Ok so, after spending a few more days with it I decided to keep the D-18 (I know I said I was sending them all back, that was the plan when I shot this video) But I have a cool idea for this guitar, I’ll post a follow up video in the next few days.
I felt the same way after picking up my D-18. There’s just something about the resonance of the strings, the iconic Martin Mahogany sound and the surge of joy that courses thru you after picking up a D-18. In addition it’s not so expensive that you’re afraid to take it out. Enjoy it and thanks for the review. Looking forward to your next review where we might be able to hear the others you missed?
Absolutely. And many others by the phenom called Led Zeppelin. Its mind boggling… My son once called me and asked if I had ever heard of a band called Led Zeppelin….
@@Sammywhat That whole band was the stars aligning for something very special that happened musically. JPJ is not only an iconic bass player, but listen to his keyboards on no quarter and other songs. Really talented guy. RP’s vocals, OMG and Bonzo. They all had their own musical identities that supported each other. Such a phenomenon.
Your observation about the wood drying out and sound getting better is spot on.. I have a 50 year old Guild D-25 I got for my 17th birthday… sounds way better than when it was new
Have you considered that it might be because you’ve lost some hearing after so many years? It sounds better over time because you hear fewer flaws in the playing.
I’m from Pennsylvania, not too far from Nazareth, and toured the Martin factory when I last visited. Actually, I toured twice because I loved it so much! Highly recommend if you get in the area. ❤
@@RideAcrossTheRiver I don’t know but the Nazareth factory was great! These employees are genuine craftsmen who take pride in their work and seem to love what they do. They were all very nice and didn’t seem bothered by tours walking through all day every day.
A few weeks ago I finally pulled the trigger on a Standard D-18 in Ambertone. I've been playing it nonstop ever since. I couldn't be happier with everything about it. The Ambertone doesn't affect the sound but it sure looks great.
Thank you for your honesty on everything from value for price and tone quality of each instrument. When I’m ready to purchase my next Martin, the D18 will be the one for me.
Really enjoyed that. After owning a (very) vintage Martin, I have really started appreciating old wood. A new guitar takes in the region of 10 years to open up in my experience, if you play it a couple of hours a week. But also - a guitar is a) an individual (they never sound the same), and b) personal to you. You need to have that click. So yes, if you have 10K to spend, I would recommend playing as many as you can, including vintage, and look for the one that is love at first hearing. I am a huge Martin fan, and I wanted a 000-28 Amberburst, but when I tested 4 of them side by side, none of them spoke to me. And I bought an Atkin J43, which is a relic'd Gibson J45 copy. I never lusted after an Atkin, but this guitar just spoke to me, connected with me, and I just wanted to take it home after playing guitars that were much more expensive. Similarly, I had a $1300 Yamaha that was just amazing. If you are in the market for budget, check out Yamaha, they are fantastic and solid wood. So - always trust your ears. And when you're ready, buy a guitar with the view of never selling it. When you form a bond, when you play it for decades, it makes a difference. It becomes more than a possession, it becomes part of how you see yourself. Happy playing everyone!
A luthier once told me it takes a long time for a guitar to forget it was a tree, and I believe that! My main gigging guitar now is a 1968 D-18. It’s just so… bold. Not subtle, but it cuts through anything. I took it camping in a rainforest, and it did not give a dang about the humidity. I’d get up in the morning in the misty rain, and it sounded fabulous, even though my fingers were swollen and sticky from the air itself. I have a couple of high quality guitars from the 80s and they’re also just so, so alive. I recently got my first new-new guitar in 20 years (a Larivee L-09), and it’s opening up SO fast, changing almost daily. It’s going to take 10 years to fully stabilize, I think. But it’s so well made, and the wood is so fundamentally good, I think it’s going to be a monster.
@ Larivee is excellent, for sure. And they’ve never sacrificed quality, resorting to laminated woods or offshored production, just to make more product and more money. They make guitars designed to last 100 years or more, and sell them at prices non-millionaires can afford. My collection includes vintage Martin, Mossman, Lowden, and more, and my Larivee is on par with any of them in terms of sound, construction quality, and beauty.
@@davestagner I agree that Larrivee makes great guitars, and so does Lowden. Lowden is upper echelon, though, on a par with Collings for their 35 and 50 series. But I like that Lowden's guitars are different and not trying to copy Martin or Gibson. There are many great brands, we are spoilt for choice these days. Just buy with your ears and try everything before you do! For instance, just the wood choice is something lots of guitarists don't even consciously consider, which is mad to me.
In 2022 I had just gotten my first real job out of college. I walked into Sam Ash to buy strings and left with a new D-35. It’s an absolute powerhouse with a warm rich sound that fills the room and plenty of clarity with some overtones too. Came perfect from the factory as well. I love my Martin and will cherish it until I can afford a D45😂
Great comparison. I spent an afternoon picking out my dreadnought. Played all the high end models here plus a D-42, D-45 several Collings models (new and used) and others. I was even offered a pre-war D-28 they had for $110K which I passed on. Twelve guitars played in total and I picked the standard D-18. It was my first choice from the first strum as it just had the sound I wanted AND was the least expensive. Everyday I get to play it is a great day. It’s like an old friend.
Rhett for about $3,500 you could find an older used D-18 Golden Era that has an Adirondack top and genuine Mahogany back and sides. They were made from 1999 to 2016. Mine is from 2002, and it is a lot of guitar for the money. Great video!
Nice comparison Rhett. For my UA-cam ears, the biggest and most noticeable jump occurs from the D-X2E to the D-12E. Changes get very subtle after that however I did note a better bass response from the D-18 to the D-28. Each by themselves sounded quite good.
Thanks for beginning this video with The Rain Song. I had that vinyl back in the early '70s but until I watched this video, I had totally forgotten about this Led Zeppelin masterpiece. Great video all around.
I have a D-X2E and I love it for a few reasons, but there are 2 big caveats: I got mine used a little under $300 and a solid Martin spruce is a great value for that. Also, I have young children, and I don’t really have to worry about it. It's very low stress to own because it was affordable, which I think is an underappreciated characteristic. Thanks for the comparison. Great work, like always for us guitar nerds!
Yip, I had a D-X1 a while back, and it was good for those reasons, and I think it sounded a little better than would expect for HPL. And it replaced a Blueridge all-solid wood that actually bellied and had to be returned. Now, that very same Blueridge would sell for a lot more than I bought it for, if it hadn't gone defective. So, there is something to be said for durable, well-made, good-sounding affordable Martins.
I've owned a DX2 for a couple of years now and I also love it! I don't play acoustic enough to justify the next price point up but I felt, only comparing new guitars, that it sounded so much better than anything in it's price point.
I bought a Martin 000-X2 in 2021 for about $400 (it is slightly smaller than the DX2, obviously, but same solid spruce top with HPL back and sides) and I totally agree that it is a “worry-free” Martin. It sounds great for what it is and it is the acoustic I keep closest to my recliner for when I just want to strum and fingerpick a bit.
This was so interesting. I would never have thought about how these beautiful classics are still being made. I think you made the right choice, too. Really nice playing throughout!
Thanks for this excellent Martin dread comparison Rhett. I've been considering purchasing a D-18 for several months now. Your video convinced me that it was the guitar for me. My local guitar center had a new one on display. It looked and played perfectly. The neck was perfectly straight and😮 in line with the top of the bridge so the action was extremely low from the factory. The tone was the warm tone I was looking for and with plenty of volume. The store manager took $300 off list for me as well. I also really like the rich but understated looks and gloss finish. I intend play the hell out of this baby, so it opens up ASAP. So, I took the D-18 (Natural) home with me tonight and I LOVE IT!! Played it all night 😅. Thanks for this. BTW you`re an awesome player man!
13:00 I think it doesnt blow your mind exactly because it is so traditional you know exactly what to expect. A D28, my favorite, will not blow my mind, but it will give me that feeling of "home", meaning this is a guitar.
Great, video, Rhett. It's really something how old wood can make such a difference. I have a '67 00-18 that is a dream, and a '99 HD-35 that has become incredible over the last 10 years.
Dunno if it was mentioned, but I think it's worth noting. Several years ago Martin started a "Re-Imaged" version of their standard line. The idea was to get back to the era that that was the sweet spot. I have a 000-18 of that time frame, and I've been very impressed. It's not as good as my buddy's '55, but it's no slouch! Great content as always Rhett, thanks!
My brother has a 1972 D-35. He bought it a week after I bought my D-28 which I still have. I wonder how much my 53 year old D-28 would go for if it was on the market.
I have a '69 D-35 I bought from a friend in '71 for $400 after my J-45 was destroyed in a car wreck that almost destroyed me! It's been a workhorse. Because there is no truss rod I had to have the guitar disassembled last year and adjusted as the saddle had been lowered so many times. That brought back the full sound that had been thinning over the years.
I like your conclusion about just getting a D18 if what you want is a D18. It just makes sense. Also highly recommend the Martin factory tour, regardless of which brand you play or want to play. They are nice people and of course you can check out some nice guitars while you are there. Meanwhile, keep 'em coming Rhett!
Best comparison I've watched online. You very clearly explain what you get as we go up in price. I recently bought a 2019 used Martin D-18, my first acoustic guitar. I'm 72 and after 50+ yrs of strumming a fine Mosrite combo electric I'm loving learning finger style guitar. I'm so happy with my choice of the D-18 and you increased my confidence in the choice I made 8 months ago. Thank you. Btw, I still own that 1969 Mosrite and I’m happy I kept it in mint condition.
Got to say I agree. All of the guitars sound good but the D18 and D28 sounded fuller/warmer than the other three, and with the price difference the D18 was the obvious choice.
I love my D-18. One model that kind of gets overlooked is the D-35. A little fancier than the D-28 and a little more bottom end than the D-28 at only about $100 more. The D-18 and D-35 cover all the ground you could ever need.
Well thought-out and researched presentation. This just brings home that the music lover/acoustic guitarist with lots of experience and passion over time is the person who will give the most authentic and accurate critique of these iconic instruments.
They all sound amazing but honestly, that D12e is good enough for me. You only really notice the differences when played next to each other. That’s a $2200 guitar here in Australia, so it’s still pretty damn expensive. Your knowledge of acoustic guitars is impressive.
I really appreciate the fact you really put the effort and your skill set as a musician and knowledge you've acquired. The number one thing for me that caught my attention is that you were able to come back and evaluate that whole picture and end up with a non bias honest review that anyone in the market would be in the best of hands if you were the guy they asked "what guitar should I buy for me". That person would be in good hands and if their guitar journey didn't make it, that wouldn't be because of the guitar.
I bought a new D-18 Standard two years or so ago. No regrets. I would not want to part with it. It ends up in nearly every recording I make. It felt almost magical when I first pulled it from the case, it still feels like the perfect match for me. My D-18 has been the best guitar purchase I’ve made.
Great video! Thanks for doing this one.. I was really stoked at the end when you said you switched your opinion on which one you like best. I’m kind of a fan of the good old fashion D18.
Recently bought a D-18 and it has been an amazing guitar. The first guitar I bought was actually a Martin DRS1 with the Koa wood, and I am still surprised about the way that one sounds. Great video!
I recently bought a D-18 after trying a lot of other instruments. I considered a D-28 and a D-18 MD. But the D-18 just sounded right for the sound in my head.
I had a Martin HD28 and sold it because over time I fell in love with the more standard Martin D28. It is interesting that those modified guitars sound great with new guitar strings, but lose their freshness with slightly older strings and sound dull. You are right, if you buy a Martin guitar, buy a classic D18, D28, D35, without modifications.
I went to buy an acoustic in 2015, to sing along to. Initially I wanted to spend sub 1k on an okay guitar. When I tried some more expensive ones I noticed that you do get better sound for your buck, so I tried myself up the price scale. Finally went home with a D18. It was 4 times the money that I wanted to spend, but to me, it had the perfect, archetypal acoustic guitar sound. I already was heavily into Dave Matthews Band and Irish music, so I knew what a good guitar sounds like. The D18 had perfect definition and string separation, with exactly the warm but woody, mid-rangey tone I love. Problem is, I discovered at home that with my average, not very defined voice, I struggled to cut through the Martins well defined chords, actually it was the other way round, the D18 chopped up my soft kind of weakish vocals. So I returned it and got me a Taylor with rosewood back and sides for a couple hundred quid less, which by itself had a lot less "personality", but made a perfect, mellow carpet for my voice. I think Martin changed some small things about the D18 shortly after, and I never again found one that embodied my idea of a perfect guitar tone like the one I returned. I think of it to this day and regret ever handing it back to the dealer.
My sympathies, we all have guitars that we still think about, opportunities lost. W.r.t singing, can I give a tip? It seems to me that you have little confidence in your voice and therefore you are singing with low volume. This does not work. You need to belt. Sing your heart out, don't hold back, don't think of what others will think. Soon you will feel much more confident and will get much better. Either sing 100% or don't. And pick songs that fit your range, if you find you can't reach some notes in the song, don't sing it. This also helps build your confidence. Hope this helps! Keep making music.
Mate, thanks for mourning with me.. we guitar/music nerds are a special breed for sure 😅 Also great tips for singing! I’ve grown much more confident with it since then. Because I sing better but also because I care less. So, what you say about it rings very true with me and is a great reminder of what’s important in music. We make it for our own heart and soul
I agree on the D-18 standard! That line is great. 2019 D-28 Standard player here (my personal favorite): I've put 1200 hours of stage time on this one instrument in the past three years. It even had a P-Bass headstock punch a hole in the side once, and it's still kicking. Aside from sounding awesome, it's an excellent workhorse with ridiculous tuning stability. Personally, I rarely play my Gibson, Taylor, or Maton anymore.
I took the same advice back in the 70s and bought a straight D 18. Ten years ago I purchased a 1956 D 28 and now I'm on the hunt for a prewar D 28 and prewar D 18...and that will conclude my Martin splurge this lifetime...to all who have never tried one..be warned..once you play a Martin, you are an addict for life, and the older they get the stronger the addiction..and they always hold their price and only increase in value...so treat them well...especially humidity considerations....always keep in a case when not being played, and wipe the strings before and after every session...that's it....of course all my own opinion..I thought your analysis was spot on and very helpful to interested buyers....still hoping I find a D41 Pre 1970 which is the all the bells and whistles detailing
Many thanks for the great comparison of these Martin Guitars. I have a D 18 myself and can confirm what you reported. From sound and price point it s the best choice !
Thanks for this vidéo 😃 I do agree with you, the standard D18, the legend, is the best. But, I own a D18, so… For years, anytime I put my hands on it, it blows my mind. And when you sing along with it, it is a real pleasure.
@@NickJardine as someone who owns some seriously expensive guitars, I agree. I had an LL-TA which I bought living as an expat in Kazakhstan and I miss that guitar. It was fantastically built, with a beautiful sunburst and sounded really, really good. I donated it to a colleague when I left the country.
Hey Rhett, Great video I appreciate all your knowledge of equipment and your skill at playing the guitar. I wish you would’ve included a standard D 28 in your comparison. I wonder if you have a comparison of the D 28 and the D 18 I’ll have to take a peek! Best wishes
Being a lifelong Lightfoot connoisseur, I love my D-18’s. My daily driver is a V , and my holy grail is one that I would bet You’ve never seen or played. My #53 of 61 D-18 GL. You made me go get it out! 👍👍🇺🇸
One last thought: if you visit the Martin factory and museum in Nazareth PA, in the back of the Museum Shop, there are exclusive Custom Shop Martin Cherry Hill Dreadnought and a Cherry Hill OM guitars. You can't get them anywhere else. Made with a Spruce top and cherry back and sides from Cherry Hill PA where Martin's 1st Pennsylvania factory was. Better than the D-18.
My Bass playing musician father bought me a Martin Sigma D28 back in 1989 for Christmas and for graduating college. Now 35 years older, it has aged well and sounds absolutely beautiful. He got very lucky and picked me a great one after going to a lot of guitar shops to try them out. I think he got it in Southern CA at McCabes.
The Martin custom shop made me an 8 string years ago and was the best 5 grand I’ve ever spent. Through the years it seems to sound progressively sweeter. Makes me sound like a far better performer than I actually am.
Yep... as usual, you nailed it. Playing now for 6+ decades with a recording quality gibson dreadnought, all your thoughts are borne out in my life experience. But if... if I had 10G's I could throw down and the skills you have???... Yeah, The D-28 VTS for the sound in hand today. I looked up a few demos for comparison, of the 1937's... a D -28 and a D-18 played by Jake Workman. Your recording chops and gear everything was top tier. Thanks Rhett.
The best Martin acoustic under 4k is the Seagull S6! Nothing else comes close! My late 90s is easily as loud as anything Martin could make that isn't a D28
My daughter bought one when she went to Uni. Laminated cherry back and sides with a solid cedar top, loud and with plenty of depth proving you don't always need solid back and sides. Sorry it was a Simon and Patrick!!!
They are great guitars; a lot of technology goes into Godin, Seagull and the rest of their companies. I have two Seagulls from around 2008-09, one the 12 string and the other one a cutaway with on board electronics and I really dig them.
Um....not true, although I think everyone can appreciate the brand loyalty. I have a fair amount of history with Bob Godin's guitars, being a good Canuck and all. My first serious acoustic guitar purchase was a Seagull Artist Studio, which at the time was their top of the line acoustic. It was beautiful and had a really nice sound, but it didn't sound like a Martin (I've owned a 000-18 since 2014 as well as a couple J12-16s). I also was friends with a guy at that time who had owned an S6 for several years until the neck twisted so badly it became unplayable. The thing that led me to eventually sell my beautiful Artist was when I watched a video where Mr. Godin did a factory tour and proudly stated that their guitars were so rugged because they epoxied their necks to their bodies. That's not what a guitarist who envisions keeping their prized acoustic for the rest of their life wants to hear. I sold my Godin Artist and bought a Martin. I have owned several other Godin brand guitars since then as well, by the way. The S6 was always a good value for money guitar for people without a lot to spend, but there are plenty of other, superior guitars available for the same price range.
@@medley4570 sure; I have a nice Custom Shop HD-28V as well as a ‘47 J-50 and a ‘37 Epiphone Triump amongst others so I can appreciate a fine guitar but Godin’s products are an incredible bang for the buck and the Seagulls are beautiful; great value.
I love the HD35. I had my wife blindfold me and hand me guitars . I would play them blindfolded . I think I played almost every model that Martin made in 1974. Price wasn’t really such an issue to me, but sound was. When I was settled on one I pulled the blindfold off and it was an HD35. I still love it.
The differences in a guitar’s tone are only appreciable by a guitar dweeb (like me). For the other 99% of the human population, the differences in any song played reasonably well, as Brett certainly can, on nearly any “good” quality guitar above around $500, are lost. It’s more in the recording and mixing, or if a live performance there are even more variables. I realized years ago, when I was getting serious about road racing bicycles, that people go to extremes over the most trivial things. It’s up to you, the consumer, to decide which things are significant to you, and which are hype and nonsense.
The D 12 E is not really great "bang for buck." You can get an Eastman E1D for half the price. For the price of the Mexican Martin, you can almost get a Yamaha FG5...
Great job recording these guitars they sound fantastic. I’m more an electric player but I feel a bit more educated after watching this video, I never thought I could so easily hear the difference between different acoustic guitar price points. Excellent video!
Every Martin where? I bought my D35 after trying 300+ Martins over 2 decades. I think the HD28, D35, and HD35 is where you will find your Martin if you have the cash and are not a classic bluegrasser. The bracing in these makes for more easy bass response and a "smiley face" timbral spectrum (also conducive to fingerpicking). More expensive Modern Deluxe and D41, D42, and D45 models will have the same response (or better) and more bling.
Thanks so much! Great demo snippets In 2020, I bought a 2019 ( used) D-18 for like $1900.00 . So after listening to this review I feel like I got the best deal. And I love my Martin! It does play very well and is getting prettier sounding as the years go by
Thanks for the reviews! My goal has been to get a nice rosewood dreadnaught, and a nice mahogany dreadnaught. I just bought a nice used 2009 Blueridge BR 160A, which is patterned after a pre war D-28. I love it. It's already "aired out" nicely, and it did not break the bank. I also have a semi rare Martin 1997 J-1. Great sounding plain jane mahogany guitar of which about 1100 were made in Pa. I love everything about the it except the nut width, which is 1.69. I'm hoping to get a D-18 to gain the 1 3/4 nut. You review reveals a lot and answers questions. Thanks!
Martin guitar are for sure iconic instruments. But there are also someone else. You should try Lowden guitars if you are a lucky one able to pick one. Handmade, located in Ireland. Most impressive acoustic guitars I ever listen and being blessed playing one of these unbelievable balanced, clear, rich and stunningly sounding treasures since 30 years.
Thanks for another great job Rhett. I tried about 10 different Martins in the $700- $1200 range when I was looking for a good players acoustic. However after playing a Taylor Academy10e, I thought it was better than all of the Martin's I played in that price range. Actually it wasn't even close, and cost me $600. Would love to see you do a Taylor comparison and see what you think. Also vs. the Martin's. Cheers and Happy New Year!
In 2008 I purchased a Martin D-28. It was good, but I thought it lacked low end. So I traded up for a brand new Martin HD-28 in 2008. It’s been my greatest guitar purchase ever since. Amazing sound and it keeps getting better every day.
Thanks Rhett. I played many Martin acoustics, but never tried anything above the D-18 due to my budget. I ended up going with a D-13E! The D-18 definately sounded a bit sweeter, but was a serious budget stretch for me (almost twice as expensive). Also, I wanted a built in pickup/tuner and a guitar I could leave lying around the house and take anywhere and not worry too much. Totally happy with my purchase. Thanks for your insights.
Ok so, after spending a few more days with it I decided to keep the D-18 (I know I said I was sending them all back, that was the plan when I shot this video)
But I have a cool idea for this guitar, I’ll post a follow up video in the next few days.
I own a 2019 D-18 standard. It's a keeper
Are you going to swap out the hollow cavity
How could you not?? 😂
@@RhettShull smart man 😉
I felt the same way after picking up my D-18. There’s just something about the resonance of the strings, the iconic Martin Mahogany sound and the surge of joy that courses thru you after picking up a D-18. In addition it’s not so expensive that you’re afraid to take it out. Enjoy it and thanks for the review. Looking forward to your next review where we might be able to hear the others you missed?
How much of an absolute masterpiece is The Rain Song? Truly.
Absolutely. And many others by the phenom called Led Zeppelin. Its mind boggling…
My son once called me and asked if I had ever heard of a band called Led Zeppelin….
The music sure is beautiful, but I sure wish someone besides Plant sang it.
No one could. Don't be silly. He set the bar for all lead vocalists , thereafter. As did all members of the band.
@ericlarkins
@@ericlarkins So who from that era would you have rather had sing? Because it wouldn't be Led Zep if not for Plant/Page? Right?? 🤔
@@Sammywhat That whole band was the stars aligning for something very special that happened musically. JPJ is not only an iconic bass player, but listen to his keyboards on no quarter and other songs. Really talented guy. RP’s vocals, OMG and Bonzo. They all had their own musical identities that supported each other. Such a phenomenon.
Your observation about the wood drying out and sound getting better is spot on.. I have a 50 year old Guild D-25 I got for my 17th birthday… sounds way better than when it was new
Guilds are killer too.
My mom just gave me her 1975 guild D50 and that thing sings. You just can’t mimic that aging process.
Acoustic guitars actually do get better over time.
Acoustic guitars age and get better as the top "opens". If a acoustic sounds good new, it's going to sound even better two three years later 😌
Have you considered that it might be because you’ve lost some hearing after so many years?
It sounds better over time because you hear fewer flaws in the playing.
Great vid! The regular D18 and the D28 are my favs!
That D18 really did sound fantastic.
I’m from Pennsylvania, not too far from Nazareth, and toured the Martin factory when I last visited. Actually, I toured twice because I loved it so much! Highly recommend if you get in the area. ❤
Did they show you the section where they paste wood image to wood?
@ Nope. Pretty sure that’s the factory in Mexico.
@@ellengrace4609 I wonder THAT's like to tour!
@@RideAcrossTheRiver I don’t know but the Nazareth factory was great! These employees are genuine craftsmen who take pride in their work and seem to love what they do. They were all very nice and didn’t seem bothered by tours walking through all day every day.
Do yiu have to make a reservation for the tour or something?
Bro, hit me with one of the best acoustic zeppelin songs in the intro
I thought it was the intro to "Angie" by the Rolling Stones!
Sounds so beautiful!
@@paulstoakes466nope.
10:25 that was Angie.
I thought covers were forbidden.
Man... those low note sustains in the intro reminds me of sitting in front of a fire and just feeling amazing... so so SO pleasing to the ears.
A few weeks ago I finally pulled the trigger on a Standard D-18 in Ambertone. I've been playing it nonstop ever since. I couldn't be happier with everything about it. The Ambertone doesn't affect the sound but it sure looks great.
You should do some of the Martin 000, 0M, etc style models next!
Just a friendly correction, it's OM, not 0M. It stands for Orchestra Model, so it is not a leading zero.
@@jazzyonno 🤓
@@thymurdock
Yes, that would be cool.
@@jazzyonno is it 000 or OOO?
@@jonyq 000 numbers not letters
Thank you for your honesty on everything from value for price and tone quality of each instrument. When I’m ready to purchase my next Martin, the D18 will be the one for me.
Really enjoyed that. After owning a (very) vintage Martin, I have really started appreciating old wood. A new guitar takes in the region of 10 years to open up in my experience, if you play it a couple of hours a week. But also - a guitar is a) an individual (they never sound the same), and b) personal to you. You need to have that click. So yes, if you have 10K to spend, I would recommend playing as many as you can, including vintage, and look for the one that is love at first hearing. I am a huge Martin fan, and I wanted a 000-28 Amberburst, but when I tested 4 of them side by side, none of them spoke to me. And I bought an Atkin J43, which is a relic'd Gibson J45 copy. I never lusted after an Atkin, but this guitar just spoke to me, connected with me, and I just wanted to take it home after playing guitars that were much more expensive. Similarly, I had a $1300 Yamaha that was just amazing. If you are in the market for budget, check out Yamaha, they are fantastic and solid wood. So - always trust your ears. And when you're ready, buy a guitar with the view of never selling it. When you form a bond, when you play it for decades, it makes a difference. It becomes more than a possession, it becomes part of how you see yourself. Happy playing everyone!
I totally agree that people should check out Yamaha's solid wood acoustic. Mine is great
A luthier once told me it takes a long time for a guitar to forget it was a tree, and I believe that! My main gigging guitar now is a 1968 D-18. It’s just so… bold. Not subtle, but it cuts through anything. I took it camping in a rainforest, and it did not give a dang about the humidity. I’d get up in the morning in the misty rain, and it sounded fabulous, even though my fingers were swollen and sticky from the air itself. I have a couple of high quality guitars from the 80s and they’re also just so, so alive. I recently got my first new-new guitar in 20 years (a Larivee L-09), and it’s opening up SO fast, changing almost daily. It’s going to take 10 years to fully stabilize, I think. But it’s so well made, and the wood is so fundamentally good, I think it’s going to be a monster.
@@davestagnerLarvee, in my opinion, is thee most under-rated guitar.
@ Larivee is excellent, for sure. And they’ve never sacrificed quality, resorting to laminated woods or offshored production, just to make more product and more money. They make guitars designed to last 100 years or more, and sell them at prices non-millionaires can afford. My collection includes vintage Martin, Mossman, Lowden, and more, and my Larivee is on par with any of them in terms of sound, construction quality, and beauty.
@@davestagner I agree that Larrivee makes great guitars, and so does Lowden. Lowden is upper echelon, though, on a par with Collings for their 35 and 50 series. But I like that Lowden's guitars are different and not trying to copy Martin or Gibson. There are many great brands, we are spoilt for choice these days. Just buy with your ears and try everything before you do! For instance, just the wood choice is something lots of guitarists don't even consciously consider, which is mad to me.
Favorite content you do is these 5 different levels of, glad you're still doing them
Just bought a Martin D- 28 sunburst, from Sweetwater. Love it. A Christmas present to myself for the rest of life.
In 2022 I had just gotten my first real job out of college. I walked into Sam Ash to buy strings and left with a new D-35. It’s an absolute powerhouse with a warm rich sound that fills the room and plenty of clarity with some overtones too. Came perfect from the factory as well. I love my Martin and will cherish it until I can afford a D45😂
Great comparison. I spent an afternoon picking out my dreadnought. Played all the high end models here plus a D-42, D-45 several Collings models (new and used) and others. I was even offered a pre-war D-28 they had for $110K which I passed on. Twelve guitars played in total and I picked the standard D-18. It was my first choice from the first strum as it just had the sound I wanted AND was the least expensive. Everyday I get to play it is a great day. It’s like an old friend.
Opening Rain Song gave me chills! So good Rhett, perfect phrasing
Rhett for about $3,500 you could find an older used D-18 Golden Era that has an Adirondack top and genuine Mahogany back and sides. They were made from 1999 to 2016. Mine is from 2002, and it is a lot of guitar for the money. Great video!
I love my D18 Sunburst that I had delivered earlier this month. Fantastic guitar, perfectly set up, and sounds amazing.
Nice comparison Rhett. For my UA-cam ears, the biggest and most noticeable jump occurs from the D-X2E to the D-12E. Changes get very subtle after that however I did note a better bass response from the D-18 to the D-28. Each by themselves sounded quite good.
The mahogany in D-18s is less toppy and warmer than the rosewood on D-28s.
Thanks for beginning this video with The Rain Song. I had that vinyl back in the early '70s but until I watched this video, I had totally forgotten about this Led Zeppelin masterpiece. Great video all around.
I have a D-X2E and I love it for a few reasons, but there are 2 big caveats: I got mine used a little under $300 and a solid Martin spruce is a great value for that. Also, I have young children, and I don’t really have to worry about it. It's very low stress to own because it was affordable, which I think is an underappreciated characteristic. Thanks for the comparison. Great work, like always for us guitar nerds!
Martin's High Pressure Laminate, which is closer to plastic than wood, doesn't help with tone, but it's pretty damn durable.
The top is solid however on those@@samsaxe-taller6953
Yip, I had a D-X1 a while back, and it was good for those reasons, and I think it sounded a little better than would expect for HPL. And it replaced a Blueridge all-solid wood that actually bellied and had to be returned. Now, that very same Blueridge would sell for a lot more than I bought it for, if it hadn't gone defective. So, there is something to be said for durable, well-made, good-sounding affordable Martins.
I've owned a DX2 for a couple of years now and I also love it! I don't play acoustic enough to justify the next price point up but I felt, only comparing new guitars, that it sounded so much better than anything in it's price point.
I bought a Martin 000-X2 in 2021 for about $400 (it is slightly smaller than the DX2, obviously, but same solid spruce top with HPL back and sides) and I totally agree that it is a “worry-free” Martin. It sounds great for what it is and it is the acoustic I keep closest to my recliner for when I just want to strum and fingerpick a bit.
This was so interesting. I would never have thought about how these beautiful classics are still being made. I think you made the right choice, too. Really nice playing throughout!
Damn man, that intro playing was freaking amazing!!!
Thanks for this excellent Martin dread comparison Rhett. I've been considering purchasing a D-18 for several months now. Your video convinced me that it was the guitar for me. My local guitar center had a new one on display. It looked and played perfectly. The neck was perfectly straight and😮 in line with the top of the bridge so the action was extremely low from the factory. The tone was the warm tone I was looking for and with plenty of volume. The store manager took $300 off list for me as well. I also really like the rich but understated looks and gloss finish. I intend play the hell out of this baby, so it opens up ASAP. So, I took the D-18 (Natural) home with me tonight and I LOVE IT!! Played it all night 😅. Thanks for this. BTW you`re an awesome player man!
Welcome to the D18 club. Enjoy your new guitar!
@@lilycat1694 Thanks!
I do like the d 18, but I'm sticking with my HD 35. Nice comparison and beautiful Rain Song. ❤
For me, the D-18 is just about perfect. I’ve bought and sold many, many guitars but the D-18 has remained a constant.
13:00 I think it doesnt blow your mind exactly because it is so traditional you know exactly what to expect.
A D28, my favorite, will not blow my mind, but it will give me that feeling of "home", meaning this is a guitar.
Great, video, Rhett. It's really something how old wood can make such a difference. I have a '67 00-18 that is a dream, and a '99 HD-35 that has become incredible over the last 10 years.
Have a 1963 00-21NY and it’s probably my favorite guitar in my collection. I agree the aged wood really does make a difference.
Dunno if it was mentioned, but I think it's worth noting. Several years ago Martin started a "Re-Imaged" version of their standard line. The idea was to get back to the era that that was the sweet spot. I have a 000-18 of that time frame, and I've been very impressed. It's not as good as my buddy's '55, but it's no slouch! Great content as always Rhett, thanks!
Yours may sound just as good in a few(a lot) more years.
That D-12 is Special. And it's attainable.
Reminds me of my D13. Same class.
I have a 1972 D-35. It was my first new guitar. Paid $750 for it in 1972. It’s been all over with me. It sounds incredible!
That's $5,660 in today dollars. Great investment.
I also have a 72 D35 that I bought in 1980 for $550. It’s the only one out of 30 that I will keep forever.
I bought a 1993 D-35 in 2009, still sounds great and going strong.
My brother has a 1972 D-35. He bought it a week after I bought my D-28 which I still have. I wonder how much my 53 year old D-28 would go for if it was on the market.
I have a '69 D-35 I bought from a friend in '71 for $400 after my J-45 was destroyed in a car wreck that almost destroyed me! It's been a workhorse. Because there is no truss rod I had to have the guitar disassembled last year and adjusted as the saddle had been lowered so many times. That brought back the full sound that had been thinning over the years.
The rain song never fails to bowl me over. What a stunning piece.
I like your conclusion about just getting a D18 if what you want is a D18. It just makes sense.
Also highly recommend the Martin factory tour, regardless of which brand you play or want to play.
They are nice people and of course you can check out some nice guitars while you are there. Meanwhile, keep 'em coming Rhett!
Best comparison I've watched online. You very clearly explain what you get as we go up in price. I recently bought a 2019 used Martin D-18, my first acoustic guitar. I'm 72 and after 50+ yrs of strumming a fine Mosrite combo electric I'm loving learning finger style guitar. I'm so happy with my choice of the D-18 and you increased my confidence in the choice I made 8 months ago. Thank you. Btw, I still own that 1969 Mosrite and I’m happy I kept it in mint condition.
Got to say I agree. All of the guitars sound good but the D18 and D28 sounded fuller/warmer than the other three, and with the price difference the D18 was the obvious choice.
This was a very informative and well balanced shootout of Martin guitars!👍
I love my D-18. One model that kind of gets overlooked is the D-35. A little fancier than the D-28 and a little more bottom end than the D-28 at only about $100 more. The D-18 and D-35 cover all the ground you could ever need.
Well thought-out and researched presentation. This just brings home that the music lover/acoustic guitarist with lots of experience and passion over time is the person who will give the most authentic and accurate critique of these iconic instruments.
I bought the d12e a few years ago and I’m super happy with it. For the Price I couldn’t go wrong .
They all sound amazing but honestly, that D12e is good enough for me. You only really notice the differences when played next to each other. That’s a $2200 guitar here in Australia, so it’s still pretty damn expensive. Your knowledge of acoustic guitars is impressive.
Great video and agree with your assessment. Would love to hear a similar take on J-45s and their comparables across price ranges.
Your recording of these acoustics is awesome. Warm with lovely presence and transients
I really appreciate the fact you really put the effort and your skill set as a musician and knowledge you've acquired. The number one thing for me that caught my attention is that you were able to come back and evaluate that whole picture and end up with a non bias honest review that anyone in the market would be in the best of hands if you were the guy they asked "what guitar should I buy for me". That person would be in good hands and if their guitar journey didn't make it, that wouldn't be because of the guitar.
Good assessment :)
Good, accurate assessment. That D-18 will appreciate more than the others over time.
0:10 THAT sounds GOOD.
I bought a new D-18 Standard two years or so ago. No regrets. I would not want to part with it. It ends up in nearly every recording I make. It felt almost magical when I first pulled it from the case, it still feels like the perfect match for me. My D-18 has been the best guitar purchase I’ve made.
This was awesome Rhett! Cant wait for more of these. TAYLOR!?
Not worth it. They all sound pretty much the same 😄
Great video! Thanks for doing this one.. I was really stoked at the end when you said you switched your opinion on which one you like best. I’m kind of a fan of the good old fashion D18.
I'm on a budget and i bought a DX1AE. I think you really need to do a show about it. It's the low end Martin and it's incredible. Very underrated.
Recently bought a D-18 and it has been an amazing guitar. The first guitar I bought was actually a Martin DRS1 with the Koa wood, and I am still surprised about the way that one sounds.
Great video!
I recently bought a D-18 after trying a lot of other instruments. I considered a D-28 and a D-18 MD. But the D-18 just sounded right for the sound in my head.
I had a Martin HD28 and sold it because over time I fell in love with the more standard Martin D28. It is interesting that those modified guitars sound great with new guitar strings, but lose their freshness with slightly older strings and sound dull. You are right, if you buy a Martin guitar, buy a classic D18, D28, D35, without modifications.
Martin D18 GE is the way to go, especially the first models somewhat 2000-2012 which comes with fossilized nut, beautiful sound..
Great review! I like the D-18 Modern Deluxe the best tonally. Keep up the good work.
I went to buy an acoustic in 2015, to sing along to. Initially I wanted to spend sub 1k on an okay guitar. When I tried some more expensive ones I noticed that you do get better sound for your buck, so I tried myself up the price scale. Finally went home with a D18. It was 4 times the money that I wanted to spend, but to me, it had the perfect, archetypal acoustic guitar sound. I already was heavily into Dave Matthews Band and Irish music, so I knew what a good guitar sounds like. The D18 had perfect definition and string separation, with exactly the warm but woody, mid-rangey tone I love. Problem is, I discovered at home that with my average, not very defined voice, I struggled to cut through the Martins well defined chords, actually it was the other way round, the D18 chopped up my soft kind of weakish vocals. So I returned it and got me a Taylor with rosewood back and sides for a couple hundred quid less, which by itself had a lot less "personality", but made a perfect, mellow carpet for my voice. I think Martin changed some small things about the D18 shortly after, and I never again found one that embodied my idea of a perfect guitar tone like the one I returned. I think of it to this day and regret ever handing it back to the dealer.
My sympathies, we all have guitars that we still think about, opportunities lost. W.r.t singing, can I give a tip? It seems to me that you have little confidence in your voice and therefore you are singing with low volume. This does not work. You need to belt. Sing your heart out, don't hold back, don't think of what others will think. Soon you will feel much more confident and will get much better. Either sing 100% or don't. And pick songs that fit your range, if you find you can't reach some notes in the song, don't sing it. This also helps build your confidence. Hope this helps! Keep making music.
Mate, thanks for mourning with me.. we guitar/music nerds are a special breed for sure 😅
Also great tips for singing! I’ve grown much more confident with it since then. Because I sing better but also because I care less. So, what you say about it rings very true with me and is a great reminder of what’s important in music. We make it for our own heart and soul
I agree on the D-18 standard! That line is great.
2019 D-28 Standard player here (my personal favorite): I've put 1200 hours of stage time on this one instrument in the past three years. It even had a P-Bass headstock punch a hole in the side once, and it's still kicking. Aside from sounding awesome, it's an excellent workhorse with ridiculous tuning stability. Personally, I rarely play my Gibson, Taylor, or Maton anymore.
Love my 2020 scratch n dent d18. Magic
Great job Rhett you are being honest with your opinion and that's what people really appreciate about your channel.
D18 is my all time favorite
I took the same advice back in the 70s and bought a straight D 18. Ten years ago I purchased a 1956 D 28 and now I'm on the hunt for a prewar D 28 and prewar D 18...and that will conclude my Martin splurge this lifetime...to all who have never tried one..be warned..once you play a Martin, you are an addict for life, and the older they get the stronger the addiction..and they always hold their price and only increase in value...so treat them well...especially humidity considerations....always keep in a case when not being played, and wipe the strings before and after every session...that's it....of course all my own opinion..I thought your analysis was spot on and very helpful to interested buyers....still hoping I find a D41 Pre 1970 which is the all the bells and whistles detailing
Ever tried a Guild D- 55 ?
I agree with the D-18 winner . Very cool rundown.
Many thanks for the great comparison of these Martin Guitars. I have a D 18 myself and can confirm what you reported. From sound and price point it s the best choice !
Although they didn't sell well when produced, for the price point, a used hd-28v is a steal.
Late 90’s HD-28v is money!
Thanks for this vidéo 😃
I do agree with you, the standard D18, the legend, is the best. But, I own a D18, so…
For years, anytime I put my hands on it, it blows my mind. And when you sing along with it, it is a real pleasure.
You can get a fully solid wood acoustic for way under $1k by going with Yamaha.
Alvarez as well can make surprisingly great guitars for right under 1k
Absolutely love my Yamaha LS16! Found it (mint) used for $650CAD. To my ears, and hands, it hangs with guitar way more expensive.
@@NickJardine as someone who owns some seriously expensive guitars, I agree. I had an LL-TA which I bought living as an expat in Kazakhstan and I miss that guitar. It was fantastically built, with a beautiful sunburst and sounded really, really good. I donated it to a colleague when I left the country.
yeah but it will never inspire. Ya only live once. Somethings matter mattress, coffee, girtarrrrrr
@@user-ht9fr6eh9u if you need a very expensive, “big name brand” guitar to spark inspiration, that’s unfortunate and speaks to a larger problem. lol
Hey Rhett,
Great video I appreciate all your knowledge of equipment and your skill at playing the guitar. I wish you would’ve included a standard D 28 in your comparison. I wonder if you have a comparison of the D 28 and the D 18 I’ll have to take a peek!
Best wishes
Oh Man... great review.. I wish you'd have done a D-28 standard. I'm struggling.
I agree….comparing the flagship D-28 against standard D 18’s is apples to oranges
Being a lifelong Lightfoot connoisseur, I love my D-18’s. My daily driver is a V , and my holy grail is one that I would bet You’ve never seen or played. My #53 of 61 D-18 GL. You made me go get it out! 👍👍🇺🇸
One last thought: if you visit the Martin factory and museum in Nazareth PA, in the back of the Museum Shop, there are exclusive Custom Shop Martin Cherry Hill Dreadnought and a Cherry Hill OM guitars. You can't get them anywhere else. Made with a Spruce top and cherry back and sides from Cherry Hill PA where Martin's 1st Pennsylvania factory was. Better than the D-18.
My Bass playing musician father bought me a Martin Sigma D28 back in 1989 for Christmas and for graduating college. Now 35 years older, it has aged well and sounds absolutely beautiful. He got very lucky and picked me a great one after going to a lot of guitar shops to try them out. I think he got it in Southern CA at McCabes.
The Martin custom shop made me an 8 string years ago and was the best 5 grand I’ve ever spent. Through the years it seems to sound progressively sweeter. Makes me sound like a far better performer than I actually am.
This was a really great and informative video!
I have the D18 satin…it is a fine instrument.
Yep... as usual, you nailed it. Playing now for 6+ decades with a recording quality gibson dreadnought, all your thoughts are borne out in my life experience. But if... if I had 10G's I could throw down and the skills you have???... Yeah, The D-28 VTS for the sound in hand today. I looked up a few demos for comparison, of the 1937's... a D -28 and a D-18 played by Jake Workman. Your recording chops and gear everything was top tier.
Thanks Rhett.
The best Martin acoustic under 4k is the Seagull S6! Nothing else comes close! My late 90s is easily as loud as anything Martin could make that isn't a D28
My daughter bought one when she went to Uni. Laminated cherry back and sides with a solid cedar top, loud and with plenty of depth proving you don't always need solid back and sides.
Sorry it was a Simon and Patrick!!!
This guy gets it👆
They are great guitars; a lot of technology goes into Godin, Seagull and the rest of their companies. I have two Seagulls from around 2008-09, one the 12 string and the other one a cutaway with on board electronics and I really dig them.
Um....not true, although I think everyone can appreciate the brand loyalty. I have a fair amount of history with Bob Godin's guitars, being a good Canuck and all. My first serious acoustic guitar purchase was a Seagull Artist Studio, which at the time was their top of the line acoustic. It was beautiful and had a really nice sound, but it didn't sound like a Martin (I've owned a 000-18 since 2014 as well as a couple J12-16s). I also was friends with a guy at that time who had owned an S6 for several years until the neck twisted so badly it became unplayable. The thing that led me to eventually sell my beautiful Artist was when I watched a video where Mr. Godin did a factory tour and proudly stated that their guitars were so rugged because they epoxied their necks to their bodies. That's not what a guitarist who envisions keeping their prized acoustic for the rest of their life wants to hear. I sold my Godin Artist and bought a Martin. I have owned several other Godin brand guitars since then as well, by the way.
The S6 was always a good value for money guitar for people without a lot to spend, but there are plenty of other, superior guitars available for the same price range.
@@medley4570 sure; I have a nice Custom Shop HD-28V as well as a ‘47 J-50 and a ‘37 Epiphone Triump amongst others so I can appreciate a fine guitar but Godin’s products are an incredible bang for the buck and the Seagulls are beautiful; great value.
I have a 1970s HD35, it started to bloom in the last 15 years, stunning peace of handcraft but very delicate
I love the HD35. I had my wife blindfold me and hand me guitars . I would play them blindfolded . I think I played almost every model that Martin made in 1974. Price wasn’t really such an issue to me, but sound was. When I was settled on one I pulled the blindfold off and it was an HD35. I still love it.
The differences in a guitar’s tone are only appreciable by a guitar dweeb (like me). For the other 99% of the human population, the differences in any song played reasonably well, as Brett certainly can, on nearly any “good” quality guitar above around $500, are lost. It’s more in the recording and mixing, or if a live performance there are even more variables.
I realized years ago, when I was getting serious about road racing bicycles, that people go to extremes over the most trivial things. It’s up to you, the consumer, to decide which things are significant to you, and which are hype and nonsense.
The D 12 E is not really great "bang for buck." You can get an Eastman E1D for half the price. For the price of the Mexican Martin, you can almost get a Yamaha FG5...
Great job recording these guitars they sound fantastic. I’m more an electric player but I feel a bit more educated after watching this video, I never thought I could so easily hear the difference between different acoustic guitar price points. Excellent video!
Thanks!
Where is D35?
Excellent channel I really appreciate this I learned so much from this video!! Thanks so much 🙏 Happy Holidays 🌲
Every Martin where? I bought my D35 after trying 300+ Martins over 2 decades. I think the HD28, D35, and HD35 is where you will find your Martin if you have the cash and are not a classic bluegrasser. The bracing in these makes for more easy bass response and a "smiley face" timbral spectrum (also conducive to fingerpicking). More expensive Modern Deluxe and D41, D42, and D45 models will have the same response (or better) and more bling.
The 1937 D28 here would be the expensive version of today's HD28 (which is half the $). Check those out first, if you are in the market to buy.
I suppose to the extent a UA-cam video can convey the comparison, sure, but one day I met a comely D35, in person, and it stole my heart.
All round - I preferred the cheapest one. It had the best sound.
I loved the sound of the D12-E.. Great work with this video btw, thank you for sharing
This was a great video! For me, the D-12E is the best sound vs price. Such a step up from the D-X2E (which sounds okay, just not great). Thank you! 😊
Thanks so much! Great demo snippets
In 2020, I bought a 2019 ( used) D-18 for like $1900.00 . So after listening to this review I feel like I got the best deal. And I love my Martin! It does play very well and is getting prettier sounding as the years go by
That opening. A perfect homage to some of the most beautiful music ever. Can you release the whole track?
Thanks for the reviews! My goal has been to get a nice rosewood dreadnaught, and a nice mahogany dreadnaught. I just bought a nice used 2009 Blueridge BR 160A, which is patterned after a pre war D-28. I love it. It's already "aired out" nicely, and it did not break the bank. I also have a semi rare Martin 1997 J-1. Great sounding plain jane mahogany guitar of which about 1100 were made in Pa. I love everything about the it except the nut width, which is 1.69. I'm hoping to get a D-18 to gain the 1 3/4 nut. You review reveals a lot and answers questions. Thanks!
Dry cool video. Appreciate you doing this. I have a D- 10 (slightly below the D-12) and I love it. Great lighting guitar.
Martin guitar are for sure iconic instruments. But there are also someone else. You should try Lowden guitars if you are a lucky one able to pick one. Handmade, located in Ireland. Most impressive acoustic guitars I ever listen and being blessed playing one of these unbelievable balanced, clear, rich and stunningly sounding treasures since 30 years.
Great comparison video. Wise choice of the D 18. Thanks
Thanks for another great job Rhett. I tried about 10 different Martins in the $700- $1200 range when I was looking for a good players acoustic. However after playing a Taylor Academy10e, I thought it was better than all of the Martin's I played in that price range. Actually it wasn't even close, and cost me $600. Would love to see you do a Taylor comparison and see what you think. Also vs. the Martin's. Cheers and Happy New Year!
I have a 1941 D-18 and it is such an amazing instrument :)
Sweetwater is sweet for sponsoring these videos. Makes me wanna buy something from them.
In 2008 I purchased a Martin D-28. It was good, but I thought it lacked low end. So I traded up for a brand new Martin HD-28 in 2008. It’s been my greatest guitar purchase ever since. Amazing sound and it keeps getting better every day.
Everything about the D18 (not the modern deluxe) you played in this video spoke to me.
Dude, thanks. One of the best videos I’ve seen.
D28 1937 Authentic has an Adirondack top vs Sitka tops on the others. Game changer. Great video as always!
Thanks Rhett. I played many Martin acoustics, but never tried anything above the D-18 due to my budget. I ended up going with a D-13E! The D-18 definately sounded a bit sweeter, but was a serious budget stretch for me (almost twice as expensive). Also, I wanted a built in pickup/tuner and a guitar I could leave lying around the house and take anywhere and not worry too much. Totally happy with my purchase. Thanks for your insights.