Martin D28 vs D18 - Review and Comparison
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2012
- Sign up! acousticletter.com/join -- For guitar comparisons, demo videos and acoustic guitar knowledge!
See more comparisons: www.acousticletter.com/categor...
More information on the Martin D-28.... www.musicvilla.com/shop-onlin... - เพลง
That intro about a doomsday shelter aged like a fine Islay scotch well into 2020.
Well, I think until last year it would have been great. Now it has slightly bitter aftertaste, if you ask me..
Ardbeg 👑
Having played them side-by-side, I would choose the D-18. The D-28 sounds beautiful, kind of harp-like to me, but the D-18 seems more versatile. I play many genres poorly, and feel as though the D-18 forgives me and sounds really great throughout. Balanced and responsive. The D-28 demands more precision from me.
Great demo.It blows me away when each strike is so pure and allowed to ring out it sounds like a band of players.
The most important consideration about Martins that I never hear mentioned is that ALL baseline models open up considerably as they age. When I got my D28, the tone was so tight and focused that I almost returned the guitar. The sound just had so much color and character I decided to give it time to open up. I have had the guitar for 15 years this year and it plays alongside any vintage Martin from any era and holds its own. My stock model sounds better than a lot of 60's, 70's, and 80's Martins. I recommend getting a new Martin for a younger person to let them age with the instrument.
I think that is the best advice. I'm doing that for myself right now.
Why not simply find a nice used Martin that's ALREADY "opened-up?
RollYourRock There is definitely something appealing about having the guitar age with you over the years. It makes it really personal. Maybe I'm just a sucker for that sort of thing though.
I have a 1971 D-18, but the top was damaged and I replaced it in 2002 (Martin did the work). The new top revitalized the guitar - brighter tone. However, BOTH guitars defomed at the bridge, bulging out away from the brace. The current top is at the repairer right now to correct this.
blueshirttail. I couldn’t agree with you more. I bought an HD 28 new in 1999. I was extremely fortunate to have the first pick of 3. I discarded one immediately and spend the next couple of hours in a sound room deliberating over the other two. I have played and gigged mine ever since. It really started to ‘open up’ about 2-3 years in if I remember correctly. The top has toned down in colour immensely and I’m not proud to say that it has picked up some knocks and scratches over the years, despite always taking the best care of it. Nothing horrible but with every scar it became more ‘my guitar’ and I relaxed more and more with it. It’s 2022 now and 1.30 am. I am not long home tonight from another gig with it and I’m wondering if it is time to retire it from active duty. It can spend my remaining years as a treasured home guitar while I gig a replacement workhorse. My advice to a younger/new entrant to guitar ownership is pick the best instrument you can afford, and play it. Play it, look after it and love it. Enjoy every knock and dent and don’t worry. As it ages as you will, it will become ever more, ‘your guitar’.
They both sound really really good. I found a D-18 in great condition for $1800 modified into an acoustic/electric and went ahead and snagged it. Can't wait to get my hands on it.
D28 is my choice, i love the guitar which has deep and warm sound like it
Thank you for this comparison. As an owner of a 1969 D-21, I found this very enlightening. Both sounded great to me (and thanks for the varied styles). I lean toward the D-18, but perhaps that's because of my D-21 sounding similar. Well done!
they both sound so good... I'm still indecisive. i thought I'd was going towards the D18 then the last bit at the end made me love the deepness of the D28
me too.....i think the guy in the video leans towards the D28. What did you get or did you not decide yet?
I'm still deciding ad look I'd for a great price too... the Martin guitar Mr. Martin price ranges. :/
oh, there are places to get deals? I am looking at the D28 or HD28 at this point. Not sure where to go to even try all 3
I suppose I'll just have to wait until I travel cause seeing its expensive I don't want to get shaft by ordering online.
In my opinion, the D 28 is probably the quintessential acoustic for strumming open chords. And the one to have. Ideally, it’s best to have maybe 3 or 4 different acoustic guitars if you’re into recording a bunch of different songs
I've got one of each! A '12 D-18 and a '94 D-28. They're both fantastic, but I spend more time with my new D-18 due largely to it's slightly wider nut, meaning I flub fewer chords compared to the D-28.
You play so effortlessly. Both guitars sound awesome!
you folks make great comparison videos!
both gtrs sound beautiful. my preference is d18.
Best guitar reviewer on TH-cam BY A BUNCH!
Total D 28 fan. Ive had mine for just over a month and love it. Whats best is that I know that it can only get better with age and the fact that i love it now can only mean it is going to absolutely amazing. Famous D 28 players are Elvis, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan and many more.
I have a D-41, I have had a D-28, a GPCPA1, and a D-35. I love the iconic looks of the D-28, but the D-18 won. (I wanted to like the D-28 more than the D-18). The forward shifted scalloped braces did their thing.
The D-18 now has the Performing Artist neck, the D-28 doesn't. BIG difference in playability for me. The D-18 is the best kept secret in dreadnaught guitars.
Just played a used D-28 that I thought I was going to buy until I happened to pick up the D-18. I was blown away. After that picked up a D-35, HD-28; nothing compared to the D-18. Just bought it-- now I gotta figure out what to sell to pay for the fucker.
i'll pay 2 grand if you sell the martin.
+raleighman3000 I'll sell you a D-35 for that price.
how much are the d 18
@@98chicagobears $2500
The scalloped forward shifted bracing really opens up the sound of the 18. Like my HD-28VR executed in mahogany. It's very cool.
Got my brand new D18 delivered yesterday! I love it! This video helped me to select the D 18 over the D 28, though I agree with Will, you couldn't go wrong with either of them. Gottta go pick some more!
Thanks for showing this, both guitars sound great, maybe it's the way you play, wish I could play like that, I've had guitars now for about 50 years ever since I first heard rock n roll, I've finally got my first Martin a D18, just wondered what the D28 sounds like, & I'm quite happy now I've seen this. Thank you.
I just got a D-18 and I love it. I did my first string change, put Martin strings on it, and it sounds like a completely different guitar. It is insane what a difference strings make with how these guitars sound.
Try putting Martin retro strings on. They are amazing.
I have a D-18 Custom with the Rose wood back and sides, and I can tell you the truth that it has such a massive natural volume, & bass response like I have not heard out of many Guitars including allot of Martin`s. I would not trade it for the world. The Clear tone, and massive "Boom" from this instrument just shines on, and on, and on. A thing of beauty.
I recently bought a D18 GE (Golden Era) after playing almost every other Martin dreadnought I could find, including the D28, the HD28 V and the HD28 Marquis. I found the D18 GE had a richer tone overall (maybe because of the Adirondack spruce top), but I loved the way the HD28 V handled. They are all sensational guitars so you can't go wrong.
I have one of each a D18 and a D28 my 28 is real bright and clear and my 18 is bassy and clear treble end both great guitars!
love the D28 as well. it's been my dream acoustic guitar for a long time now. it sounded more bassy than the D18 which is what I like in an acoustic.
I bought a new D 18 a few months ago ( before watching this video ) and I DO NOT regret my decision. I have trouble putting it down and I have owned a couple of nice Taylors that were a lot easier to put back in the case. This D 18 is powerful stuff. I think the D18 smokes the D 28 in this video as well.
Martinman Interesting! I slightly preferred the D-28 in this clip, due to it's zingy treble. Still, I spend more time with my 2012 D-18 these days. Aren't Martins fantastic?
LarryRickenbacker I loved my D-28.. Then sold to get a D-28 Marquis but didn't like the mod-V-neck so sold again.. Now I have the D18 and it's 1"3/4 nut width
Agreed
I have a 2008 Martin D-28 Marquis (EIRW) and my youngest son has the sister version, a 2001 D-18GE (mahogany). Most all the specs (bracing, string spacing & that great modified V-neck) are the same. I'd love to see you do a compare/review the two.
Thanks. It came down to these two, and decided on the D-28. Now my question to you is, what would you consider a good pickup for the D 28? Looking with a k&k or an LR Baggs Anthem. Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the video Tony. Because of this video I bought a 2012 D-18 and DO NOT regret doing so. These new D-18s are simply awesome. I had a 1959 D-28 and a 2006 HD-28 some time ago, and although great guitars, IMO they don't hold a torch to my new D-18. The others are great guitars don't get me wrong, but to my ear mahogany is the way to go. Keep up the great job.
how much is the d 18 and is the new one for 2019 is it jus as good.
first comparison, listen to the sustain on the D-18 lower E string (G note) compared to the D-28 . big difference.
HI..thanks for that, I am looking to buy one of Martinis Kits and build a cutaway..and you have clearly demonstrated the difference between rosewood and Mahogany..different depth to the base all together with the rosewood...Maybe an episode on one of their cutaway build kits?
Awesome demo and comparison. Thank you.
Exactly! That's my point. I bought a custom made "L&D" handmade classical guitar by Lubos Naprstek--and I tried NINE which were copies of the 1937 Hermann Hauser. He had them with backs and sides made from Brazilian R; Indian R; Walnut; Bubinga; African R. Cocobola in a variety of prices from $2400 to $9200!! Would you believe the BEST sounding one was the Indian R model--and one of the lower priced ones at that! This was 3 years ago, and he has since sold every one of those guitars!
i love both guitars; however, i think a lot of people are preferring the 18 on this video since mahogany tends to record better. i like how the 18 is crispy and woody and i like how the 28 has tons of overtone and sustain. i have a martin guatemalan rosewood dread that i adore, but would also like to pick up a d18 with an adi top one of these days. thanks for the video Tony!
I've decided on the D28 and plan to buy one today. Thanks so much for your concise comparisons. I'm a strummer and most comparisons involve mostly finger-picking. Gotta have the D28! Trading in a Taylor 210e.
I like the D-18. It's sounds raspier to me and the bottom end sings with sustain. I base my opinion on this video. Different people will have different opinions and all are correct since it is simply a matter of individual preference. My preference is strongly toward the D-18.
Thanks for a great comparison. The D-28 seems to have more sustain and bass but you never know if that characteristic is guitar specific......Overall I think I like the D-18 for balanced sound but the D-28 for looks.
I love these reviews....however, anytime I hear high quality guitars being played I like the tone of the being played at the moment best. The 18 and 28 both sound amazing. I have a pretty damn good ear for music, but seriously they are both amazing. The woods, construction, etc all make a difference, but they both sound wonderful. Either one is a beauty and a beast.
I have a d-18 and love it. I'm giving the edge to the d-28 because of the bass response. Thanks master guitar jedi Tony for making the selection clear. :)
Nice. I live in Japan and a picked up a K Yairi (basically, a guitar from the guy who makes high-end Alvarez) that's kind of mimicking a D-35. Goes for about $1500 new, but I got it for about $800 and couldn't be happier. Sounds as good as a D-28 but at half the cost.
If you ever make it to Japan try out a bunch of Yairi guitars--there's some amazing guitars you can get for a good price, and a lot of them aren't really sold or known in America.
what were you playing on round 3? I liked the sound of it.
What kind of guitar is the intro and outro recorded with?!
Could you compare one of the Sigma guitars to it's Martin equivalent? To hear what difference the extra money makes
I own a D28. Can't put mine down. Love it to death. Interesting that he said mahogany is more porous and rosewood reflects more and has better bass and note articulation because I find the D28 warmer and less articulate here. I may have to pick up a D18 now.
I owned a Taylor DDSM once when life was good. I would love to see this guitar reviewed, I thought it was the best guitar that I had ever owned and I have owned more than a few.
Great demo! Thanks for posting.
How would you compare the playability on these considering the different nut widths? Since the new Martins have fairly low profile necks, I'm guessing there isn't a lot of difference when it comes to playability?
They both sound great and different! In my opinion and experience I would say that "the best" will depend on how the guitar fits in with the other instruments it will accompany and the frequencies involved.
great demo comparison but is the neck slightly different in shape ?
What would you call the kinda music you're demoing? Does anyone know anything else like it so I could practice and warm up along to tabs?
I love the riff you did at the very end!
It was a g run….
sounds to me like the d 28 has more of a base response, am I hearing correctly?
Not sure what people were hearing when they said "muddiness", they both sound amazing! Don't talk yourself into getting the guitar that's less expensive just because it's less expensive! Save up for the guitar you want, that way you'll never have buyers remorse! Both of these guitars are incredible, but don't say you like the D18 more so it's easier for you justify buying the less expensive one. If you like the sound of Rosewood (like me) get the D28! If you love mahogany (and you should, its great!) then get the D18!
Both great. But rosewood somehow sounds like you added high definition
Just not the best example of a d28.
can't believe that the difference is due to wood only... to my surprise it is immediatly recognizable! Great quality recording, thanks
The D-28 looks wider at the lower bout than the D-18. True or not?
I've owned both. In this video however, the D-18 was a better example. What it comes down to, they're both awesome, so awesome and well-matched that it really comes down to the individual guitar, not the model. The very best acoustic I ever played and/or heard was a '47 D-18 with crappy mismatched strings. But, you never know. Each day can bring the best you've ever seen and there's no telling what make or model it might be. Great A-B video.
In this video, the D-18 is the scalloped one. :) Like you, I have an unscalloped D-18. I prefer the tone of unscalloped bracing usually. Most people like scalloped bracing because it allows more of the top to vibrate freely, making it a bit boomier. Scalloping undoubtedly affects the tone. Whether "better" or "worse" depends upon preference. Maybe you just prefer the sound of mahogany! It's a lovely sound.
I had a D28 but it was bit too loud and boomy for me. I traded it for a Gibson J45 which sounded warmer but the Martin is still a beautifully made guitar.
Pretty simple really. D18 more middy, woody, warmer, articulate, intimate, more colored, strings gel together, and wins with fingerstyle. D28 more crisp, hi-fi, scooped, open, transparent in color, louder, piano like, better string separation, and wins with a flat pick in hand. Which is better? Neither. I own a D28 Ambertone I absolutely adore and someday when the pandemic is over hope to also own a lovely D18.
Well said gforce. I have a great HD 28 which has been with me 23 years, and I would really like to find a great D 18 now.
I really want to know which four songs does he play(except the The last engine train)
Excellent clear review. Many thanks.
What song is playing at the intro of this video? I have heard it before but can't seem to find who wrote it.
I'd rather have an HD28, I prefer the bracing in them to the regular 28.
What's that riff at the beginning of this video ?
Do you have the same strings on both? They both sound really good.
I have both models to be exact, and prefer the D18 massively over the D28. Imho, the best comparison would have to be a D28v against the D18 as they have the same bracing.
I absolutely agree!!!
I think the microphone struggled to capture the tones from the D-28, so in this video the D-18 sounded clearer and more powerful. I have both so I think I can tell since Ive experienced the same thing in recordings. Both are fantastic instruments and if I had to sell one of them, I mean if someone hold a gun to my head, I would probably go with the D-18 cause its more versatile. But not gonna sell my D-28.
i have a d28, but i prefer the d18 actually. my grandpa just bought a d18 so i'm excited to try that out.
Everyone is different. I tried for years to bring home a rosewood guitar that I loved and brought home mahogany guitars every time. For the last 10 years I've had a D18GE and a D-28 Marquis Both are fabulous. I love them both for different reasons. I tend to play the GE more, but every time I play the Marquis I wonder why. Then I play the GE and know why. It's a big circle for me. Certain songs and styles prefer one or the other. The GE projects individual notes better but the Marquis is great 2
I am that exact opposite, I always come home with the rosewood guitar. So for my next guitar, I am just going to buy the D18 and not try any other guitars.
bro do u think D-41 or this D-18!! which one u recommend! I lived in asean country which the stuff in US is 3x higher the price than my country. So, i will buy a 'last-and-for-all- high- end- martin' guitar as a keeper also pass to my son. I only want Martin guitars!! please help
Yeah, I'd be happy with either one! I love my J45 Gibson, but I have a feeling there's a D18 out there waiting for me!
What's the song played at the beginning and at the end?
I have played Martins for many years. Mainly the D28 6 and the D28 12. I love them both and although I have a friend with a music store who plays something else I am not sure what. I would not trade my Martins for anything.
Have a good one!
The d-18 sounds like the storm door that keeps out the winter wind, whereas the d28 sounds like the blanket that keeps you warm by the fire, if that makes sense.
This is a great analogy.
I own an HD28VC and a D18. Love em both.
D18 just ordered one today from local shop.
Great comparisons ... I've always chosen Rosewood over Mahogany; this video is making me rethink that strategy! Keep up the good work!
What is the 2nd song he plays on both? I can't think of the name to save my life!!!
What song are you picking at 3:12?
what the sound on 2:35 ??? anybody know it..?
whats the diff? i didnt hear or see any other then the price
I have both, i tend to use the D-18 for recording more.
Love the D18, although similar to my Yamaha LL16 solid Rosewood backed I also like the dark sound of the D28. I will have both!
Why do we have the Apple royalty free music at the start ??? It was probably done on a Takamine NP 15c.....
If I'm in a bluegrass group or another group sharing guitars, I'd go for the D-18. If I'm a solo artist, I think the D-28 is more versatile. To me, it's preference, both are beautiful and great sounding guitars.
how is name the opening & ending?...please...
I have both. They are great sounding instruments. The D-18 is a bit brighter & my D-28 is indeed a bit warmer. However alternate strings and a bit of manipulation on the intonation with a slightly different saddle on my D-28 and they are almost indistinguishable. So if if you are a fan of martin , both are great guitars:)!
Great Video! Very Helpful, thanks
Great video and extremely illuminating! I've wanted a D-28 for years. Hearing about the new specs of the D-18 in 2012 made me second-guess myself. I'm proud of Martin for "updating" the D-18; I was afraid it would make the plain D-28 irrelevant, though. Upon listening to this video, I'm struck by two things. 1) The New D-18 is freaking incredible. 2) I still prefer the plain old D-28. Guess there's just something about it that not even a newly spec'd D-18, or an HD-28, can equal for me.
they both sound like a guitar being played through a computer speaker. Is the D-18 available in a cutaway?
I´ve just bought a D-28 and checked out some of them before. I also checked two HD-28s. All of the guitars sounded different, the one I bought was the best. It also depends on the concrete model. In this test I also prefer the D-18, but you should not generalize it.
why they don't have a belt clip?
Great video thanks what are you playing in round 1?
I think it's the d18 for me. Has that slight metallic sound I love to hear. It's hard to describe a sound, isn't it?
I know he mentioned the necks have different feels to them. I was wondering of the two is one easier to play over the other. I'm looking to get a Martin, but I've only been able to play a few low ends and a HD28. All that guitar center had... The HD28 was super easy to play and the rest really sucked and I couldn't believe they were still so expensive...
what are the names of the songs being played?
I've never owned a d28 but I do have a 2010 d21 special that is phenomenal, I will never part with it. I am waiting on a new d18 1933 ambertone to arrive. Anxious to get it, I think these two will both be fantastic !
Wonderful guitars Charlie.Can I run something past you regarding the tone differences between the 18 and the 35? Many moons ago a luthier told me there was a trade off regarding the distance of the strings from the soundhole.Apparently the further the strings are from the soundhole the greater the volume - the closer the strings are to the soundhole the better the tone.He said that all guitars are a compromise between the two. Guitars with higher actions seem to sound fuller than low actions.
D18 mahogany sounds warmer. But I am not an expert in bracing diferences
What type of strings are you using?
Which one? They’re Martins made in Nazareth so, yea both! They are both so different! I am lucky enough to have Rosewood and Mahogany. Rosewood- Bass response, focus, & clarity and all kinds of overtones. Mahogany- much warmer and juicy
I notice you didn't discuss the differences in the tops, most notably the stronger silking across the entire face of the D-28, indicating vertical grain across the top. This can have a significant effect on the stiffness and accordingly the overall tone of the completed instrument.
well done video....good side by side comparison....wondering what mic and preamp were used...
We use the same mic in all the videos... a Neumann KM-184. No Preamp or EQ were used to color the results.