Martin D-18 Versus the D-18 Modern Deluxe - Is the Modern Deluxe better?
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- Опубліковано 4 тра 2019
- Martin Guitar's new Modern Deluxe series adds a host of new modern features to this historic guitar. Things like torrified tops, titanium truss rods and carbon fiber bridge plates aim to make the guitar lighter and more resonant. These improvements beg the question; how does it compare to the Standard Martin D-18 - a tried and true classic. Is the Modern Deluxe D-18 better than the guitar it is based on? Let's find out! **Poll at the end of the video!
Play A Note, Change Your Life!
*Features 0:45
*Playing demo starts at 1:58
*Fingerstyle 5:29
*Blues 7:02
*Recap 8:36
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The standard d18 has its unique character, the airy open warm tone is unbelievable in person, I put my hands on mine in the shop and I know this is it, brought it home, sounds even better, there’s a reason that the d18 is such an iconic guitar
I liked the regular d-18
In almost everything in life, I always, somehow, choose the more expensive model. In this case, I was shocked to prefer the standard model!
Great video. Thank you. Super helpful!
Wow, so close. Based purely on the tone that I heard in this video, I'd go with the D-18. I'd be very happy with either and would love to do my own comparison.
I hear greater note separation on the MD, and it sounds "brighter" with perhaps a bit more sustain, but the standard D-18 has a sweetness that can't be beaten. It is THAT D-18 sound! Love it. The Standard D-18 would be the one to add to my collection of wonderful Martin guitars.
Both are awesome; can't go wrong with either one!
I am thinking about purchasing a D18 Modern Deluxe. I am very vision impared, so I could hear the difference (I think) but could not tell which one was being played. It would help us low vision viewers if you could verbally annouce the name of the guitar being played at the begining and end of each segment.
Thanks for taking the time to put together the videos and reading my comment.
I went to get a d-18 in 2020. I came home with a Gibson j-45.
I like the standard a little better, the deluxe sound a little bright, like it has brand new strings. I would be happy with either!
The D-18:is just so musical and sweet!
Over decades of playing Martins, I have come to like the 18's the best, in any body shape. The reason is the increased clarity you get with mahogany. I have always owned dreads, and so this time I wanted something different and began looking at smaller guitars. So, although I finally got a 000, this comparison was important to me, and the MD/standard considerations are similar across the whole line, IMO, regarding brightness and clarity, and I tried a lot of guitars. In the end it's very subjective, further complicated by the fact that no 2 acoustic guitars sound the same, even if they are identical models. If one is drawn to 18's it is mainly because of the different tone you get with mahogany "vs." rosewood. So, since that is the main thing that the MD enhances, (and you need to have it in your hands, not listening to online, and no insult to the above excellent comparison), score 1 for the MD. Playability: This is a major issue, in some ways more important than tone. I like fast necks. Although the standard has the "low oval taper", it has noticeably sharper shoulders, and so the contour of the MD, for me, was dramatically more comfortable. I can wrap my whole hand around it easily, something totally impossible with the 000-28 EC, which I thought was a terrific sounding guitar, and would have kept, if the neck wasn''t so chunky. Cosmetics are not a consideration to me and actually I prefer modest looking workhorse guitars, as the things loaded with bling make me feel like I'm supposed to worship it, and I just want to pick it up and play it. The MD has some "tasteful enhancements" to remind you that you dropped an extra $1000, but if anything, that's a detraction. Anyway, I like the look of the standard better. I like the golden color of the standard more then the stark wheat color of the MD. Anyway, I bought the 000-18 MD. I did try the D-18 and the D-18 MD.
In that case, I did prefer the standard. When I get a dread, I want the warmth that increased frequency overlap gives you. The last consideration in the comparison is unamplified volume. The MDs are definitely louder. I do not think that is an improvement, though it is used as a selling point. The only good thing about that is that it's more responsive to a lighter touch. The MDs vibrate more noticeably than their cousins. Part of that is the VTS system which is supposed to "pre-age" the top and make it sound more vintage. I found that notion inaccurate, having played martins from the 1930's. If you have a few extra hundred thousand inflated dollars laying around, that's the way to go. The torrefaction doesn't recreate a vintage sound, which is sales hype, but it does open up the guitar more, and that means it more efficiently delivers the inherent characteristics of the build more efficiently. To sum up this vast lecture, which no one will probably read since this post has been up a long time, I'd say that both guitars are excellent and if you like 18's there is no bad choice. The MD is brighter and more responsive, but still very much sounds like a Martin. Since these days that's what I want, I maximized it further by getting the 000, which deliberately has less depth but has an airier, more silvery sort of sound. In any body shape the MD makes it brighter, making that choice easy for me.
This is crazy! I’m in the same position right now. I was debating whether to go 000-18md or regular. I did get 000-18md and still in the return window. Driving myself crazy if I should go back to the roots. How do you feel about yours half a year later?
@@user-tz1su8ic9pOwning something, especially something like a new Martin, the worst cost to quality instrument on the market, makes you delude yourself. When you spend 4 or $5000 on a guitar that sounds no better then a $300 Takamine, you start playing games with yourself in your head. I am cured of those delusions now. I'm less impressd with ALL martins made after 1968. When they stopped using Brazillian that was the end of Martin. I sold the 00018MD and bought a used 68 Strat for $2500 and I like it vastly more, not that those two things are comparable. These infinitely maddening questions are a symptom of the insanity of how these wildly hyped up pieces of crap make us crazy. I have owned 2 D-28's and HD-28 and 2 D-41's all from the early 60's and I bought all of them beore 1969. The most i ever paid was $800 for a 60's Martin. Had I kept them, I could have sold those 5 guitars for $300,000.00 to $500.000.00 without breaking a sweat. In the last several years I have owned and dumped 4 Martins. They are built well enough for mass produced assembly line guitars (Collings are far superior if you buy new) but the current prices are truly insane. Right now I have a Silvertone guitar I bought used for $100 and it sounds as good as any new Martin. New Gibsons are priced the same way but they are better guitars, less pretentious. The best guitar i ever owned was a 1941 gibson that I bought in 1970 for $1500, a steal...would be priceless now.....but it had a quiet sweetness that I have never heard before or since. But i was a child and never thought about massive inflation, collectibility issues etc. Modern Martins have inferior wood, huge fat clunky necks (but then, I like 68 J-45 gibsons with 1 and 5/8 necks) I also sold my 63 Gibson J 50
for an astonishing price...to me the thing was worth $50, the original price and why it was called a J-50. To summariz3, tough for me to do........ALL new guitars, especially the high end martins, are garbage. No new guitar made by Martin is worth playing for an average to good player...and only guys (who endorse them) like mayer and Clapton make them sound good.......but they only play the choicest samples built to their specs, and those guys could make rubber bands on a broomstick sound great.
Standard D18 hands down
I went with a standard, I’m glad I did! Sounds so much better in my opinion. Immediately, I could tell.
To me the Modern Deluxe is more balanced and , yes it is a bit louder. I would not say it is bright but all the notes blend well so you don't get an overdose of bass. Treble is very present and not overbearing. I had the pleasure of playing the MD for a while, and it grows on you. Obviously it is not every ones first choice, but it is mine. I like it
The word that comes to my mind, for what I heard in the D-18MD, is “clarity”. It’s less muddy than the standard.
they both sound good to me slightly different but good, between those two it would come down to which one plays better for me
2:17 3:42 5:30 7:03
3:08 4:36 6:17 7:50
Whaaa. The Modern Deluxe. Are you kidding...By far the better sounding out of these two excellent guitars. Welcome folks to the new sound Martin. Yes
Maybe it's the recording, but I think the Modern Deluxe was louder that the recorded sound was distorting.
Thanks, but this just reenforces my liking for the regular D-18 even more!
Great player
I owned the standard one, as well as a 2012 D-28. And a few Larrivées , Taylors and Bouchers. And then I bought the D-18 MD, just to see wath the fuss is about. I totally agree with many reviews here. But honestly, that thing makes me experience things like I never had never before with any guit. Crazy overtones, out of nowhere, headroom, sustain. Fascinating. That one : I just won't sell it.
Guess I should have watched before buying another but I’d say the D-18 original sounds better but I would honestly put it down to the the strings - or the build of that specific guitar. I do not understand why Martin would even consider doing that, making a new D-18 when they already have a legend. If anything it detracts from the legacy achieved by their famous model, available still today to buy new as I did a couple weeks ago. Still sounds as incredible as it did when it first rolled off the production line way back in its models conception. I say why change it? Make a new model or change another less beloved model Martin!!
More depth to the Standard, accentuated by the lesser high end. (Will look for other similar comparisons, to see if they confirm this.) I think the Modern will appeal to lots of people who like the zing & cut of other younger brands like Taylor, Takamine, & Yamaha.
Based on the recording, D-18 for me. Sounds warmer and richer. Modern Deluxe sounds more "stringy".
Fair assesment!
I hear more strings and less of the woody tone that the d18 is legendary
I liked the standard better which is weird because normally I would gravitate to the more higher end guitar with the extra bling haha
What kind of bracing did previous d18's have? Same like d28's?
They're very, very close, much closer than the standard D-28 vs the modern deluxe D-28. If I had to pick one based just on the sounds I heard here, I'd pick the standard D-18. OTOH, I thought the sound of the modern deluxe D-28 was clearly better than the standard.
The Standard D-18 has more meat with the clarity mahogany is known for. I would see the Modern Deluxe phasing out in a couple of years...seems to be trying to capture the Taylor market. I'm good with my 2002 Standard D-28, 2005 D-18-GE, and 2003 OM-28V. I do however understand that Martin needs to continue to attract a newer market and I applaud their ingenuity!
I’d get the modern deluxe and then change those ugly bridge pins. The rosettes look different too.
Chris both amazing sounding instruments the modern Deluxe I must admit sounds beautiful but you seemed more comfortable playing the d-18 standard. By the way you're playing just gets better and better every video.
I own D18 reimagined and to my ears D18 Moden Delux sounds more bass and little less mid tone hence it sounds more boomy while the standard sounds more clear mid tone.
I was asked at the guitar store which model should he buy? after listening to everything he said , there was no doubt in my advice,,I told him to buy the D-18MD. Yes the features of the MD series have immediate appeal , however I think the real benefits of the MD series will come from the long term stability of the design. More stable in humidity situations, ( due to VTS. lighter weight, carbon fiber bridge plate. High quality wood bindings that dont seperate and fall apart, The neck profile and the hardness of the gold-colored frets (less repair needed. I suspect the availability of repair personnel will dwindle in future years, maybe, this will favor the MODERN series. I just see the MODERN Deluxe as the go to decision for Martin Guitars. I hope Martin will adopt their SUNBURST finishes as a no charge option. If so the answer will be definitive, MODERN DELUXE, special note: the quality of the sound is one complete level higher than the standard series. btw I own a 000-18MD,,best wishes
I finally figured out that song you always play starting at 3:40
Can you tell me lol, I've been wondering for so long, he never answers fans.
What is it?
I'm an owner of and huge fan of the MD. The tone is richer, you can really hear the effect of the VTS top and bracing. Its also rings longer on the sustain, which is great for the way I play. It has volume but it can also whisper sweetly, and it beautifully blends from bass through mid to treble. The standard D-18 is still gorgeous but a little shallower and crisper in tone and attack, if that's what you like. The neck is also slightly redesigned for an graduated shape down the neck, taken from a vintage classic Martin design. The difference seems slight but if you play it you know, it's really inviting and playable. It's also lighter with the titanium rod. I truly love the sound of the D-18 Modern Deluxe and if you have the money, I'd highly recommend spending the extra.
Some strumming would be cool
I believe the D18 has the tone I prefer, richer and more natural. The D18 MD is brighter and I would liken it more closely to the HD28, which I have had. My choice between the two is the D18 Standard for a more woody, natural tone, which I believe is the hallmark of the Martin sound. IMHO
I know this is an older video, but hopefully you're still reading back on comments. I love the aesthetics and build quality enhancements on the modern deluxe but I think it sounds a little "metallic" if that makes any sense. Immediately, I blame the liquid metal bridge pins. What do you think would happen to the sound of the MD if you put in bone or another standard bridge pin? If you ever get bored I'd be interested in seeing what that change would do to any of their guitars. You can buy them separately and put them on any guitar so the test is definitely necessary!
Not sure to be honest but it's something to try! Thanks for watching and commenting btw!
@@AlamoMusic Nice! You are keeping up with the older videos. Super cool of you to respond. I ended up finding some videos of standard series Martin's with and without the metal bridge pins and it does in fact make the guitar sound more metallic. Less rounded may be a better description. It would still be cool to see a MD without them...hint, hint!
Will pass this on! That is a great tip! Will have to try it someday!
@@CausaMortis86 hey there, did you ever find a comparison of the modern deluxe without those metallic sounding liquid metal bridge pins? I’ve been wondering the same thing, I’d hate to buy a modern deluxe, put plastic pins in em and still hear that metallic top end.
@@TheBoomtown4 I never did! I gave up on the modern deluxe because of it too.
The question everyone wants the answer to is, what guitar is used for the intro music?
Nothing beats the organic and original sound of wood. For me it's the D18 standard, first reason is cause i have one (lol) second, notice sound of MD, sounded thin and Taylor-like.
Sounds just like a Taylor. Too much string shimmer
May have to sell my car for one of these 😍
D18 hands down
Wow the modern deluxe is big and bolder.... by a little but noticeable to me
Love the D18 in Standard but Modern Deluxe in OM28 version.
D18 standard wins for me. so I'm thinking maybe the standard D18 shown in this video is a little bit older and played in a bit compared to the Deluxe D18-and maybe that's why it sounds better than the deluxe?
I'm a sucker for wood binding.
Facts.
I struggled a bit to hear the difference between the two but I am kind of a philistine
I wouldn’t trade my standard for the md even up.
Pretty close ..as they should be.
for me standard 18
The D-18 sounds warmer and doesn't cut as much. That D-18 Modern Deluxe has a great tone - it would really cut through in a bluegrass jam. The abalone CF Martin on the peg head would take a little getting use to but it's a whole lot better than that gold foil logo Martin was using - I can't stand that gold foil. The "decal" is the traditional and original and the best logo (for Martin that is). My '06 D-18 Authentic would take both of them to the woodshed.
I would go with Modern Deluxe, for the neck. The tone wasn't much different, and not worth the extra money. The neck profile is worth it, just to not have the skinny, flat backed neck. I am not a fan, and I have one 10 feet away. If you go by looks alone, I prefer the toasty, honey color of the regular 18.
This feels a little like picking fly crap out of the pepper, but... to me the Modern Delux sounds more full on the low end. If I had to choose I'd pic the modern
GREAT GUITARS THE D18 FOR ME
Inter listening I prefer the standard. It’s warm and rich. The modern deluxe is too icy-picky.
Standard D18 for me!!!
The deluxe sounds way better to me. A bigger sweeter well rounded sound. To my ear it almost made the other sound thin and dare I say, cheap. I'd still kill for either...
Really really dislike gold hardware on any guitar so modern deluxe would not be a consideration for me. Personal preference. I own a D18 standard. Amazing guitar and you just have to put one in your hands to get the full effect, which won’t sink until you get it home for a bit. 😉
Is there a difference between the D18 reimagined and the D18 modern deluxe? Or does the D28 only have the reimagined series?
Try watching the video from the beginning. He explained all of that.
Standard D18 for me better all around sound
Just has that original tone
Standard D-18 is more Martin sounding than the MD. MD is too linear, not enough depth for me.
D18 all the way
I don't think one sounded any better than the other. If anything, The standard D18 had a louder tone to it. Alvarez Guitar Company did this to there wood back in the '80s. Martin is doing anything new here. I am a big fan of Martin Guitar. (I have two Martins.) But I would not pay the added pricing for the new guitars. I live near the Martin factor. I have visited it a few times. But I think they have gotten too costly on their guitars.
I prefer the good ole regular D-18. I think it sounds more organic, richer, fuller. I DO NOT LIKE the Modern Deluxe at all & would never even consider buying one. Chris Martin ought to adhere to the old adage of: “If it ain’t broke, don’t mess with it.”
Totally agree!
This is a little deceiving. I’ve played both of these side by side in person. The new modern is definitely superior. Despite this recording it is bolder and richer. The difference you’re hearing is just out of the box, stings etc. compared to a year old little more played in D-18
Nope I like the the D18 S better
чистый прозрачный тон
D18 is Wood, D18MD Metal… its true.
D18. The modern version is too floaty.
D18 all day long
I’m going to look for your 10 year old video.
Not worth the price difference!!!
If you ever play the two you’ll know why the price difference
Not much difference but Taylor's have the edge. Also Eastman make a double top Dread for a few hundred less that beats either of these.
😂😂
MD sounds like a Taylor, to much in the midrange
Not a good thing at all.
The Reimagined looks and sounds like a P.O.S. compared to that Modern Deluxe lol. 2 totally different guitars.
sorry for the vulgarity
What? Yesh I couldn't disagree more
Modern delux is better