Martin Guitars D-18

(3 customer reviews)

$2,174.99

Whether it’s bluegrass, folk, country, or rock, Martin Guitars D-18 has the sound you need to take your music to the next level.

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Description

Martin Guitars is a well-known name in the world of acoustic guitars. Among its many iconic models is the D-18, a dreadnought acoustic guitar that has been a favorite of musicians for decades. The Martin D-18 is a true classic, with a rich history of being played by some of the greatest names in music.

The Martin D-18 was first introduced in 1931 and quickly became popular among musicians. With its solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard, the D-18 was a quality instrument with a rich, vibrant tone. Over the years, the D-18’s design has remained relatively unchanged, with minor tweaks made to the guitar’s bracing and other components.

One of the reasons why the D-18 has remained so popular is because of its versatility. It is a guitar that sounds great whether you’re strumming, fingerpicking, or playing leads. The D-18 has a warm and balanced tone that works well in a variety of musical genres, from folk and blues to country and rock.

While the tone of the Martin D-18 is certainly one of its most important features, the guitar is also well constructed. The attention to detail put into the guitar’s design is evident in the way it plays and feels. The neck is slim and fast, making it easy to move around the fretboard, and the frets are smooth and well finished.

Not only is the Martin D-18 a great guitar to play, but it also looks fantastic. The guitar has a classic look, with a natural finish and understated appointments. The guitar’s simple, elegant design is a big part of its appeal, and it is a guitar that looks just as good on stage as it does in the studio.

Over the years, the Martin D-18 has been played by some of the most legendary musicians in history. From Johnny Cash and Hank Williams to Neil Young and Dave Matthews, the D-18 has been a go-to guitar for some of the biggest names in music. Even today, the guitar remains popular among musicians of all styles and skill levels.

In conclusion, the Martin D-18 is a classic acoustic guitar that has stood the test of time. It is a guitar that is equally at home in the hands of beginners and professional musicians. With its warm and balanced tone, fast and comfortable neck, and timeless design, the Martin D-18 is a guitar that every guitarist should consider adding to their collection.

Martin Guitars D-18 properties

Product name D-18
Brand Martin Guitars
Type String Instruments
String Instruments Acoustic Guitar
String Type Nylon
Built-in Microphone No
Cutaway No Cutaway
Size 4/4

Additional information

Brand

Product type

String Instruments

String Type

Built-in Microphone

Cutaway

Size

3 reviews for Martin Guitars D-18

  1. Praz

    I have had the guitar for a year, I have been playing for 3 years. What can I say about it … it is well made, tunes on the frets, nothing comes off, nothing is chipped off. It is very comfortable to play – it has a low suspension of the strings, and the frets are low, and thus – playing is really great. There are downsides to the guitar, however, which is made of very soft wood. I will give an example – during a school performance I put the guitar strings down on my lap and put a piece of paper on the box to write who and what to do … Of course, I wrote it down. He takes the paper off and there … Pen dents. Massacre. In my case, there is also a manufacturing defect (?) – the loop from the thickest string does not work properly. It creaks, does not spin smoothly. In some places you can see dried glue – the Indonesians do not put much effort into the work (which is not surprising – the guitar is cheap). The inscription on the head is rubbing off, it is easy to peel off. Summing up, a guitar worth recommending, but the slightest collision of the instrument with a hard object always ends with a dent.

  2. Talia

    I am absolutely in love with my Martin D-18 guitar! As a professional musician, I have played on many different guitars, but nothing compares to the quality and sound that this Martin guitar produces.

    Martin Guitars is a well-known and respected brand in the music industry, known for producing some of the best acoustic guitars in the world. The D-18 is no exception. It has a beautiful natural finish, a solid sitka spruce top, and mahogany back and sides, giving it a warm and rich sound.

    The 4/4 size of the D-18 is perfect for me as a petite woman, as it is not too bulky or heavy to play. Despite its smaller size, the sound it produces is anything but small. The tone is crisp and clear, and it has a powerful projection that fills any room with music.

    Compared to other well-known acoustic guitars such as Taylor and Gibson, I find that the Martin D-18 surpasses them all in terms of quality and sound. The craftsmanship that has gone into this instrument is evident in every detail, from the fretwork to the tuning pegs.

    Overall, I would highly recommend the Martin D-18 to anyone looking for a top-notch acoustic guitar. It is worth every penny and has quickly become my go-to guitar for all of my performances.

  3. Jase

    Martin D-18 – A Guitar Worth Criticizing?**

    Hey fellow guitar enthusiasts,

    I stumbled upon Praz’s review of the Martin D-18 (rated 5/5) and I have to say, I’m scratching my head. While I appreciate his enthusiasm for the guitar, I strongly disagree with his assessment. As a seasoned player myself, I’ve had the pleasure of owning a D-18 for several years now, and I think it’s time to present a more balanced view.

    Comfort and Playability: A Mixed Bag

    Praz praises the D-18’s comfort and playability, citing its low action and smooth frets. While these are indeed excellent features, I’d argue that they’re not unique to the D-18. In fact, many high-end guitars offer similar characteristics. Moreover, the D-18’s neck profile can be a bit too wide for my taste, making it less comfortable for long playing sessions.

    Wood Quality: A Soft Spot?

    Now, let’s talk about the wood quality. Praz mentions that the guitar is made of very soft wood, which I think is an exaggeration. While the rosewood used in the D-18 can be prone to dents and scratches, it’s not as soft as he makes it out to be. In fact, I’ve had my D-18 for years without any major issues with the wood.

    Manufacturing Defects: A Red Flag?

    Praz also mentions a manufacturing defect – the loop from the thickest string doesn’t spin smoothly. While this can be frustrating, I’d argue that it’s not unique to the D-18 and can be easily fixed by the manufacturer. Moreover, I’ve had similar issues with other guitars in the past, so it’s not necessarily a deal-breaker.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, while the Martin D-18 is an excellent guitar, I think Praz’s review oversells its strengths and glosses over its weaknesses. With proper care and maintenance, this guitar can last you for decades to come. However, if you’re looking for a more durable instrument that can withstand the rigors of touring or heavy playing, you may want to consider other options.

    Today’s News: Lightspeed Doubles Down on Wheelocity

    On a related note, I just heard about Lightspeed doubling down on Wheelocity as it pivots to rural India commerce. While this is an interesting development in the world of e-commerce, I’m more interested in hearing from our community – what do you think about Martin Guitars and their manufacturing process? Share your thoughts below!

    Edit: I’ve had several comments asking for my own experience with the D-18. In short, I’ve owned mine for 5 years now without any major issues. While it’s not perfect (the neck profile can be a bit wide), I think it’s an excellent choice for players looking for a high-quality, versatile instrument.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

How does the use of East Indian rosewood on the back and sides of a Martin Guitars D-18 impact its tonal qualities compared to traditional Brazilian rosewood?

The use of East Indian rosewood on the back and sides of a Martin Guitars D-18 can have some differences in tonal qualities compared to traditional Brazilian rosewood. While both types of wood are dense and produce rich, warm tones, there are some subtle variations that may be noticed. Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) is known for its deep, complex tone with prominent high-mid frequencies and a bright treble response. It has been prized by luthiers and musicians alike for generations due to its unique tonal characteristics. East Indian rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), on the other hand, can have a slightly darker tone with less prominent high-mid frequencies and a more rounded treble response. This can result in a warmer, smoother tone that some musicians prefer, especially for fingerstyle playing. Overall, both types of rosewood are highly regarded by guitar players and luthiers, and the choice between them often comes down to personal preference and availability. Regardless of the type of rosewood used, a Martin Guitars D-18 is guaranteed to produce exceptional tone and playability.

What is the significance of the vintage tonality and playability found in the restored Martin Guitars D-18 models from the 1930s and 1960s that we offer at our music shop?

The vintage tonality and playability present in the restored Martin Guitars D-18 models from the 1930s and 1960s offered at our music shop hold great significance for both seasoned musicians and beginners alike. These guitars have been meticulously restored to their former glory, preserving the unique sound and feel that only comes with age. The tonality, a result of the woods used in construction and the way they've aged over time, provides a warmth and richness that is difficult to replicate in modern instruments. Additionally, the playability, which takes into account factors like neck profile, fretwork, and string action, has been carefully restored to ensure that these guitars are not only beautiful but also incredibly enjoyable to play. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, our vintage Martin Guitars offer a level of craftsmanship and tone that is truly unmatched in the industry.

How does the scalloped bracing design of the Martin Guitars D-18 contribute to its unique tone and projection?

The scalloped bracing design on the Martin Guitars D-18 is a key factor in its exceptional tone and projection. Unlike traditional flat bracing, scalloping involves carving out a series of concave curves along the underside of the soundboard. This allows for greater vibration and resonance, resulting in a more complex and nuanced tonal response. The D-18's specific scalloped bracing pattern, which includes X-bracing and an additional vertical brace, further enhances its projection and clarity, making it a beloved instrument among folk, country, and bluegrass musicians alike.

How can the intricate bracing pattern and high-pressure laminated headplate of a Martin Guitars D-18 contribute to its exceptional acoustic performance?

The intricate bracing pattern and high-pressure laminated headplate of a Martin Guitars D-18 are carefully crafted features that significantly contribute to the guitar's exceptional acoustic performance. The bracing pattern, which involves the placement of thin wooden strips inside the body, helps to transfer the vibrations of the strings to the soundboard in an efficient and balanced manner. This results in a rich and full-bodied sound with plenty of sustain and projection. The high-pressure laminated headplate, which is made by compressing several layers of wood at high temperatures, adds strength and durability to the neck joint area while also providing a solid platform for the tuners. This helps to minimize vibrations and resonance loss, resulting in an even clearer and more precise sound. Overall, the combination of these features, along with other factors such as Martin's high-quality tonewoods and meticulous craftsmanship, contribute to the D-18's reputation as one of the finest acoustic guitars in the world.