10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18

Garland The Mostest Bestest Member Posts: 4,661 AKA: Gdjjr Thistime Location: Texas! Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on	10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 4, 2023 20:46:17 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Garland on Feb 4, 2023 20:46:17 GMT -5
	Playin at playin guitar- SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME Guild D140 Natural Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son) Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric Lag T118ASCE-BLK Guild D240E A-M-I J45 clone Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

TonyKgull
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Location: Ontario, Canada

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 8:40:01 GMT -5 Derick likes this

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 5, 2023 8:40:01 GMT -5

#1 reason to not buy a Martin D-18:

Current price in my area is $3,800.00.

With tax, that's $4,294.00.

If you go to Martin's website, they do not even specify whether the woods they use for the top, back or sides is solid or laminate! LOL!

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland
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Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 8:45:55 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 8:45:55 GMT -5

TonyKgull, it's 2799 down here... and if you played one, you wouldn't care what its made of,

Body Size: D-14 Fret
Finish Top: Gloss
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Bracing Pattern: Forward-Shifted X-Brace
Scale Length: 25.4"
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4''
Top Material: Spruce
Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
Back Material: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper
Side Material: Genuine Mahogany

www.martinguitar.com/guitars/D-18.html?cgid=guitars

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

TonyKgull
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Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 9:01:41 GMT -5

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 5, 2023 9:01:41 GMT -5

Garland, "Genuine" doesn't mean solid. lol.

Laminate that's made of real mahogany is still technically and legally "genuine" mahogany. Ha ha ha!

By the way, I've played all the Martin big boys. Yes, they're sweet, but not worth over 4 grand in my book. I've known lots of people with high priced Taylors and Martins and I've never seen people react in such an impressed way as they did when they seen and heard a Cole Clark or Alvarez.

Seriously. Bring a Cole Clark especially to a jam, and the Taylors and Martins get forgotten faster than a Tesla sport gets to 60.

If ya gots the money, knock yourself out and buy one I say. I just never would.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland The Mostest Bestest Member Posts: 4,661 AKA: Gdjjr Thistime Location: Texas! Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on	10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 10:22:49 GMT -5 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:22:49 GMT -5 TonyKgull, I played one... it was the most beautiful sounding guitar I've ever played... and it is 2799, not 4000... it is a D18 (standard). You can deride it all day long. That won't change what I heard.
	Playin at playin guitar- SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME Guild D140 Natural Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son) Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric Lag T118ASCE-BLK Guild D240E A-M-I J45 clone Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 10:37:43 GMT -5 Derick likes this

Quote

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:37:43 GMT -5

Martin D-18 Acoustic Guitar - Natural
62 reviews
6-string Acoustic Guitar with Solid Spruce Top, Solid Mahogany Back and Sides, Hardwood Neck, and Ebony Fingerboard - Natural

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2023 10:39:34 GMT -5 by Garland

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Derick
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Posts: 7,595

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 10:46:00 GMT -5 Garland likes this

Quote

Post by Derick on Feb 5, 2023 10:46:00 GMT -5

Garland ,TonyKgull ,

I'd like to add my penny worth.

All Martin and some other makes are totally overpriced.

A guitar of the same size say, tuned to Standard tuning will sound the same (or should sound the same), the main differences will be tone including over tones, tone is very subjective, so one tone is not better or worse but different, also sustain, it be long or short, again personal choice or to suit the style of music you prefer to play.
Martin, Taylor and Gibson to name a few are only factory mass produced guitars.
You takes your choice and pay the price.

Would I like to own a Martin,Taylor or Gibson, yes definitely, will I ever buy one, no definitely not worth the money, to me.

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2023 10:47:53 GMT -5 by Derick

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 10:46:38 GMT -5 Derick likes this

Quote

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:46:38 GMT -5

TonyKgull, you obviously don't like the word, "genuine"... and I'd go as far as saying you don't care for Martin guitars... which is your prerogative... however, your opinion is just that. The one I played, sounded "real" and was light enough to be "real"... it was loud, resonant, with a lot of sustain and easy to play... they have (the D18 model) have been around a long, long time, which speaks to doing something right, as in buyers like it. I still wouldn't give 2799 for it... I also played a couple of HPL Martins and they lacked volume... I own "laminate" b and s guitars and they lack volume and weigh a lot comparatively speaking...

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 10:50:17 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:50:17 GMT -5

Feb 5, 2023 10:46:00 GMT -5 Derick said:

Garland ,TonyKgull ,

I'd like to add my penny worth.

All Martin and some other makes are totally overpriced.

A guitar of the same size say, tuned to Standard tuning will sound the same (or should sound the same), the main differences will be tone including over tones, tone is very subjective, so one tone is not better or worse but different, also sustain, it be long or short, again personal choice or to suit the style of music you prefer to play.
Martin, Taylor and Gibson to name a few are only factory mass produced guitars.
You takes your choice and pay the price.

Would I like to own a Martin,Taylor or Gibson, yes definitely, will I ever buy one, no definitely not worth the money.

The mahogany body guitars, by Martin, are a lot less expensive, 1000 bucks less, than the spruce and different back and side models... they aren't worth it... to you, worth is subjective just like sound... value is what the market will bear... big difference...

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

Derick
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Posts: 7,595

Location: Staffordshire UK
Playing guitar since: Way back yonder.

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 11:02:17 GMT -5 Garland likes this

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Post by Derick on Feb 5, 2023 11:02:17 GMT -5

Garland ,

Yes you are right.

But I won't buy a Rolex watch, totally overpriced, not very good time keepers, to me that is the main point of buying a time piece to me.
Would I like a Rolex, definitely, would I buy one definitely not.

The list could go on indefinitely, Cars, Houses, Holidays, Clothes, Shoes and so on forevermore.

We are all individual, we buy what we need, can afford, and what we like.

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2023 11:04:07 GMT -5 by Derick

Faith Mercury, Parlour Guitar.
Tanglewood TW40 Sundance Historic, 12 freter. Solid Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides.
Takamine GY93E-Nat, Parlour Guitar, solid Spruce top.
Epiphone ES339, semi acoustic Electric guitar,
Fender Mex Stratocaster, White with Maple neck.
PRS se Custom, 24 fret, Mahogany back with Maple cap.
Tanglewood TW 45 Re Sundance Reserve, All solid wood, Cedar Top,Mahogany back and sides.

ancient1
Elite Member

Posts: 817
Playing guitar since: late 50's....always a beginner

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 12:16:51 GMT -5 via mobile Derick and Garland like this

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Post by ancient1 on Feb 5, 2023 12:16:51 GMT -5

All brands of guitars have their share of flaws. Had a Martin 12 string, looked good and had a good sound but was unusable as a shoe would almost fit under the strings.
Had 4 Taylors altogether and only 1 had a great sound and thats not the one I currently have. They all had a prized feature, bolt on neck.
Never owned a Gibson but they went through a period where their bridges were't centered. They are popular, sound good and hold their value.
Had a slew of off shore guitars and they all found new homes except for the two Japanese models I still have.
Had 4 Seagulls, only kept one, the s6 model.
It's a toss up about brands and most of the really good ones are too expensive.

Seagulls live 40 + years....so should our guitars

TonyKgull
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Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 16:15:05 GMT -5

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 5, 2023 16:15:05 GMT -5

Feb 5, 2023 10:46:38 GMT -5 Garland said:

TonyKgull , you obviously don't like the word, "genuine"... and I'd go as far as saying you don't care for Martin guitars... which is your prerogative... however, your opinion is just that. The one I played, sounded "real" and was light enough to be "real"... it was loud, resonant, with a lot of sustain and easy to play... they have (the D18 model) have been around a long, long time, which speaks to doing something right, as in buyers like it. I still wouldn't give 2799 for it... I also played a couple of HPL Martins and they lacked volume... I own "laminate" b and s guitars and they lack volume and weigh a lot comparatively speaking...
and, "You can deride it all day long. That won't change what I heard."

Don't know where you get that from. Like I said, I've played all the Martin big boys and even owned two of them. I also said they're sweet guitars. Not sure if you're reading all my posts. But I have a healthy love for Martin and Taylor.

My only issue is the price point. Don't think they're worth the price is all I was saying.

Also, I'm a big lover of the English language and law. I have no dislike for any words other than profanities. What I dislike (that's even too strong for what I was doing, more so poking at) is words being used to make false implications, to deceive, or just plain used incorrectly out of ignorance. I like to poke at that when the opportunity presents itself....sometimes.

Like I said, if you gots the money, knock yourself out. All I said was that I never would. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings by that.

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2023 16:17:58 GMT -5 by TonyKgull

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 5, 2023 19:11:30 GMT -5 Derick likes this

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Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 19:11:30 GMT -5

TonyKgull , said: Laminate that's made of real mahogany is still technically and legally "genuine" mahogany. Ha ha ha!

By the way, I've played all the Martin big boys. Yes, they're sweet, but not worth over 4 grand in my book. I've known lots of people with high priced Taylors and Martins and I've never seen people react in such an impressed way as they did when they seen and heard a Cole Clark or Alvarez.

What we hear is subjective. I don't care for Taylors, unplugged... I've never heard a Cole Clark and likely never will...

"but not worth over 4 grand in my book."

at least 3 times I posted the price, speaking of misleading... the D18 Standard, asking price, new, is 2799! That's at least 4 times. Are you reading my posts?

And you're not capable of hurting my feelings...

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2023 19:14:20 GMT -5 by Garland

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

TonyKgull
Global Moderator

Posts: 6,425

Location: Ontario, Canada

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 6, 2023 3:13:35 GMT -5

Quote

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 6, 2023 3:13:35 GMT -5

Feb 5, 2023 19:11:30 GMT -5 Garland said:

"but not worth over 4 grand in my book."

at least 3 times I posted the price, speaking of misleading... the D18 Standard, asking price, new, is 2799! That's at least 4 times. Are you reading my posts?

I just realized, you probably forgot that a few of us are Canadian. So when I say over 4 grand (tax included) that's in CDN funds. Doing the exchange rate math, it appears you would get it for about 200 to 400 bucks (CDN) cheaper than I could. Unless I was able to haggle someone down that is.

Still, 200/400 bucks in the grand scheme of that price point is not enough of a discount for me. lol.

My limit for a very good guitar is about 2 grand. That's about all I could spend on a high end guitar and not feel stupid about it. LOL. And believe me, for 2 grand, you can get a LOT of guitar, even from Taylor and Martin.

You said you've never heard a Cole Clark which is also important to point out. Once I played (and owned some) high end guitars from the other side of the planet (Australia, Japan mainly) it changed my perspective big time on what one needs to spend to get super high end quality and sound.

All that said, don't get me wrong, if I was swimming in money, I'd probably have a Martin Custom Shop D-28 1937 tomorrow! LOL. And a Taylor 324ce as well.

=====================================
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will
give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I
am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
- Jesus, from Matthew 11:28-30

Garland
The Mostest Bestest Member

Posts: 4,661
AKA: Gdjjr Thistime
Location: Texas!
Playing guitar since: off and on since 1960, a lot more off than on

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18 Feb 6, 2023 8:26:13 GMT -5

Quote

Post by Garland on Feb 6, 2023 8:26:13 GMT -5

TonyKgull , I wouldn't buy a multiple thousand dollar guitar no matter how much money I had... I'm too utilitarian... I play plugged in so what it sounds like, unplugged, is (as my niece used to say), unportant.

All I know is, the D18 Standard sounded really good, setting on top of it, and had good volume, and had open tuners

But, my top price is way less than 2 grand.

Matter of fact, I'm going to look for the 895 dollar Blueridge... it has open tuners...

and I may change my mind on a mahogany dreadnought... unless I don't like the Blueridge and Guild has one for way less than 2 grand... in fact Guild has one for less than 1 grand... the one in the teens is more expensive than the Martin mahogany dreadnought... but still under 2 grand... they all have open tuners.

Last Edit: Feb 6, 2023 8:28:49 GMT -5 by Garland

Playin at playin guitar-

SO MANY GUITARS/SONGS, SO LITTLE TIME

Guild D140 Natural
Epiphone Dove Pro (limited edition)Alpine White
Luna Artwood Vintage Distressed Folk Body
Washburn HG75SEG-0 (gave to my youngest son)
Gretsch 5420T in Aspen Green
Orangewood Ava w/LR Baggs Lyric
Martin 00015M w/LR Baggs Lyric
Lag T118ASCE-BLK
Guild D240E
A-M-I J45 clone
Squier Affinity Telecaster in White

WELCOME TO THE ACOUSTIC GUITAR CABIN!!!

10 reasons not to buy a Martin D18

Post by Garland on Feb 4, 2023 20:46:17 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 5, 2023 8:40:01 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 8:45:55 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 5, 2023 9:01:41 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:22:49 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:37:43 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 5, 2023 10:46:00 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:46:38 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 10:50:17 GMT -5

Post by Derick on Feb 5, 2023 11:02:17 GMT -5

Post by ancient1 on Feb 5, 2023 12:16:51 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 5, 2023 16:15:05 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 5, 2023 19:11:30 GMT -5

Post by TonyKgull on Feb 6, 2023 3:13:35 GMT -5

Post by Garland on Feb 6, 2023 8:26:13 GMT -5

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