Larrivee v. Martin D-18

[ciscokid]

I was playing with some friends last night and someone showed up with an older Martin D-18.  I was impressed by the sound and the projection and am wondering what model Larrivee is most comparable to the D-18.

Thanks.

Cisco

[jeremy3220]

The D-05 or D-50 would be the closest. However none of the Larrivee's sound like a D-18.

[Tycho]

The D-50 probably comes closest.

That said, I have a D-18V and think it's a really cool guitar, but honestly my D-03R gets more playing time.

[limnephilidae]

If you're looking for a Martin D-18 then keep looking for a Martin, the tone for Larrivees are totally different.

[ducktrapper]

Similar but not the same, I would take a new D-05 over a new D18 unless we're talking the Authentic. The Larrivée, to me, is more Gibson-like. Closer to vintage J-45/J-50's jangle.   

[HNS]

If you're looking for a Martin D-18 then keep looking for a Martin, the tone for Larrivees are totally different.

How would you compare them ... I've never compared a D50 with a D-18 .... is it comparable to the difference between the D60 and the D-28 for instance ? Darker and bassier ?

[dermot]

I have an older D18, for my ears the Larrivee that sounds the closest to it (so far) has been a D03 in silver oak.

d.

[limnephilidae]

How would you compare them ... I've never compared a D50 with a D-18 .... is it comparable to the difference between the D60 and the D-28 for instance ? Darker and bassier ?

To me it is similar to when I compare the D60 to the D-28. As you say, it is deeper and not quite as bright in the trebles. I would say the D-18V and the D-18GE I tried were slightly more lively and complex than the D-05 I tried. The D-18 I tried out was a bit more played in (2004) than the one warming up in the shipping box next to me, but I assume the difference in the GE/V's is due mostly to the scalloped bracing and, in the GE's case, the adirondack top.

I like Larrivees (a lot) but I don't think the D-03's hold a candle to the Martin D-18s (any of the model variations). While I chose my Larrivee D-60 MR over an HD-28V I wouldn't say that the tone was "better", rather the "singing" quality of the Larrivee just suited me better. If you find that you're simply liking the tone better on the Larrivees then don't hesitate to save yourself some money AND get the guitar you love. If you are hunting for that Martin tone, I don't think the D-03 will satisfy.

By the way, the silver oak sounds really interesting to me now. I REALLY want to try it. Thanks for the info dermot!

[Safricanplayer]

I like Larrivees (a lot) but I don't think the D-03's hold a candle to the Martin D-18s (any of the model variations). While I chose my Larrivee D-60 MR over an HD-28V I wouldn't say that the tone was "better", rather the "singing" quality of the Larrivee just suited me better. If you find that you're simply liking the tone better on the Larrivees then don't hesitate to save yourself some money AND get the guitar you love. If you are hunting for that Martin tone, I don't think the D-03 will satisfy.

I would have to agree. I have a nine year old D-03 that really sounds great and it's matured very nicely ~ but a Martin D-18GE it is not IMHO there is quite a significant difference between the standard D-18 Martins and their GE (Golden Era) counterparts. Love the GE's and have been less impressed with the standard D-18's. In fairness, the Martin's are significantly more expensive than the D-03 Larrivee's so we're really talking apples and oranges here. But if you're yearing for the Martin sound, you're probably destined to go down that road

This is why we need a stable of guitars

  ~ Ray ~