• I'll Never Let Go of This Guitar

  

  As reviewed by Jon on 7/19/2011

  I purchased my D-18 from Guitar Center last December. It was a gift to myself, one that I've wanted for years. I had been playing an Ovation and also a Washburn -- both of mine are excellent guitars, but it seemed that the D-18 had both the brightness (Ovation) and depth (Washburn) that I wanted in one guitar, plus the tuners, the feel, the dovetail neck joint, and so many other qualities. My D-18 arrived in early January. Fresh out of the box. One smell of that new mahogany . . . I was in heaven. I sat up late that night and A/B'd the D-18 with my Ovation and my Washburn. Yes there was a difference -- the D-18 was slightly more playable than my shop-adjusted guitars right out of the box. And the tone . . . but was it enough to justify the cost? I sat melancholy with buyer's remorse for a while. Thought I might get my money back. The next day I woke up with the sun and played the D-18 while the rays reflected off of the floors in my house. With every note I became more and more attached. "You must be kidding me" I questioned myself aloud,"I absolutely have to keep this guitar. Whatever happens, I have to have this guitar." Since purchasing, I have played my D-18 several times each week on average -- only because I'm really busy. My D-18, it rarely needs tuning -- those Grovers are amazing. It was great out of the box, but I did have my D-18 shop adjusted to suit my 50-50 fingerpicking/strum style. The tonal quality of the instrument sounds better now just eight months later, and I know it will continue to improve with age. Sometimes, when I don't have time to play, I'll open up the case (wonderful five-latch case, BTW), pull it out, and hit just one string or one chord, let it resonate, just enough to remind myself what I need to do more often. And just to give myself the best reason I can think of to do it. This guitar will make you play more. It will make you play better. I am so glad I decided to keep it.

  1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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• Martin D18

  

  As reviewed by Martin D18 on 11/3/2006

  My D18 is a 1991 model. I also have an HD28. The D18 is a great guitar. It does not have the sustain or bass of the HD28 but has clearer mids and treble. This is a wonderful recording guitar. Much easier to mix than the HD28. When I want to play folk or fingerstyle I find myself reaching for the D18. Also for some reason the neck on my D18 is easier to play than the neck on my HD28. Strange, huh? This is my favorite going camping, campfire, and going to the park or beach guitar. I have changed my bridge pins and saddle to fossilized Walrus ivory. Try it it makes a big improvement in tone and volumn, plus it looks swank. I really like the look of the black trim. I think I will change my strap pins to Buffalo Horn to match. You will not kill banjos with this model. What you will have with the D18 is a great soloist guitar or recording guitar. This thing is the bee's knees for country and folk music. It even does bluegrass well but is swallowed up by banjos and good quality mandolins. So if you want to play a D18 for bluegrass stay away from those freaky banjos and mandolin player. They are of the Devil anyway. LOL. Oh i failed to mention. The D18 is a great blues guitar. Get yourself a slide and make the chics dance. LOL.

  37 of 40 people found this review helpful.

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• Simply A Great Guitar

  

  As reviewed by MartinFan1 on 9/27/2006

  You can always depend on Martin to make a fine instrument, and this one is no exception. The quality of the D-18 is unsurpassed for the price. You will not find an easier to play or better sounding guitar for the price. The perfect guitar for the intermediate to advanced guitar player. This guitar is tops in its price range and like I said, it's a Martin, so you know you've got quality and customer support.

  14 of 16 people found this review helpful.

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