Martin D-18 Acoustic Guitar: Full Review

The Martin D-18 acoustic guitar is considered by many to be the gold standard when it comes to premium, high-end acoustic guitars. First introduced in the 1930s, the D-18 has become an iconic model that is renowned for its deep, rich tone and excellent craftsmanship.

This dreadnought style acoustic combines a solid Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides to produce a balanced, well-rounded sound that works for strumming chords or intricate fingerpicking. The D-18 produces a warm, full-bodied tone that balances brightness and resonance thanks to its tonewood combination and dreadnought body shape.

Martin's excellent build quality and attention to detail also play a big role in making the D-18 a coveted instrument. From the solid wood construction to the carefully cut dovetail neck joint and high-end appointments, these guitars represent the pinnacle of traditional acoustic guitar manufacturing.

The D-18 has graced the stage of many famous guitarists over the past 80+ years and remains a highly sought after model by discerning players looking for the ultimate acoustic guitar experience. Its rich history combined with Martin's consistent dedication to quality ensure the D-18 will maintain its reputation as a premium American-made acoustic for years to come.

History

The Martin D-18 acoustic guitar has a long and storied history. Martin first introduced the model in 1933 as part of their Dreadnought series, which revolutionized acoustic guitar design with its bigger body shape and louder volume. The original D-18 was made in Martin's US factory and quickly became a favorite among bluegrass and country players for its deep, projecting tone.

Key innovations in the D-18 over the years have included switching from Brazilian rosewood to East Indian rosewood back and sides in 1969, implementing scalloped bracing for improved resonance in the 1970s, and debuting a special edition aged/distressed version in 2005. The D-18 underwent a complete redesign in 2011 with vintage-inspired specifications aimed at recapturing the classic Martin tone and playability. The latest D-18 features modern enhancements like a hand-fit dovetail neck joint and an improved neck shape while staying true to the original spirit of this iconic acoustic guitar model.

The Martin D-18 has inspired many other iconic acoustic guitars over the decades. Models such as the Fender 0373250558 have taken design cues from the D-18 while putting their own spin on the classic dreadnought body shape. With its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the 0373250558 aims to deliver the balanced tone and articulation that players have come to expect from a dreadnought acoustic. The scalloped X-bracing contributes to the 0373250558's resonance and sustain, while the quartersawn neck provides stability. The 0373250558 may not have the long legacy of the D-18, but it strives to offer great dreadnought sound quality and playability at a more affordable price point for today's musicians.

As one of Martin's most enduring acoustic guitar models, the D-18 has been played by countless musicians over the past eight decades. It has been a staple of bluegrass, country, folk, rock and other genres. Notable D-18 players have included Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, John Lennon and many more. Even as other classic dreadnought guitars like the Gibson J-45 have risen to prominence, the Martin D-18 remains an icon of acoustic guitar craftsmanship and tone. Its balance of volume, articulation and sustain make it a versatile instrument for lead and rhythm playing across musical styles. The D-18's place in acoustic guitar history is assured, and newer models continue the legacy today.

Construction

The D-18 features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, which gives this guitar its characteristic balanced and warm tone.

The top is braced with scalloped 5/16" tall Adirondack spruce 1/4" tone bars, which allow the top more freedom to vibrate for a responsive and nuanced sound. The back and sides are constructed from solid mahogany for richness and warmth.

The D-18 has a hand-rubbed, nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This thin finish allows the natural resonance of the tonewoods to ring through. The aging of the nitrocellulose lacquer gives the D-18 a distinctive patina over time that many players find appealing.

Overall, the all-solid wood construction and thoughtful bracing of the D-18 makes it a highly resonant and vibrant sounding acoustic guitar. The wood pairing produces the balanced tone that has made Martin D-18s legendary. While the D-18 is an iconic acoustic guitar known for its balanced tone and responsiveness, there are other quality acoustic guitars that offer great value, such as the Monoprice 625900. This guitar features a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides, producing a balanced and warm tone similar to the D-18. It has a nitrocellulose finish that allows the tonewoods to resonate freely. The Monoprice 625900 is an affordable option constructed with many similar design elements as the D-18, while producing comparable balanced tone and playability. With its solid wood construction and comfortable playability, the Monoprice 625900 is a great choice for players looking for an acoustic guitar alternative with a familiar balanced tone at a lower price point.

Sound

The Martin D-18 produces a balanced, warm, and articulate sound thanks to its combination of premium tonewoods. The solid Sitka spruce top contributes to the D-18's excellent projection and response in the highs and mids, while rosewood back and sides add bass and overtones. Together, these tonewoods create a versatile and well-rounded acoustic tone that works for various genres from folk to country.

The D-18 has a rich low end with tight bass focus. The mids are open and balanced, allowing individual notes to ring clearly. Trebles are crystalline and articulate without being harsh or brittle. It's a very balanced sound profile overall, with just enough sparkle on the top end. The rosewood back and sides give it some grit and character in the bass and mids. It has enough punch for rhythm parts, but retains the clarity needed for fingerpicking and melodic lines. The D-18 is an extremely responsive guitar that allows dynamic expression with a wide spectrum of tonal colors.

Playability

The D-18's playability features are superb and lead to a very comfortable playing experience for both professionals and beginners alike.

Neck Shape

The D-18 has Martin's Modified Low Oval neck shape, which is slightly thinner on the bass side while retaining enough meatiness for comfort. This allows for easy fretting and chord changes while still providing a substantial grip. Many players find this neck extremely versatile.

String Action

This guitar comes from the factory with a medium string action height that facilitates complex soloing and makes it accessible for beginners. The action can be further adjusted through the truss rod and saddle height to suit individual playing styles. Overall, the string height promotes clear notes without buzzing.

Fretboard

The fretboard is made of solid East Indian rosewood which contributes to the warm, organic tone. It features 20 frets and a 25.4" scale length. The rosewood feels smooth and playable right out of the case. The fret ends are nicely finished making transitions up and down the neck seamless.

Hardware

The hardware on the Martin D-18 is top-notch, as you would expect from a high-end acoustic guitar like this.

Tuning Machines

The D-18 features Martin's vintage-style nickel open-geared tuning machines. They hold tune very well and look great with the vintage vibe of the guitar. The gears are nice and smooth when tuning.

Bridge

It has a ebony bridge, which is known for having crisp, bright tone. The bridge transfers vibrations efficiently from the strings to the top of the guitar. The compensated saddle helps maintain proper intonation up and down the neck.

Nut and Saddle

The nut and saddle are both made from premium bone. This gives great sustain and resonance. The bone nut is cut precisely for low friction and accurate string spacing. The saddle has a radiused top for smooth playing.

Electronics

The D-18 features Martin's popular System 55 pickup system, which helps accurately capture the warm and bright acoustic tones of the guitar. This pickup system consists of an under-saddle transducer and soundhole-mounted internal microphone.

The under-saddle transducer picks up the guitar's vibrations for a clear and balanced amplified tone. It features individual string sensitivity, allowing each string's volume and tone to come through naturally.

The internal microphone picks up the top and body vibrations, adding fullness and air to the amplified sound. Together, the pickup and mic blend seamlessly to recreate the D-18's true acoustic voice through an amplifier or PA system.

The pickup and mic are powered by a preamp with volume and tone controls, which can be easily adjusted on the guitar. The preamp provides a natural-sounding signal, maintaining the integrity of the D-18's tone when plugged in. It runs on a 9V battery and the preamp automatically shuts off when not in use to conserve battery life.

Overall, the System 55 electronics equip the D-18 for amplified performance settings while staying true to its all-acoustic roots and sound. The pickup and mic combination captures a balanced, studio-quality tone, making this an excellent guitar for both unplugged practicing and live amplified gigs.

Tone

The Martin D-18 produces a beautifully balanced tone with articulate bass, warm mids, and clear, ringing trebles. The all-mahogany body and solid spruce top work together to generate complex overtones that give the D-18's sound dimension and richness.

The bass response is tight and focused, providing a solid foundation without boom or muddiness. There is enough low-end power to provide rhythmic drive without overshadowing the mids or highs. Fingerstyle playing really brings out the articulate bass notes.

The midrange is where this guitar shines. There is a sweetness and warmth to the mids that adds body and character to chords and single notes alike. The sound is very responsive to changes in dynamics, with the mids blooming as you dig in.

Treble tones have definition and clarity without sounding brittle or harsh. There is a chimey, complex quality to the treble that gives depth to the overall tone. Notes decay smoothly rather than abruptly. The harmonics ring out with sustain.

The all-solid-wood construction allows the D-18 to produce complex overtones that give it a rich voice. There is a three-dimensional quality to each note. The guitar has a very organic, unprocessed sound.

Pros

The Martin D-18 acoustic guitar has many admirable qualities that make it a top choice for players looking for a premium instrument.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound, the D-18 delivers the rich, complex tone that Martin guitars are prized for. The combination of solid Sitka spruce on the top and mahogany back and sides produces a balanced sound across the tonal spectrum - bright and articulate treble, warm midrange, and tight bass response. The solid wood construction allows the guitar to "breathe" and really open up as it's played. Whether strumming rhythm or plucking leads, the D-18 projects with authority.

Playability

In terms of playability, the D-18 offers a comfortable neck profile and low action that make it very playable right out of the case. The 25.4" scale length provides ample room between the frets, while the 1-3/4" nut width gives a nice playing feel that suits various styles. The smooth satin finish on the neck also allows for speedy lead work. Overall, the D-18 is an agile and versatile instrument suited for complex fingerstyle just as well as aggressive strumming.

Aesthetics

Visually, the D-18 is simply gorgeous. The polished gloss top really lets the fine grain patterns of the Sitka spruce shine through. The back and sides have an elegant semi-gloss finish that shows off the deep, shimmering hues of the mahogany. The vintage-style bindings and rosette are executed with immaculate detail. And the overall craftsmanship is flawless. The D-18 is truly a work of art worthy of displaying alongside fine furniture. For players who appreciate the aesthetics of a guitar, the D-18 is sure to impress.

Cons

The Martin D-18 has a few drawbacks that should be considered before purchasing.

• Price - This guitar sits at the higher end of Martin's price range, so it represents a significant investment. While the exceptional craftsmanship and tone justify the cost for many players, the D-18 may be beyond the budget of some acoustic guitarists.

• Availability - Due to the handmade construction process and high demand, the D-18 can be difficult to find in stock at music stores. There may be a waiting period if ordering directly from Martin. This lack of accessibility could make acquiring the D-18 challenging.

• Electronics - The D-18 does not come equipped with onboard electronics like some other acoustic-electrics in its price range. Those wanting to amplify the D-18's sound will need to install a pickup. While aftermarket pickups can sound great, having factory electronics pre-installed provides convenience.