer the sound of the D-18. Fact is, I already have a very warm sounding J-45 and I wanted something that's on the other side of the acoustic sound spectrum. Hence the D-28. But man, I love the D-18. ❤️
Congrats Mario! Send me some photos for the Martin guitar live stream if you like! sayhi@aaronshortmusic.com
@@aaronshortmusic : I will if I remember by the time I actually get it. I bought it, but I’ll have to wait for another month to be able to pick it up. So this is going to be a loooooong month for me. 😰
Thanks! 😃👍
I just got my D-18 as well, of course the D-28 is next on the list of "must have guitars"!
@@jdmcquerry Congrats!
For those wondering, they ship it in tune because the manufacturer's themselves ship it in tune as well.
Interesting. I’ll have to ask them about that. Different people tell me different reasons behind that.
I don’t think it needs to be tuned down.
Yes do smell the opening below the strings.i always did that with my father’s 1945 D-18. It had a really strong smell of the cedar. It is some,ting unique for Martin Guitars. It always amazed me that after 70 years, it still had a really strong cedar smell..
It’s an unexpected bonus. Lol!
It's not made of Cedar though! It's mahogany back and sides and spruce top.
Whitty Maybe he is just describing the smell that way. Whatever it is it’s very tasty!!! Lol
@@aaronshortmusic sorry to be that guy lol...I know what he means, that wood smell 😀
Whitty Yeah LoL
Really informative video, I don't often find such on-topic points in an unboxing! Covering the truss rod is awesome because it's super simple and makes a HUGE difference. Have fun!
Thanks for watching!
Love the D 18 wish my shoulders were not so bad I would have one. A friend of mine from Kentucky who happens to be named Jimmy Martin has a sunburst D 18 that is absolutely AMAZING !!!
Everyone's a critic, but damn man, you legitimately had to express your thoughts on it not being in tune straight out of the box.
I think it’s worth mentioning. It’s very impressive for a guitar to be almost perfectly in tune after being shipped across the country.
@@aaronshortmusic I would be more concerned that it was shipped in tune. Color me old fashioned, but I worry that hitting cold will put more string tension on the neck,. If not damaging, then stressing it. Some tension is fine, but at least two or three steps below tune for shipping.
I also worry about coming from being outside on hot days into an air conditioned room. I let my guitar sit in the case a while before opening it.
But great video, thanks.
Alan McEntee Hey Alan. I was always told this but Sweetwater do it this way now. I will have to ask them their thoughts behind it.
I would say Sweetwater does that purely because shipping the guitar in tune poses no problems at all. Typical guitarist urban myth. No way a guitar neck could break because of string tension. The biggest risk for shipping damage is sloppy packaging: when the guitar can move and bump inside the case/ box, there is a risk of headstock break. This ocassionally happens, and people mistakingly blame string tension for the damage done.
Geert Zwager Agree and also some customers like to receive a guitar in tune!
Just picked up a D18 from the Nazareth PA factory. Blown away.
Congrats!
It sounded lovely! Congrats man.
Thank you! I cannot wait to get a pickup installed next week!
Now that brings up the question: what pick up system will you use?
Awesome video man truly enjoyed this. Very educational.
Thank you for your support.
Your very welcome. I was hard pressed between the D-28 and the D-18. I for some reason just fell in love with the D18.
This guy is just pure rocknroll. Lives life on the edge.
That said it's a good reference video.
"stretching the strings" is a real deal! More so than stretching the strings, what it does is pull the ends up closer to the bridge. This happens anyway due to the tension of them being tuned up, and then you go out of tune. You can fast forward by giving them a nice tug. Not necessary, but it's helpful. I don't see that it should cause any damage, really. I guess maybe it could bring some tension to the bridge plate and perhaps wear it out sooner... like in 30-65 years instead of 35-70... just guessing though... Guitar sounds great!
Yes I always stretch ‘em after a restring!
Slot the Bridge and use solid pins and you won't have any issue like that. I do it on all my guitars no matter how expensive. Also I ramp the bridge.
But you are correct. Stretching strings are extremely important. Every string change up you should stretch them the correct way.
You lucky guy you.
Very nice I have seven guitars all made left handed copies but high end copies they all sound great your guitar real nice good sound and quality i bought all my guitars from rondo music in New hampshire all shipped to me in Florida all in excellent condition
I like just like this Martin D18❤️🎉👍 Exelence!
Thanks Man!👍
Awesome guitar my friend! Martin guitars are the best. And I love the 18 series. I have a custom shop 000-18 sinker mahogany with Adirondack spuce top! It's an amazing looking and sounding guitar. Your D-18 sounds spectacular too! Great choice! Love how the 18 series isn't too flashy, just pure sounding gold. Keep on rocking my friend 🎸 🤘
Thank you! Please check out the Martin guitar show on Monday’s at 4pm EST. It would be great to see you there!
I bought a D18 in 1968 for $300 (incl the hard shell case). I still play it, and it sounds great. I especially like the feel of the neck. Great guitar…..treat yourself and get one.
Thanks for sharing!
Can't believe it needs to be said, but DO NOT exceed a 1/4 turn on the truss rod without checking what kind of change it has induced.
Thanks but it worked great and has been ever since. Love it!
@@aaronshortmusic It's good practice to slacken the strings before tightening the truss Rod, as you are increasing and fighting the extra string tension.
@@1970sman Thanks but it’s never been a problem over all these years…
I purchased a Guild D55 from Musicians Friend. It arrived double boxed and pretty much in tune.
I like MF too. Especially the Private Reserve.
Brilliant vid - great to see your experience - just made the same order !
Congrats!
You can get dents and dings when you wack that radiator you keep swinging that guitar next to.
It hasn’t happened yet!
@@aaronshortmusic You got me on the edge of my seat.
Mike Brady Don’t worry. No Martins were harmed during the filming of this video! Lol
Great job! Thanks. I'm considering this one and the D-28.
Very nice. Check out the HD-28 as well!
I recently played the D-18 and the D-28. I found the D-28 to have more bass and volume. Imho ideal for strumming work, while the D-18 had more crispy high tones in it and I would say it would be better for f.i. finger picking and playng solos.
Geert Zwager They are both different and amazing guitars!
Geert Zwager I ended up buying the D28; however.... I had such problems with it I took it back. A little later I bought a Orangewood Ecko (live), and I love it! Fraction of the cost and it plays so crisp. I think it plays Better than the Martin. Sorry.
Stephen Smith Wow I will have to try one! How does it sound?
How’s the guitar aging? I have a 2017 D18 and man it just kept opening up over the first year, even still doing some. Just keeps sounding better. I swapped out the plastic bridge pins for ebony and definitely recommend trying that out. Very minimal cost for solid improvement in clarity
Hi Robby. I actually sold it and bought an HD28. I have always been a fan of those guitars. I did like the D18 and would love to own one again one day. I do have another mahogany guitar that is a smaller body. I’m glad that you are enjoying yours!
Aaron Short Music still a great choice of course, can’t go wrong there. Just curious, thanks!
Robby Naumann I love them all Robby!
Great insight and demo.
Thanks Billy!
Good advice on the trust rod adjustment
I ship all of my guitars in tune. I've never had an issue. I would detune a full step if it was an older/vintage guitar.
I agree. I usually just loosen the strings a 1/4 turn but I don’t think it matters either way.
This D-18 is an excellent example of a reissued D-18 as it has an ebony fingerboard and open tuners. It is identical to my fathers 1945 guitar with the exception of the Adi sound board. By the way 1945 was the last year for the Adi soundboard. During the 60s and 70s the bridge and fretboard was made of rosewood which I consider a downgrade. this guitar is now being played by the third generation of our family. In the sixties, I hitch hiked all over the US and played it to earn enough money to make it to the next town. This is a truly amazing instrument and if you take care if it, it will last for generations!
Thank you for sharing that George!
Slotted bridge?
I bought a new HD28 and had to adjust the trust rod and shave the saddle. Martin typical comes with high action.
I wouldn’t say high action but of course it is all personal preference and also deends on who set up the guitar that day. I always have to adjust the truss rod as the weather affects it and I occasionally have to the shave the slightest amount of saddle. Remember that it’s easier to lower a saddle than to raise it.
@@aaronshortmusic @10:16
sc12100 That was the truss rod. I have to tighten them 85% of the time out of a shipping box.
congrts!
This is my dream
The D-18 is a great guitar!
Check out American musical supply. Com you can finance anything there up to 4k. I just bought a martin d18e
Taco Man Nice! Which pickup system does it have?
Its the fisher vt
Taco Man Nice, love Fishman!
Love the new guitar SMELL!
Can’t beat it!
Bought the same guitar 2months ago cant put it down have a hd28 also but the 18 is becomeing my favorite.
Awesome. Both great guitars!
I appreciate the attention to detail. Just ordered mine. Did you notice some unevenness in the finish on the back of the headstock? Sweetwater sent me pics and it appears lighter and darker in spots especially in that area.
Are you talking about the ‘wings’ on either side? That is normal. Just check it when you get it and let Sweetwater know if there’s any problem.
Thanks for the tips
You’re welcome Kev!
Sounds great, good demo.
Thank you!
excellent video. instead of bitching about the playability and blaming the neck relief on martin factory, he just shows how to fix it. when i hear reviewers go on about how the guitar sucks out of the box, i just click off the video.
Thanks Luca. Acoustic guitars need to be adjusted for the player. If it doesn’t then you just got lucky lol!
What’s even better/worse is when they bitch about the strings. Geez!
This video is very good and very educational.
I have had experiences with three different online acoustic guitar stores and five guitars. These were Eastman, Takamine, and Yamaha. Price ranges from 1300$-1600$.
Hardshell cases had minor to some traces, one had defects. This is not a big deal.
Guitars had finishing issues, the unacceptable ones being on the fretboard, the bridge, the nut and on the top wood. These are all critical.
The overall impression is that general QC is essentially not that good.
I hope this encourages people to inspection guitars at home and if things are not as they should be, with a brand new guitar, return them.
Hi yes you are right and indeed with ANY online purchase the items should be checked over carefully right away.
did they charge you for returns?
Sweetwater is amazing!
Yes they are fantastic!!
The D-18 sounds great but even greater with ebony bridge pins.....trust!
Hi Aaron, thanks for sharing this video. I had a couple of questions. I've played a Martin in a store and also noticed the high action, but just assumed they had to be that way. Can the D16 and D18s play ok with low action, or do you have to change to thinner strings when the action is low? Do you find that other Martin models like the D16 use the same size truss rod size of 5mm?
Hi. The truss rods are all the same apart from the new Modern Deluxe series. The action doesn’t relate to string gauge. It’s common for guitars to ship with a slightly high action as it’s easier to lower than raise the saddle. Find a guitar you like and then have the action lowered by a good tech.
@@aaronshortmusic I bought my D16 from a local music store since I just prefer to play it before I buy. This is only my second acoustic but I will say that none of the videos do its sound justice. It sounds and plays great! I am very glad to have made this purchase. Thanks for all the advice here.
G East You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it!
I agree. When you buy a new guitar (especially in that price range). It should be perfect. Sweetwater usually doesn't let me down. Humbucker music is great as well. They never open the factory boxes so its essentially straight from the factory and less hands on it is a good thing. With Guitar center, you never now how many people have played it and dinged it.
Guitar Center stock from the warehouse is usually untouched. It’s best when the dealer inspects the guitar and checks the set up (as long as they do it correctly of course!).
Sounds good!
Thanks Al!
When I buy new from sweet water do I get Martin lifetime warranty?
Yes you do.
If buying a Martin I would hope they know these basic of an acoustic guitar...
That's a really nice looking red mahogany ! and has great tone too. Congratulations !!
Aaron quick on the spot answer needed. Off the top of your head - d28 in ambertone or d18 in ambertone. Which would you choose.
You can’t go wrong with a D18, D28 or HD28. They all have their own sounds and it’s best to try them in person. The D18 is the lightest and most affordable but I would personally go for a HD-28. It’s the gold standard for me.
My dream acoustic guitar is a Martin.. In my opinion, Nothing on this planet earth sounds as good as a Martin..
They are excellent guitars!
@@aaronshortmusic I Took the tour through the Martin guitar factory in Nazareth, Pa years ago.. I played just about every guitar in their waiting room that you were allowed to play that wasn’t behind glass.. I was in heaven!!!
@@briangisler1981 You might like tomorrow’s video…
@@aaronshortmusic Oh boy, what?? Hope I see it.. It deals with Martin? I hope..
@@briangisler1981 It just went live, enjoy!
Every guitar I’ve bought from Sweetwater has arrived tuned a half step down, slightly flat. I’m not sure if it’s the change in humidity and temperature between northern Indiana and central Florida or what, but it has been remarkably consistent.
D18 definitely has more in the mids than the D28 - and I assume the HD28 which has the big bass and treble, but missing mid range. I love my D18 - but you need both.
I feel like the D-28 has the most mids with it’s non-scalloped bracing but I agree that a D18 and an HD-28 would complement each other well.
Neck relief and string height are related but two different things. Just saying. You can lower the height at the nut and at the saddle. That’s how I do it.
Yeah I usually start by checking the neck relief and then adjust the saddle if needed.
Brit: You can use a torch to inspect your guitar.
American: Noooooooo!
LOL!
Oh yeah, also, it's okay if the headstock bows down or whatever, right? It's just sort of a matter of physics. On something like a size 0 guitar, that's always going to happen unless it's got ebony back and sides or something crazy. And if you attach the strap "cowboy" style, that doesn't happen. ;) Curious why you prefer the strap button. Just more comfy? I did it cowboy style for years, then strap button style for years. I don't think I have a preference, but getting a button installed can be a pain! Some have said attaching the strap to the headstock can pull the neck or headstock, but you'd have to fret/yank pretty hard to do that, compared to the massive amount of pull the strings are already affecting on the headstock.
I just like how it looks and it means that it doesn’t get in the way of my fretting hand.
@@aaronshortmusic Got you. Yes, it does sometimes get in the way of the fretting hang! I definitely remember getting "stuck" at the headstock briefly at times! I suppose my thumb (which I often use on the bass string) sticks out and gets entangled. Had forgotten about that. :P
Taylor doesn’t loosen tension prior to shippng
No one does anymore.
Coincidentally, it was two years ago today that you posted this video. Do you still enjoy it? What are your thoughts about it now? Which pickup?
I have the D18GE with Adirondack spruce top and of course, I love it! I went with a K and K pure mini.it sounds very natural but some feedback issues without a preamp.
Wow time flies. I have been through several guitars since the D18 but it really was excellent. I am just more into the rosewood models and I don’t want to own both. Maybe I’ll discuss it on today’s gear chat.
@@aaronshortmusic please tell me what time and I will try to find it
@@johnwashburn3793 4pm EST
I'll be there!
@@johnwashburn3793 Cool!
You still have it? Like it? Bought one myself last week.
I do not, I sold it to fund an HD-28 but I do regret it. Mahogany guitars are excellent in their own way.
Hi Aaron, how is your D18 going? I am planning to buy one. What do you think about a D28?
Hi. It was excellent but I sold it and bought an HD-28 instead. The reimagined HD-28 is my absolute favorite guitar. It’s personal preference though. The D-18 is more affordable and lighter.
It was tuned down a half step brother. You wild
You’re wrong. It was in standard tuning.
@@aaronshortmusic your wrong
@@RumoursOfFamine OK!
@@aaronshortmusiclol Rick is wrong!😂
You didn't even sniff test it? How can you go over a new martin without smelling the inside Spanish cedar kerfing.
Steve. The aroma was so potent that I did not need to, it was delicious! :-)
I would never tightened a truss rod without loosening the strings first. Could screw up the truss rod or break it. Can loosen without worry but never tighten . Sorry, makes me wonder !!!! Must have lots of extra money. By the way, the guitar sounds great, wish I could afford one. Lucky you my friend!
James that’s simply not right. It’s fine to adjust it at tension and there’s no luck involved, only hard work. Happy Easter!
I got a D-18 recently and the music shop I bought it from offered me a free setup, and the truss rod BROKE. Thank God their Luthier did it and not me. Brand new guitar. They did give me a replacement D-18. BTW, is that a D-18, because my D-18 is much darker mahogany, and the D-28 is lighter rosewood?
Hey I’m sorry to hear that happened! Yes it’s a D-18, all wood is different and makes them all unique :-)
U THINK THEY WOUDL PUT FRAGILE STICKERS ON OUTSIDE BOX
It’s not fragile really. It’s in a hard shell case.
Bought my D18 in 2018. Still paying for it lmao. Great guitar and pairs well with my Gibson J45.
Very nice. You’re a Mahogany fan!
@@aaronshortmusic yes I love the tone of mahogany and the D18 and J45 are both great for so many styles of music. I'm mostly a rock and alternative artist and I just love how solid the build is. They will really take any thing you throw at them. Had a pickup system installed in the D18.
Shawn Jesseman Which pickup did you install?
@@aaronshortmusic I went with the L.R. Baggs Element. It's what came standard on the J45 and I was used to it. So I just had the same one installed on the Martin. And not too expensive.
Cool video!
@2:40, anxiety was triggered hahah
Lol always unbox guitars with friends so that they can help you!
D-18 - Sitka Spruce and Honduran Mahogany - best combination.
Sounds tasty!
do they have them in East Indian Rosewood ?
Jack Ridge Yes. That would be the D-28!
Nice review! One day I'll get a D18
Thank you!
Hello Aaron could you please give me some info on purchasing a d18 from the US and which shop ships to the UK
Hey Red. I’m afraid that Martin do not allow dealers to do that. Unless you can buy privately you will have to purchase in the UK. That is probably better since you will be able to try it out first.
I believe Martin doesn't ship a truss rod tool with the instrument to discourage people from hopelessly fucking up the neck with ill-advised adjustments. Just a thought.
I think they may say that but it’s very hard to mess up a truss rod and it’s something that often does need to be adjusted. I think it’s fine but every guitarist should purchase the tool for their guitar and learn how to make the adjustment. It’s super annoying when you need the tool and don’t have it.
@@aaronshortmusic I'll respectfully disagree. I've seen more than a few irreparably damaged necks caused by overzealous adjustment. Anyhoo, thats just my opinion and as such, has little to no value. Lol. Have a great day.
@@RussClarkRocks I get it. It’s difficult because it’s the kind of thing that could cause damage but ultimately needs to be done to the guitar. I’m thinking of other brands where the tool is hard to locate.
This is five years ago.
Time flies. My experience is still the same with guitars I’ve purchased recently.
Also, there is no evidence that there is any advantage to shipping a guitar tuned down.
Is it not good practice to loosen strings for transit in case they break and scratched the guitar??
No it’s all about the tension on the neck but many manufacturers ship their guitars in tune.
Well done. My D 18 Vintage Martin stands head & shoulders over my brother's D 28. The D 18 sounds great. ,plays extremely easy and is a joy for singing tenor . Not heavy,just right, and what more can I say. Try it. Buy it, if it strikes you right. You won't regret it. Hn.
Thanks Joe!
That T-shirt should have a Triangle added.👽👽👽Have yet to come across a Martin with a poor Action New or Used.
Yeah. Just gotta adjust the truss rod sometimes and maybe shave the saddle the tiniest amount. All personal preference and all very easy to do!
If you start playing I find it hard to believe you do that with a Martin D 18 unless you're from a guitar playing familie who can help you setup your guitar and learn what you need to know, I'm playing for 12 years now and just now I start to think about a more expensive guitar.
They don’t include a tool because otherwise 90% of people would ruin their instrument / adjustment
That’s the argument but everyone needs one. I like the more expensive tools with a handle anyway. I’m sure if it was included it would be just be the basic one.
Detuning for shipping is a myth. Should be shipped in tune.
I agree (and so do Sweetwater)!
How much did you spend?
I honestly don't remember but the prices have increased since.
I wanna buy a nice acoustic, I tend to find everyone I play in store action is too high from 7th fret to the sound hole, do you find you need to sand down the saddle? Is that a bad idea to do?
It’s pretty common. Most guitars are set on the high side as it’s easier to lower the saddle than raise it. I would suggest you have a good guitar tech do it to your liking.
Mitch Wild Awesome!
Mitch Wild Yes I agree!
I'd love to have one of those :)
Martin know how to make great guitars!
@@aaronshortmusic MAY I ASK YOU IN YOUR OPINION WHO MAKES THE ABSOLUTE BEST ACOUSTIC GUITARS? IT SEEMS AS THE MAJORITY THINK MARTIN IS BUT WHAT IS YOURS?
Wayne Stacey I love Martin for the history, quality and price (and also availability). Also every guitar is so unique and you should try to play a bunch of them before you spend your money. It’s all so subjective but that’s why Martin is my choice. I am open to trying other brands too but I am happy with my Martins. Also the factory is not too far from me so it’s easy to take my guitar there if I have a quick question or if it needs service.
@@aaronshortmusic I have no way of trying a martin only the D-15 with a hole in it a friend ownd and still sound awesome with the hole in it.He traded me a Sigma DM15 for an electric les Paul kick off i had but never played and he never played the sigma. I Love it so now i want a real Martin and am looking towards this model
www.long-mcquade.com/88668/Guitars/Acoustic-Guitars/Martin-Guitars/D-15M-StreetMaster-w-Gig-Bag.htm. Hopefully in the new year i will be looking into one
Wayne Stacey Thats awesome!
12:46 cracking sound...? i can see in his eyes a mini heart attack was about to come!
It’s perfectly normal, the Modern Deluxe Truss rods make a clicking sound which was even more worrying the first time lol.
@@aaronshortmusic Really? i did not know. then i guess that i was the one who was about to have the heart attack with this sound! thanks
Fotis Always turn slowly and check as you go. And breathe! Lol
What is the cost of a D18? about $2,400?
Sweetwater currently says $2499. You may be able to get a discount but since they are in short supply right now I am not so sure.
1 year later. $2799. 😯
I agree with Aaron that a straight neck is easier to play. What Aaron needed to mention when talking about truss rod adjustment, IMO, is checking the neck relief. This is done by fretting the low-e string on the 1st fret and fret where the neck joins the body (usually the 14th fret on most steel string guitars).. As you are doing this (fretting 1st & 14th), tap the low-e string over the 7th fret - For a straight neck with little relief, there should be 0.5mm - 0.1mm gap between 7th fret and string... The reason this needed to be mentioned is you don't want to over-tighten the truss (and back-bow the neck).. If all this sounds too complicated then take it to someone who knows how to do the setup as playing around with the truss is better if you understand what you are doing ...
Also I heartily disagree with Aarons suggestion of 13s - Great way to murder an expensive guitar!! Almost all guitars (especially expensive Martins and Gibsons) under-brace their guitars a little so anything heavier than 10s risks pulling the top up after a few years (top-bow / bridge-bow) resulting in a high, unplayable action (may take 10-20 years) but spending 3-10K on a guitar I would want it to last a lifetime - Putting on 13s is a sure way to half its life expectancy - almost every 20+ year old guitar will have 10s on (if the luthier / tech knows what they are doing)....
Wez..
For a straight neck with little relief, there should be 0.5mm - 0.1mm
SHOULD HAVE READ
For a straight neck with little relief, there should be 0.05mm - 0.1mm (one-twentieth to one-tenth of a mm or basically little under a hairs width) - so the string just can tap the fret (not contacting the fret)...
10’s? Interesting. I will say that I am using .12’s now. I’m sure the tension will mean a neck reset is required sooner than later but I guess you gotta use what you like. For neck relief I also agree with you but I know what I like and I do it by feel. It works for me and whenever my tech sees my guitars he usually says the neck is slightly back bowed but that’s ok if you like it.. these things can be subjective but I do enjoy hearing what others like.
Mine gets here Tuesday. Went through zzounds though. Love sweetwater too though!
Congratulations!
We need an update!
Jrbr 549 What would you like to know?
I absolutely love this guitar. Couldn’t be happier with it. I really lucked out buying one unseen on the net. This guitar booms! He’s right that a lot of people will need to adjust the action out of the box. I do a lot of flat picking though so it was fine for my purposes. My only concern is how light this thing is for a dread. I’m wondering if it will be more susceptible for cracking etc.
Colin Gashette I don’t think so. The top is the same but the Mahogany back and sides are light weight, I think that’s a good thing!
9:57 - I got a torch and accidentally set my guitar on fire
Oops. I wasn’t speaking in medieval language!
You should wait several hours even over night. For best results any time of year. I'm a big fan of Martin guitar also. I have a D35. I have always wanted a D18. There nice guitars. I hope you enjoy it.
I agree. Always wait for a guitar to adjust to room temperature before opening. 24 hours if you’re unsure. Obviously this isn’t always possible if you’re traveling to a gig or something and also don’t leave the guitar next to a radiator or a fireplace etc. Try to avoid extreme temperature changes.
Was your guitar set up by Sweetwater before it was shipped?
No. I find Martin setups to be consistently very good from the factory.
@@aaronshortmusic I just ordered a d18 from Sweetwater but also had them set it up. I’m hoping because of that I wont have to do any truss rod adjustment..
@@evanwanous2466 There will always be times you need to adjust the truss rod. It’s not hard to do. Just be careful and buy a good quality tool for the job! If you are in the livestream chat tomorrow I’ll show you how to do it.
I think you have OCD like me
That’s definitely a possibility!
I usually play a C chord first position, then a G and D in first position. Then I do A and E as well. Nice review Mr. Aaron
Thank you!
You’re playing Hey Joe.
Neck angle? Intonation....usually Martin doesn't worry much about it.....even Nazareth!
Can't believe they didn't but a rear strap button on it.
It’s tradition. Some people don’t want a strap button. Personally I do and it would be easier for me if they installed them at the factory. I haven’t had an issue with intonation on a Martin guitar. If you ever have an issue just give them a call, if you live close to the factory you can even go there in person.
They include the end pin but do not ship with it installed. If the bottom of the guitar got bumped it could crack the body
What doe this guy mean by 13 strings?
0.13 Medium gauge.
Sweetwater will send you a truss rode tool if you call them
Sweetwater are great and if they did that for you that’s awesome. I wouldn’t expect them to send one out to everybody though. Also I really like the ‘Groovetech’ tool and would rather pay a few extra dollars for that over the basic truss rod tool. For some reason I used to struggle with the basic wrenches but the Groovetech works perfectly every time. Thanks for watching.
10 cents worth of candy for a $2500.00 guitar and yet people are tickled to get it.
It’s just a bit of fun isn’t it.
Anyone who gets a Martin D-18 as a starter guitar is lucky as hell. PLASTIC END PINS?!?!
A lot of acoustic guitars have plastic bridge pins. I don't mind them.
@@aaronshortmusic I'm sure Martin does not mind them either. For the money they charge they should be Bone or Tusq...better yet, you should have a choice. I won't pay the extra $1000 for the name. Great guitars but not that great, just storied.
@@mikecostigan9913 I tried other bridge pins but came back to the plastic ones. Maybe I am just used to them.
@@aaronshortmusic That's fair. I actually hear a better sustain/resonance with Tusq vs Plastic. Just seems a bit cheap for Martin to use plastic on a D18. Like I said, they should at least offer a choice. Is the Nut plastic?
@@mikecostigan9913 Noo the nut and saddle are bone. I was also told me a respected builder that mass at the bridge can affect tone. The plastic pins are the lightest so I guess that could be considered a good thing.