A mandohead needs GAS advice

**RustyPickup** · Jun-12-2012, 3:24pm

OK, I've gotten ten of every kind of mandolin in the world, in a dozen different colors, and GAS is starting to hit. Here is my dilemma: where I am at right now, there is a 2008 new Martin D-18 for sale for $1800. It's very nice. BUT ... do y'all think I should I wait until the new 2012 D-18s come out next month? I am still primarily a mandolin player, so you do think the difference in nut width and neck shape will make that much difference over the long haul? lThe talk over at the Martin sites seem mixed, and I only trust the opinion of the folks at the Mandolin Cafe, the source of all wisdom and knowledge. If anyone has any thoughts, I wouldn't mind hearing them! Thanks ...

**Jim Garber** · Jun-12-2012, 3:39pm

Are you saying that they are changing the specs on the new D-18s? Being a guitar player also, the best new Martins I have seen over the years have been the vintage series which might be a more expensive than the regular line. BTW I prefer D-18s in general over rosewood or maple guitars.

**Fstpicker** · Jun-12-2012, 3:55pm

The new 2012 D-18's have indeed changed from the 2011 D-18's. They now have forward-shifted top bracing that is scalloped, with a neck that is a Modified Low Oval Profile w/ Performing Artist Taper. The neck is 1 & 3/4" wide at the nut, and the string spacing is 2 & 3/16" at the bridge. The tuners are the Nickel Open-Geared w/ Butterbean Knobs. The fingerboard and bridge are solid black ebony now instead of rosewood. They also have tortoise colored body binding instead of plain black, and a tortoise colored pickguard instead of black. Basically, they are D-18V's but without the long saddle for the most part.

For $1800, you can get a new D-18 with all the improvements. From what I've heard, the tone has improved immensely over the previous D-18's.

Jeff

**Marty Henrickson** · Jun-12-2012, 4:01pm

Just like mandolins, there's no substitute for playing the actual instrument.

However, if it's mainly a matter of neck width / feel, it shouldn't be that difficult a question to answer. I'm not familiar with the changes they may be making to the D-18's, but you should have an idea if you prefer a narrower or wider nut, as well as for the general neck shape / thickness. Will you be mostly flatpicking or fingerpicking?

Originally Posted by RustyPickup

....where I am at right now, there is a 2008 new Martin D-18 for sale for $1800. It's very nice...

Are you saying that the Martin in your town is a new / old stock instrument? That can sometimes be a good option, like getting four years of play-in and "opening up" for a discounted price. When I bought my D-28 CW, it came down to a very close race between my guitar and a D-18 Golden Era. The Golden Era had a 1-3/4" neck, and great tone, but I simply couldn't put the D-28 down. It was a shopworn new / old stock model, so I got a great deal. Built in 2003, but I bought it at the end of 2007.

edit:
Just read Jeff's post, and maybe waiting is a good idea! I'm happy enough with my D-28 that I'm not up on the Martin specs....plus MAS has controlled my instrument budget for the last few years!

**Jim Garber** · Jun-12-2012, 4:17pm

Originally Posted by Fstpicker

Basically, they are D-18V's but without the long saddle for the most part.

When i bought my first Martin in the 1970s there was one D-18, one D-28, etc. Now I can't keep yup with the multiplicity of models and variations. Is the D-18V the copy of the old guitar? if so then how can it have that low profile neck? At one point there was something called Golden Era -- is that what I am thinking of?

**Marty Henrickson** · Jun-12-2012, 4:55pm

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

When i bought my first Martin in the 1970s there was one D-18, one D-28, etc. Now I can't keep yup with the multiplicity of models and variations. Is the D-18V the copy of the old guitar? if so then how can it have that low profile neck? At one point there was something called Golden Era -- is that what I am thinking of?

Probably so, Jim, but there is also the D-18 Authentic, that is supposedly even closer to the original pre-war specs than the Golden Era. There was a Fretboard Journal article about these a couple of years back, I believe (I'll try to dig it up). The major difference that I can remember is the use of hot hide glue on the Authentic.

**jim simpson** · Jun-12-2012, 5:28pm

If the D-18 is new old stock with a warranty, then I'd say that's a good deal provided that you like it. I've owned D-28's, an HD-28, and now own a D-18 that is less than 10 years old and was purchased used. No warranty but it was in new condition. I seem to prefer it over the 28's.
Play it and take a guitar playing friend with you as well to see how it sounds from a player and listener stand point.
Good luck!

**guitarpath** · Jun-12-2012, 5:53pm

Rusty, a 2012 D-18 can be had for about $1800. I would steer towards that rather than a 2008 D-18. I think the spec change on the D-18 is a very positive move by Martin.

**OldGus** · Jun-12-2012, 7:57pm

How about a Gallagher G50 or Doc Watson model instead? They are great for flat picking and are a little better than a new d18 in my opinion. Here's a Watson model being played http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvTwsmVwRD8, and one for sale on Craigslist http://jacksontn.craigslist.org/msg/3051372908.html. You could probably find a used one at a store for a similar price if you want one but you don't want to buy off of Craigslist. In fact I might already know of a new one for around that(at a store) if you're interested. Personally I'm considering buying an Alvarez Yairi or one of several others soon. The one I'm looking at and most other Yairis have laminated back and sides but they have good tone and articulation and are good for flat picking too. Did I mention they're cheaper? Here's one one of those might sound like in skilled hands http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLwTeOqo4Qc&feature=plcp (mandolin content included). Another one I'm considering is a new series from Yamaha the A3, available in both mahogany and rosewood. Here's a rosewood one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8b0OhEcnXI. Maybe you guys can help me decide also. Hahaha

**fatt-dad** · Jun-13-2012, 7:15am

I'd want the 2012 model if I was a bluegrasser. What music do you play on the guitar?

f-d

**Fstpicker** · Jun-13-2012, 3:02pm

Originally Posted by Jim Garber

Is the D-18V the copy of the old guitar? if so then how can it have that low profile neck? At one point there was something called Golden Era -- is that what I am thinking of?

The D-18V has a deeper V shaped neck profile than the modified low oval profile of the regular D-18 and is about the same as the neck shape as a D18GE. The D-18A may be a tad deeper profile although I don't have access to Martin's website right now to verify this. It can be somewhat confusing to understand and keep up with the latest info. I tend to be a Martin geek so I enjoy this kind of stuff.
Jeff

**Justus True Waldron** · Jun-13-2012, 3:21pm

Originally Posted by OldGus

How about a Gallagher G50 or Doc Watson model instead? They are great for flat picking and are a little better than a new d18 in my opinion.

One of my friends is somewhat sponsored by Gallagher, and one of the guitar players I play with often bought his used G50 when he upgraded to a custom model. Both the G50 I get to hear every couple days and the custom one sound amazing, in my opinion rivalled by very few acoustic guitars out there. I also ended up staying with Steve Gallagher for a day and playing a show with him when I was on my way up that way, he's a really nice guy and they family business is 100% legit. I have a martin myself that I bought when I was 12 (before I found the mandolin and never became much of a guitar player)... but if there ever was a guitar I lust over it would be a smaller body gallagher in sunburst with fake tortoise binding. Not a martin tone there, but still good for bluegrass and excellent for recording! The G50 has bluegrass tone in droves.

Of course, none of that answered the original question. Seems to me if you can get them both for $1800 I would go with the new one, but try them both first. Keep in mind my friend got his G50 for $1800 though, and there isn't a Martin I would rather have than it except my friend's 1937 D18...

**Mike Bunting** · Jun-13-2012, 3:40pm

Don't forget the D 18 A.

**drbluegrass** · Jun-13-2012, 4:52pm

Originally Posted by Marty Henrickson

Probably so, Jim, but there is also the D-18 Authentic, that is supposedly even closer to the original pre-war specs than the Golden Era. There was a Fretboard Journal article about these a couple of years back, I believe (I'll try to dig it up). The major difference that I can remember is the use of hot hide glue on the Authentic.

Yeah, Marty, you're right about the specs and the sound is sublime on the D-18A. Fabulous guitar, but...street price on a new one will be in the $6500+ range. One of my very top choices in guitars for bluegrass.

Tom

**Marty Henrickson** · Jun-13-2012, 7:51pm

No doubt, Tom! By the way, the FJ article I was thinking of was in issue #13, Spring 2009.

I am very happy with my D-28, it has that "Rice" tone, it's a lifetime keeper. But all this D-18 and Gallagher talk has me GAS-ing a bit!

**Trent Crawford** · Jun-13-2012, 8:05pm

Have you considered buying used?

I spent a lot of time playing as many Martins as i could find... The D18GE stood on top of the heap for me personally, but i couldn`t agree with the price tag. Anyways, i ended up finding a 1972 D18 that i am really happy with for the same dollars you are speaking of...

/2cents

**terzinator** · Jun-14-2012, 10:07am

I'd look at the D-Mahogany, too. Costwise, it lands between the D-18 and the D-18GE. It's got GE bracing, Forest-certified Adi/Mahogany, great tone. If I were in the market, that's the guitar I'd be looking at.

D Mahogany at My Favorite Guitars

(I'm a 12-fret dread guy, though, so I'd also suggest you try a D-18VS! Click on the link in my sig for a pic.)