Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin

Subject: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST,Mary V.
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 12:01 PM

I've tried out both guitars , D 18 , and D18 golden era Martin
and I can't decide which is better.
Cany anyone help me with there guitar knowledge

Is there a difference between the two as
far as sound and quality ?
Thank you

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: van lingle
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 12:59 PM

Hi Mary,
I've played both models but I've got to say that what really counts is how they sound and feel to you.

However, you should be aware that the Golden Era version comes with an adirondack (red spruce) top. This type soundboard was used on most pre-war Martins and they take quite a bit longer to play in than the sitka ones found on the standard D-18. So if you pick up a new GE it might not be anywhere near the instrument that it could become in a couple of years of steady playing.
Good luck.














Not to further muddy the waters but Martin also makes the D-18V which is similar to the GE but with a Sitka top like the standard D-18.

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST,Mary V.
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 01:22 PM

Thank you , I'm leaning towards the D18 , that is 2 years old , and in excellent condition.

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 02:09 PM

I went out today and bought an oldish, battered and tired D18. Even now, the guitar is e-mailing its friends to say that it has just acquired an oldish, battered and tired human.

Sounds gorgeous, though!(The guitar, that is).

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 02:20 PM

If you can't tell the difference - does it matter - you might like to base your decision on price. If you'd be interested in a not so battered '79 model (a D18 not me) - I have one hanging around which needs someone to play it more regularly that I do - make me an offer!

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST,guest Mary V.
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 03:07 PM

Thanks for all the advice. Greatly appreciated.
My email is
[e-mail]
I'd like to hear what your asking for the martin.
Thanks Mary

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST,guest Mary
Date: 03 Sep 07 - 05:36 PM

Hey Ray ,
Thought I'd keep this going , maybe I'll hear from you about the d18
thank you , Mary
email is
[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: deadfrett
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 07:11 AM

Mary- I work with a picker who has a D18GE. He has told me that Martin guitar necks come in three differnt widths. He has large hands so his guitar has the wide neck. I've it played off and on for about a year and a half. It has developed into a great sounding guitar. He has a Old D28 12fret Slot head which I thought could not sound any better. Now it would be tough to decide which sounds better. I'm sure the GE will improve with play. Cheers - Dave

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 08:30 AM

Thanks Dave , appreciate the information, from all of you.
Music is my life , and its time I buy myself a nice instrument
versus' the ones I have been playing , which are okay , but
I know I will get a much nicer sound when I buy quality. Thanks again

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: John Hardly
Date: 04 Sep 07 - 08:43 AM

The D18 V and GE both have a modified V neck and that's comfortable for some, uncomfortable for others. The standard D18 has the contemporary neck. The sound difference between standard and GE is, to my ears, remarkable. But it may not make much difference to you unless you are trying to imitate that older D18 sound -- that woody, dry sound.

I've played many standard models that were just peachy.

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Feb 13 - 08:44 PM

can anyone tell me where the 1971 D18 was Manufactured, i have a serial number

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: Bobert
Date: 14 Feb 13 - 09:12 PM

1971??? Nazareth, Pa...

I bought my '66 D-18 at a guitar show in 1966... I loved it until I didn't... The V-neck just quit working for me... I play a lot of slide guitar and the V-neck ain't slide friendly... Also not all that friendly to folks who play more bar chords...

1st position chording... Can't beat a Martin...

B~

Subject: RE: Tech: D18 Martin / D18 golden era martin
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 15 Feb 13 - 03:58 AM

The 'new' 2012 version of the standard D-18 is a superb upgrade and a fine instrument. Grade 5/6 Sitka top, F/S scalloped bracing, 1-3/4" MLO neck (far nicer than the way-too-skinny-for-me 1-11/16" LP that's on the 'old' D-18), ebony F/B and bridge, Gotoh open-back Butterbean tuners (shame they didn't go with Waverlys - I've upgraded mine myself), Delmar 'tortoiseshell' pick-guard, 'tortoise' binding, heelcap and end-piece.

It's an absolute cannon, and my go-to guitar lately (over my HD-28V, OM-28 Marquis and Lowden O-25).

The D-18V has been discontinued because many of its features are now replicated in the D-18.