Martin D-18 vs D-28
Martin D-18 vs D-28 – If we have to quickly pick!
Martin D-18 vs D-28 – Both of these Martin and Company guitars are a solid choice. When it comes to the Martin D-18 vs D-28, there is much to love about both of them.
If we had to make a quick pick, our knee jerk reaction would be to go for the D-18 because of its sharp attack and the gorgeous mahogany back and sides. For a deep dive on both guitars, plus a few more contenders, see below.
Martin D-18
Understated looks, timeless tone. The warm tone of mahogany and authentic Sitka spruce couple with resonant scalloped bracing under the hood for a sound that’s honest, authoritative, and clear. Vintage details like open-geared tuners and classic 18-style appointments pair with a modern, low profile neck for an old-soul sound in a brand-new body.
D-18 Features
– Body Size: D-14 Fret
– Finish top: Gloss
– Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
– Back & Side Finish: Gloss
– Bracing Pattern: Forward-Shifted X-Brace
– Scale Length: 25.4″
– Brace Shape: Scalloped
– Fingerboard Width At Nut: 1 3/4”
– Top Material: Sitka Spruce
– Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
– Back Material: Genuine Mahogany
– Neck Taper: High-Performance Taper
– Side Material: Genuine Mahogany
– Case: 445 hardshell
– Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Medium – 92/8 Phosphor Bronze MA550T
Check out out full blog dedicated to the Martin D-18 here.
Martin D-28
Pick up the classic Martin D-28 with a modern feel! Martin’s D-28 Modern Deluxe features an East Indian rosewood back and sides with a VTS Sitka spruce top.
Unmistakable Martin Sound
The Modern Deluxe Series is offered in four styles: D-18, D-28, 000-28, and OM-28. Each model is packed with custom features and modern technology that you have to see, feel, and hear for yourself.
“Our goal has always been to make the best guitars and strings possible,” said Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO. “We are thrilled with the positive feedback we are getting on these instruments, and we hope you’ll give them a try for yourself.”
The vintage appointments offered in the Modern Deluxe Series include a Sitka spruce Vintage Tone System (VTS) top, VTS Adirondack spruce braces, a dovetail neck joint, and natural protein glue construction. All of these features together produce the rich, fully aged Martin tone that has inspired generations.
The sound isn’t the only thing that will turn heads with the Modern Deluxe in your hands.
The 28-style guitars feature East Indian rosewood back and sides with a contrasting flamed maple binding, while the 18-style features genuine mahogany back and sides with contrasting East Indian rosewood binding. All four models feature stylish gold frets, gold open-gear tuners, and a gorgeous, pearl inlaid, 1930s style script logo on the headstock.
One of the most exciting features is a brand-new neck shape that was designed just for the Modern Deluxe Series. The shape has an ultra-low profile, and it is slightly asymmetrical for maximum hand comfort up and down the fretboard.
With all of these features combined in one series, Modern Deluxe stands apart from everything in Martin’s production line to date. These guitars are anything but standard.
D-28 Features:
– Model: D-28 Modern Deluxe
– Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
– Body Size: D-14 Fret
– Top Material: Sitka Spruce with VTS
– Rosette Style: 28 Multi-Stripe
– Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
– Brace Shape: Scalloped
– Brace Material: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
– Brace Size: 5/16″
– Back Material: East Indian Rosewood
– Back Purfling/Strip: Zig-Zag Authentic
– Side Material: East Indian Rosewood
– Endpiece: European Flamed Maple
– Endpiece Inlay: Multi-Stripe
– Binding: European Flamed Maple
– Top Inlay Material: Bold Herringbone
– Side Inlay Material: None
– Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
– Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
– Neck Shape: Vintage Deluxe
– Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
– Plek: Yes
– Nut Material: Bone
– Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper and Diamond
– Headplate Material: East Indian Rosewood
– Headplate Detail: Do Not Use
– Headplate Logo Style: Stylized Script Inlay
– Heelcap: European Flamed Maple
– Fingerboard Material: Ebony
– Scale Length: 25.4″
– Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
– Number of Frets Total: 20
– Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4″
– Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8″
– Fingerboard Inlay Material: Abalone
– Fingerboard Inlay Style: Diamonds and Squares Long Pattern
– Side Dots: Abalone
– Back and Side Finish: Gloss
– Finish Top: Gloss
– Top Color: Clear
– Finish Neck: Satin
– Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
– Bridge Material: Ebony
– Bridge Style: Modern Belly – Drop in Saddle
– Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32″
– Saddle: Compensated Bone
– Saddle Radius: 16″
– Tuning Machines: Gold Open Gear
– Recommended Strings: Authentic Acoustic Medium (SMA550T)
– Knob: Butterbean
– Bridge Pin Material: Liquid Metal
– Bridge Pin Dots: Red Acrylic
– Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
– Case: Ply Hardshell
Martin D-18 vs D-28 For Playing Bluegrass
When it comes to playing Bluegrass we would have to pick the D-28, its clarity and projection accompanied by bright tones and rich bass give it the edge for this style of playing. Disagree? Let us know in the comments.
For Country Music Instruments, make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide here.
Martin D-28E Modern Deluxe – Other Guitars to Consider
The Martin D-28E Modern Deluxe is packed with vintage appointments, custom features and modern technology. A Sitka spruce Vintage Tone System (VTS) top, dovetail neck joint, and natural protein glue construction deliver the rich, fully-aged Martin tone that has inspired generations. European flamed maple binding, stylish gold frets, gold open-gear tuners, and a unique 1930s style script logo inlaid in pearl on the headstock give it a look to match its sound.
Ultra-modern features like a titanium truss rod, Liquidmetal bridge pins with red dots, and a composite carbon fiber bridgeplate boost volume without adding weight, making this a guitar players dream. Adjustable Aura Imaging technology included in new Fishman Aura VT Blend electronics now allows more control over the voice of your guitar than ever before. The D-28E Modern Deluxe comes with a ply hardshell case and strung with Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 light gauge strings.
D-18 Vs D-28 Vs Martin D-35 – Another Player In The Mix
Martin D-35
The redesigned Martin D-35 features East Indian rosewood back & sides, Sitka top with ageing toner, forward-shifted bracing, open gear butterbean tuners, old style headstock logo, high-performance neck, antique white binding, tortoise pickguard, and a plastic molded case.
D-35 Features
– Model: 2018 D-35
– Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
– Body Size: D-14 Fret
– Top Material: Sitka Spruce
– Rosette: Multi-Stripe
– Bracing Pattern: Forward Shifted X Brace
– Brace Shape: Non-Scalloped
– Brace Material: Sitka Spruce
– Brace Size: 1/4″
– Back Material: East Indian Rosewood
– Back Purfling/Strip: Style 35
– Side Material: East Indian Rosewood
– Endpiece: Antique White
– Endpiece Inlay: Multi-Stripe
– Binding: Antique White
– Top Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
– Side Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
– Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
– Neck Material: Select Hardwood
– Neck Shape: Modified Low Oval
– Neck Taper: High Performance Taper
– Plek: Yes
– Nut Material: Bone
– Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper
– Headplate Material: East Indian Rosewood
– Headplate Logo Style: Script Old Style Overlay
– Heelcap: Antique White with Multi-Stripe
– Fingerboard Material: Ebony
– Scale Length: 25.4″
– Neck Joins Body: @ 14th Fret
– Number of Frets Total: 20
– Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 3/4″
– Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8″
– Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
– Fingerboard Inlay Style: Style 28
– Fingerboard Binding Material: Antique White
– Side Dots: Black
– Back and Side Finish: Gloss
– Finish Top: Gloss
– Top Color: Aging Toner
– Finish Neck: Satin
– Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
– Bridge Material: Ebony
– Bridge Style: Modern Belly – Drop in Saddle
– Bridge String Spacing: 2 5/32″
– Saddle: Compensated Bone
– Saddle Radius: 16″
– Tuning Machines: Chrome Enclosed Gear
– Included Strings: Martin MA550T
– Knob: Large
– Bridge Pin Material: White Plastic
– Bridge Pin Dots: Faux Tortoise
– Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
– Case: Molded Hardshell
Gibson J-45
The J-45 is Gibson’s best-selling acoustic of all time. Nicknamed “The Workhorse” and first introduced in 1942, this iconic acoustic has become the cornerstone of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line. World-renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass and excellent projection, the J-45 has been refined to carry this legacy to new heights. This 2019 model delivers a sound with incredible dynamic range, warm mids, and a tight, punchy bass.
Martin D-18 vs Gibson J-45
When it comes time to choose between the Martin D-18 and Gibson J-45, the D18’s authoritative, and clear tones win out. The Gibson J45 is a beautiful guitar, and it’s balanced, and even tone would be a welcomed acoustic guitar for any experience level of player.
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