Hi All. Has anyone played either the Martin D-18GE or the 000-18GE? I've never had the opportunity but I've read nothing but rave reviews.
Thoughts?
I played both - great guitars.
:smile:
Thanks Zohn. Did you attempt any fingerpicking on either guitar? I have to believe it's very responsive.
I have played 3 different D-18GE's. One became one of my To Die For guitars, but got sold before I could put a deal together. I played a used one that was very nice, but not as enthralling, and another new one that was a nice guitar, but not particularly more involving than a standard D-18. That shows there is a variance in the sound of any wood guitar, and Martin's have been noted be rather variable. Each was a very good guitar, and a set-up or string change might bring all of them up, but the first was the only one I really want to own.
Finger picking was wonderful; very full deep tone, but very sensitive as well.
Thanks Chris. I've bought a couple of guitars on that very first strum when I had no intention of even buying a guitar that day. I was just perusing the shop.
A local music store has had a 000-18GE for about a year that is the BEST new guitar in any of the local shops. If it were not for the fact that I have been spending all my extra money on wood to build guitars, I would own that guitar. I have played about 5-6 of the 000-18GE and they were all pretty good guitars but this particular one is really really good.
Thanks GA-ME. So was this guitar actually hanging on the wall a year and no one bought it? Do you think it was just related to cost, perhaps that dealer had it more expensive than on-line sites?
Quote from: Dru Edwards on July 10, 2011, 09:25:08 AM
Thanks GA-ME. So was this guitar actually hanging on the wall a year and no one bought it? Do you think it was just related to cost, perhaps that dealer had it more expensive than on-line sites?
In this area the high end guitars are hanging on the walls a LONG LONG time. My second favorite guitar locally is a custom Gibson L00. It has been hanging on the wall for a coupke of years now. The only things that seem to be moving locally are the rank starter guitars and the sub 1000 dollar level guitars. Frankly, I think if it wasn't for lessons and band instrument rentals, both of the above stores would probably be folding.
I've seen some of those shops. It's a good thing they're around for more than just sales (i.e. lessons). They do provide a service, just not in the high end guitar market - nothing wrong with that.
As I stated on another thread, my D-18GE was so good I sold the SD-50. It has that vintage Martin sound and gets better each year.
Excellent endorsement.
Anyone here see a GE in Canada? The GE has a brazilian rosewood headstock thus has CITES to deal with. I've heard that Long & McQuade doesn't stock them (I'll have to ask then) due to this reason and I don't see it listed on the 12th Fret's website - and they have tons of Martins.
Quote from: Dru Edwards on July 10, 2011, 02:36:11 PM
Excellent endorsement.
Anyone here see a GE in Canada? The GE has a brazilian rosewood headstock thus has CITES to deal with. I've heard that Long & McQuade doesn't stock them (I'll have to ask then) due to this reason and I don't see it listed on the 12th Fret's website - and they have tons of Martins.
I think the D Mahogany 09 is what you are looking for. I think it is like the GE but with non Braz rosewood headstock.
Quote from: Dru Edwards on July 09, 2011, 03:03:55 PM
Thanks Zohn. Did you attempt any fingerpicking on either guitar? I have to believe it's very responsive.
Yes, I played the 000-18GE fingerstyle and to me that is the reference 000. It was very responsive with a veeeery vintage tone.
Then came my Berg OM. The Martin is almost as good... :winkin:
The D-18GE was also a great dread, ok, so I am a bit biassed being a hog fan myself....
:smile:
I've only tried the D-18GE and loved it but then what's not to love. The 1 3/4" nut, that would seal the deal for me if I had the $. I would buy one right away. Lovely instrument.
I recently played a used D18GE at a local guitar shop and really enjoyed the tone, but hated the neck...It also didn't sound better than a recent D18V I tried, which has a more comfortable neck profile for me.. I think the V neck on the DxxV series is quite a bit less chunky than on the GE.
Quote from: arbutusq on July 14, 2011, 11:03:57 PM
I recently played a used D18GE at a local guitar shop and really enjoyed the tone, but hated the neck...It also didn't sound better than a recent D18V I tried, which has a more comfortable neck profile for me.. I think the V neck on the DxxV series is quite a bit less chunky than on the GE.
I played a GE a year or so ago and my impression was that I could have gone for Babe Ruth's record with it! I've never felt anything so large and out of proportion as that thing. I think it was on a 000 but can't really remember as I put it down post-haste! I know some people like the chunkies but I'm not one of them.
:yak:
f
Quote from: ffinke on July 15, 2011, 11:15:05 AM
I played a GE a year or so ago and my impression was that I could have gone for Babe Ruth's record with it! I've never felt anything so large and out of proportion as that thing. I think it was on a 000 but can't really remember as I put it down post-haste! I know some people like the chunkies but I'm not one of them.
That's probably one of the reasons Martin introduced the P (for Performance) neck on some of their models.
In defense to the baseball necks, some claim that the mass of the old necks adds to the tone, as part of the vibrations. Perhaps, but by how much? Can't be very much, I would think.
Quote from: prof_stack on July 15, 2011, 11:33:46 AM
That's probably one of the reasons Martin introduced the P (for Performance) neck on some of their models.
In defense to the baseball necks, some claim that the mass of the old necks adds to the tone, as part of the vibrations. Perhaps, but by how much? Can't be very much, I would think.
Jeff beck likes super fat necks on his Strats. I figure he wants stability for bends and whammy bar stuff. I used to dislike the other strings going out when I did bends on a thin necked strat I had back in the day. I'd think extra mass through the neck would be a good thing for sound on guitars in general. I just can't do thumbovers and stretches with those ones. Don't have big paws.
Lots of great responses here folks. The more recent ones about the neck profile. I myself prefer a slimmer neck profile over a fat v-neck. I wish I could play one of these. Is the GE v-neck actually bigger than the vintage series (i.e. D-18v)? I had no problem with the D18v neck.
I used to own a custom guitar. Traded an early Beneteau (yes, a Beneteau) for it back in the early 90's. Ottawa Folklore Centre, circa 1990, was an amazing place, before they moved to Bank St. It was a mahogany/sitka mini-jumbo with a pronounced V neck that was huge. I played that guitar for many years. It didn't even have a truss rod. I've got some negs somewhere I should scan!!
Anyway, I loved that guitar and a D-18GE, even with a bat for a neck, appeals to me. Nothing wrong with a big neck. Just means you need to get used to it, like any other guitar.
Wow, I haven't thought of that guitar in a while, I miss it.
Hey Denis - I don't think you ever get over losing a guitar like that.
Denis makes a good point: whatever you get used to is what you like! The only thing I could never get used to was 1/2" clearance at the 12th fret (my FREE first guitar). It's a wonder I ever stuck around to get my second guitar.
f
I played a 000-18GE for the first time this past weekend. Loved the neck. And the tone of the guitar. What a sweetie pie!
Played a Martin 000-18GE sunburst today. Didn't note the price as I was just window shopping. Easily the nicest Martin I played out of the 12 or so I tried. The neck was definitely a meaty V but more comfortable for me than the clapton model they had. That could be due to the sorry state the guitars were in...high action and very old strings. Still baffles me how stores think they are going sell guitars when they display them like that, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, the 000-18GE was gorgeous for sure.
Quote from: Dotneck on July 19, 2011, 12:37:57 PM
I played a 000-18GE for the first time this past weekend. Loved the neck. And the tone of the guitar. What a sweetie pie!
Hi Dotneck, and TIMCW - where did you play these guitars? I guess I'm wondering if it was a store in Canada? Also, thanks for the posts. Very helpful.
I own a 000-18 GE sunburst. Yes, it does have a chunky neck, but the short scale helps a lot with not making the guitar not hard to play. It just has that "vintage" sound in spades. I am very fortunate to have one. :smile:
Quote from: CF Larrivee on July 21, 2011, 11:50:37 AM
I own a 000-18 GE sunburst. Yes, it does have a chunky neck, but the short scale helps a lot with not making the guitar not hard to play. It just has that "vintage" sound in spades. I am very fortunate to have one. :smile:
Where did you get the guitar? MFG?
Dru- one I tried out was at DW Sound in Lexington, KY. Nice folks, just wish they'd give all those great Martins some TLC.
CF - gratz! That is a gorgeous sunburst on them. :nice guitar:
I just was wondering. Does my 39 Martin Count as "Golden ERA" :?
Quote from: dependan on July 22, 2011, 02:34:08 AM
I just was wondering. Does my 39 Martin Count as "Golden ERA" :?
Sorry Dan, Martin gets recognized for da flat tops....
Quote from: GA-ME on July 22, 2011, 04:35:30 AM
Sorry Dan, Martin gets recognized for da flat tops....
Ah shucks :blush: Well I have heard of some converting these to a standard 000-18 since it is the same body and neck, just set differently.
Quote from: dependan on July 22, 2011, 02:34:08 AM
I just was wondering. Does my 39 Martin Count as "Golden ERA" :?
Sure ... we can always have an exception! Do you play it much and is it playable?
Quote from: Dru Edwards on July 23, 2011, 06:14:49 PM
Sure ... we can always have an exception! Do you play it much and is it playable?
It is in very good playing condition. I have only been playing my 00 lately though. I'm working very long hours and my hands are not able to take much play time. When I slow down in the fall or just (semi) retire I do plan on playing it more.
Quote from: dependan on July 24, 2011, 01:26:04 AM
It is in very good playing condition. I have only been playing my 00 lately though. I'm working very long hours and my hands are not able to take much play time. When I slow down in the fall or just (semi) retire I do plan on playing it more.
I understand about the long work hours. What are you doing at work that requires much strain on your hands? Hopefully it won't affect you long term. A 00 sounds exciting and comfortable.
Quote from: Dru Edwards on July 24, 2011, 09:12:31 AM
I understand about the long work hours. What are you doing at work that requires much strain on your hands? Hopefully it won't affect you long term. A 00 sounds exciting and comfortable.
I am a commercial refrigeration technician and an A/C contractor. I lost the two men who were my servicemen and installers late last year. This put me "back in the truck". In 2009 I think I put less than 3000 miles on my service van, now I do that in 3 months.
Lots of "handwork" using wrenches, etc. Lots of heavy lifting, moving and severe heat on a roof top or an attic. I like my trade actually, but wish my trained personnel wouldn't fall victim to drugs or move to Colorado, just when they become the most useful to me.
I was semi-retired for the last few years, now I work 7 days a week and my "high mileage" near 60 year old body is rebelling to the demands.
So, I am letting some customers go and thinking of retiring this fall (or ASAP).
Quote from: dependan on July 24, 2011, 12:06:06 PM
I am a commercial refrigeration technician and an A/C contractor. I lost the two men who were my servicemen and installers late last year. This put me "back in the truck". In 2009 I think I put less than 3000 miles on my service van, now I do that in 3 months.
Lots of "handwork" using wrenches, etc. Lots of heavy lifting, moving and severe heat on a roof top or an attic. I like my trade actually, but wish my trained personnel wouldn't fall victim to drugs or move to Colorado, just when they become the most useful to me.
I was semi-retired for the last few years, now I work 7 days a week and my "high mileage" near 60 year old body is rebelling to the demands.
So, I am letting some customers go and thinking of retiring this fall (or ASAP).
I hope your hands survive and that you have some peace of mind when playing your guitar.
I am still working right now. But after posting earlier, I got the 39 Martin out . cleaned it up real nice, did a set up to die for. and played it till late last nite. I put a new set of strings on it ( I can't remember the brand now) but anyway it was a brand I had never tried and some forum members liked so I put them on. ( Kinda subdued in a sweet way)
It even reminded me of my LSV-11's in a way. I couldn't help but think of a Gibson ES-335 and that if I could get some nice pickups in this guitar it would sing. :guitar
BTW I also played my OM-21 and the Larrivee F-III and IV. First time in months that I've played 4 gits in one day. Thanks for the kick in the gludius maximus.(sp) :donut
Quote from: dependan on July 28, 2011, 10:56:14 PM
I am still working right now. But after posting earlier, I got the 39 Martin out . cleaned it up real nice, did a set up to die for. and played it till late last nite. I put a new set of strings on it ( I can't remember the brand now) but anyway it was a brand I had never tried and some forum members liked so I put them on. ( Kinda subdued in a sweet way)
It even reminded me of my LSV-11's in a way. I couldn't help but think of a Gibson ES-335 and that if I could get some nice pickups in this guitar it would sing. :guitar
BTW I also played my OM-21 and the Larrivee F-III and IV. First time in months that I've played 4 gits in one day. Thanks for the kick in the gludius maximus.(sp) :donut
Wow - you had quite a night! As far as the Es-335, Gibson '59 Classic or Seymour Duncan '59 would be great options. I guess it depends upon the type of music you're looking to play.
I purchased my D-18GE in 2002...it sounded great then,but after 9 years of playing it sounds angelic :smile: some people love the V necks and some don't. Mine sounds so good though,that I would try to play it even if Martin used a power pole for a neck.
Quote from: Stringdancer on September 02, 2011, 01:51:13 AM
I purchased my D-18GE in 2002...it sounded great then,but after 9 years of playing it sounds angelic :smile: some people love the V necks and some don't. Mine sounds so good though,that I would try to play it even if Martin used a power pole for a neck.
Hey StringDancer - sounds like you've got a keeper! Over the 9 years, on average, how much do you play it per week? i.e. 1 hour each week over 9 years, 5 hours, etc?
Quote from: Dru Edwards on September 03, 2011, 12:26:01 PM
Hey StringDancer - sounds like you've got a keeper! Over the 9 years, on average, how much do you play it per week? i.e. 1 hour each week over 9 years, 5 hours, etc?
Hi Dru,
When I first bought it,I probably averaged 20 hrs. a week for several years. Now with age, shoulder problems and my love for short scale small bodied guitars,I don't average much more than 5 hrs a week.I can tell you this,If I had to start selling guitars...it would be the last one to go!!
Quote from: Stringdancer on September 05, 2011, 01:59:56 AM
Hi Dru,
When I first bought it,I probably averaged 20 hrs. a week for several years. Now with age, shoulder problems and my love for short scale small bodied guitars,I don't average much more than 5 hrs a week.I can tell you this,If I had to start selling guitars...it would be the last one to go!!
Hi StringDancer -thanks for the reply. That's a lot of mileage on the guitar. I'm sure she sounds amazing. I understand about the shoulder issues. The past 3 years I've had them and I'm moving away from dreads to GA and such.
I've owned a 14-fret 000-18GE and currently own My Favorite Guitar's custom 12-fret version. Of the two, I really do prefer the 12 fret version - a bit more depth and a bit more sparkle. The 14-fretter I had was a bit too dark for my tastes.
Quote from: prof_stack on July 10, 2011, 04:53:39 PM
I think the D Mahogany 09 is what you are looking for. I think it is like the GE but with non Braz rosewood headstock.
I just got a D Mahogany, and it's everything the D-18GE is but with certified woods, and built exactly the same Golden Era way. There are cosmetic differences plus it uses a European spruce top rather than Adi., 'hog headplate. I can't hear a difference. Sounds incredibly good, deep and rich, plays like a dream. I LOVE the neck!
Quote from: cke on October 07, 2011, 02:51:39 PM
I just got a D Mahogany, and it's everything the D-18GE is but with certified woods, and built exactly the same Golden Era way. There are cosmetic differences plus it uses a European spruce top rather than Adi., 'hog headplate. I can't hear a difference. Sounds incredibly good, deep and rich, plays like a dream. I LOVE the neck!
And the D Mahogany doesn't have any brazilian rosewood on the headplate so it should be easier to ship out of the US without CITES issues. There are other differences between the guitars ... The D Mahogany has a Katalox bridge rather than Ebony. Also, the specs state that the Standard X forward shifted bracing for the D-18GE is "Golden Era Style". Not sure what that means and how it is different than the D Mahogany's forward shifted bracing. Perhaps a more agressive scalloping?
I wish I had the opportunity to try either of those guitars.
Quote from: Dru Edwards on October 10, 2011, 09:39:52 AM
And the D Mahogany doesn't have any brazilian rosewood on the headplate so it should be easier to ship out of the US without CITES issues. There are other differences between the guitars ... The D Mahogany has a Katalox bridge rather than Ebony. Also, the specs state that the Standard X forward shifted bracing for the D-18GE is "Golden Era Style". Not sure what that means and how it is different than the D Mahogany's forward shifted bracing. Perhaps a more agressive scalloping?
I wish I had the opportunity to try either of those guitars.
The bracing of the D Mahogany in the Martin catalog sounds different, but I saw a copy of the spec sheet and it clearly states GE style bracing. Maybe Martin was trying to soft sell that guitar since it was so much cheaper than a GE. But the exclusion of Adi and Waverly's would account for the difference. Mine even has a volute and the old '30's Martin stamp on the back of the head-stock.
Any other GE fans out there? So hard to find any up here in Canada to play (I've never even seen one).
I've had this 000-18GE since March of 08.
I have not looked at another acoustic since.
(http://www.pbase.com/shadco/image/94277690.jpg)
Quote from: shadco on November 26, 2011, 08:30:43 PM
I've had this 000-18GE since March of 08.
I have not looked at another acoustic since.
(http://www.pbase.com/shadco/image/94277690.jpg)
Stunning guitar! Do you use it for mostly fingerpicking, strumming, or both?
Quote from: shadco on November 26, 2011, 08:30:43 PM
I've had this 000-18GE since March of 08.
I have not looked at another acoustic since.
(http://www.pbase.com/shadco/image/94277690.jpg)
A beauty for sure! You should be a happy man! Enjoy and play in good health.
That's one of the nicest looking Martin's I've seen. Throw a twelve fret neck on there and I would be........... :drool: :arrow
My favorite Martin guitar is definitely the 0-45 and I wish I had the money to buy one (Joan Baez, if you're reading my post ???) :bgrin:
Quote from: ewalling on October 06, 2011, 11:24:39 PM
I've owned a 14-fret 000-18GE and currently own My Favorite Guitar's custom 12-fret version. Of the two, I really do prefer the 12 fret version - a bit more depth and a bit more sparkle. The 14-fretter I had was a bit too dark for my tastes.
What's the difference on the neck and nut width in that 12 vs the 14 fret version?
When you say "dark" sound, do you mean more a rosewood than mahog sound?
Wonder if one would hear a big difference in the 12 fret version of the 000-18GE vs the 000-28vs? I would love to be able to find those two models and A/B them.
So many guitars...so little $$$ in my account!
:blush:
Quote from: DJ in FL on February 07, 2012, 07:48:56 PM
What's the difference on the neck and nut width in that 12 vs the 14 fret version?
When you say "dark" sound, do you mean more a rosewood than mahog sound?
Wonder if one would hear a big difference in the 12 fret version of the 000-18GE vs the 000-28vs? I would love to be able to find those two models and A/B them.
So many guitars...so little $$$ in my account!
:blush:
Great quote!!! As far as the biggest differences between the 000-18GE and the 000-28vs, mahogany vs rosewood. Also, the scalloped bracing is more pronounced/agressive on the GE series than the Vintage series. I don't think you could go wrong with any of those guitars and I wish I could play at least one!
Ahhhhh, Dru's got GASSSSSS :thumb
000-18GE :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: beautiful guitar.
The nut width - 1 3/4" - is the same on both the 14-fret and 12-fret models. Maybe it's just an illusion, but the neck feels more comfortable on the 12-fretter than the 14-fretter - a bit slimmer. By "dark" I mean the opposite of "trebly". The 14-fret 000-18GE that I had, while having a pleasing bass-rich sound, was lacking shimmer and sparkle on the treble strings to my ears. For this reason, the guitar sounded a little dull to me. One thing that immediately impressed me about the 12-fretter was that while it had the rich bass and mids, it had a nice ring on the trebles, and that's very important to me in a guitar.
Quote from: DJ in FL on February 07, 2012, 07:48:56 PM
What's the difference on the neck and nut width in that 12 vs the 14 fret version?
When you say "dark" sound, do you mean more a rosewood than mahog sound?
Wonder if one would hear a big difference in the 12 fret version of the 000-18GE vs the 000-28vs? I would love to be able to find those two models and A/B them.
So many guitars...so little $$$ in my account!
:blush:
Quote from: fongie on February 22, 2012, 07:36:55 PM
Ahhhhh, Dru's got GASSSSSS :thumb
000-18GE :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: beautiful guitar.
Hahaha.... yes I do. No GE's anywhere near where I live so I've never played one before but I love the specs (forward shifted scalloped bracing). My Taylor BTO is coming in a couple of months though so no GE for me now. :smile:
Quote from: Dru Edwards on March 18, 2012, 05:07:10 PM
Hahaha.... yes I do. No GE's anywhere near where I live so I've never played one before but I love the specs (forward shifted scalloped bracing). My Taylor BTO is coming in a couple of months though so no GE for me now. :smile:
I'm looking forward to your review Dru and don't forget pic's either. Would you believe, I've never played a Taylor before, always interested but never got there yet. I will, someday soon.
Quote from: fongie on March 19, 2012, 03:59:22 AM
I'm looking forward to your review Dru and don't forget pic's either. Would you believe, I've never played a Taylor before, always interested but never got there yet. I will, someday soon.
Looks like I posted on your triplet thread a little too early ... I asked if you had any Taylors. Surprised that you haven't played any Taylors before. I'm assuming that you see them at the store sometimes? Just pick one up and start playing. Much brighter than the Martins, that's for sure. It's like any other brand, some love them and others don't. It's all in our ears.