Larrivee D-03 vs Martin D-18, D-16

[jackstrat]

Just wondering if any D-03 owners own or have had experience with Martin D-18s. I don't have access to a D-03, am a L-03 owner, currently looking for a dreadnought for live playing of bluegrass gospel and praise and worship music. And would love a head to head comparison of the D-03 (and D-03R) against the Martin rivals...

Thanks
Jack L

[ciscokid]

I asked a similar question last winter and this thread indicates the responses.  You might find it helpful.

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=25138.0

[Johnny M]

I have a D-18 and love it.  Play bluegrass everyday with it.  A lot of people rave about the D-18GE, but the one I played sounded tight, so I can't really say.  I think the tone of the D-18 sounds great with a fatter tone than the GE, but it can cut through nicely. Strums and flatpicks amazingly good.  If you look around, you can get one for a pretty decent price used.  It's a standard model that has been around for decades for a good reason.

As for comparing it to a D-03, well, I can't really help you there as I haven't played one.  I had a L-03R and the D-18 is fuller and louder sounding.  The D-18 definitely has the Martin sound, which might be good or bad depending on what you want.  In fits of GAS, I've thought about selling it a couple of times, but came to my senses.  I don't see this going anywhere for a long time.  

Hope this helps
John

[kwakatak]

I also posed a similar question, but comparing only the D-03 to the D-16GT. 

http://www.larriveeforum.com/smf/index.php?topic=28782.0

I would think that a closer comparison would be the D-05 to the D-18 simply because of the gloss finish and dovetail neck joint. All things being equal though, the bracing will be sufficiently different to make it more of a matter of opinion.For me, I've never played a D-03 but have played a D-05 as well as the D-16GT and a D-18, all the Martins and Larrivée on different occasions though. My favorite of the bunch was the D-16GT followed not too closely by the D-05. If I were to go with another Larrivée I think I'd go with an L-03 or L-05 (money being what it is right now) but first I'd go with the D-16GT. As for the D-18, I happened to try a dud I guess. The D-16GT just sounded way more open. 

[Johnny M]

Just saw a D-16GT over on AGF that looks pretty nice ... http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167033

No affiliation, just passing along a link.

John