Martin 000-18GE

Basic pre-war inspired features; Adirondack top, mahogany sides and back; vintage open-geared tuners; 1 3/4" v-shaped neck. Great-looking plane-jane.

One of the top 10 guitars I've played that were less tha 1 yr. old (Mine's a 2006). Very woody, but enough warmth for recording, and beautifully balanced. Sounds like it's at least 15 yrs. older than it is.

Setup was on the high side, which is good, because the bridge saddle is glued-in. I lowered the action to about 3/32" at the low E 12th fret, and it plays beautifully.
Finish is flawless, and the wood is perfect.

Feels solid for a newer model in the 18 series, which tend to be underbuilt. I'm careful with it, as I try to be with all acoustic guitars. I feel confident that if it was banged fairly well, it would get a dent, but would be pretty sturdy.

I have never dealt with the Martin warranty folks, but this one is used, so N/A.

35+ years of professional playing, and I've owned over 100 guitars - Guilds, Martins, Larrivees, Gibsons, Taylors, etc.
This is one of the best Martins I've ever owned. Guitars are like foster children in my home; they come and go, but this one'll probably stay awhile. I let go of an OM-28V (another great guitar) to get this one, and I'd get another if it disappeared.

000 size, solid Adirondack spruce Top, Mahogany back and sides, open back Gotoh nickel tuners, Nitro finish, vintage beveled pick guard, satin neck with modified V shape, 1/4 inch Adirondack scalloped bracing, 24.9 scale length. Built to the specs of the 1937 Model.

This 000 is louder than any I have played. It was the first small body that did not make me miss my dreanaught. I am strummer, playing mostly folk, rock and singer/songwriter type songs. This guitar has an articulate voice, balanced across all six strings and up the neck. Responds well to a capo. I play a couple of songs at a higher register with the capo at the 7th fret, this guitar sustains its volume even when working that high. The only thing I won't use it for is heavier strumming, for that I default to my Gibson Hummingbird or J45.

I have always tried to like Martins, but never have before. Seems like everytime I would pick one up on a store, I had to fight with it because of the stiff set-up. My 000-18 was a clear exception. High performance, silky action not typical for a Martin with factory set-up. It came with a light gauge string, probably due to the light bracing. The wood is beautiful and I could not find any flaws.

I would be a little weary of taking this guitar to anything but a coffee house gig. It is very light. It is built extremley well and stays in tune like a dream, but not a guitar I would put in harms way.

I have not had any direct interaction with Martin. Nicholson Music in Folsom, Ca. was outstanding in their sevice.

I went into the store expecting to walk out with more of a boutique guitar, never thinking that I would find a Martin I liked, especially at this price. This guitar blew me away. It had attention to detail equal to any small builder (Santa Cruz, Collings, Bourgeois) that I tried. I nver though I wouold be saying this about this brand.

The size and voice of this guitar have made it my new living room favorite. Perfect for at home songwriting. I can't wait to take it out for some solo perfoemances.

New 2006, 000-18GE made by the venerable CFMartin & Co. Man, can these people build guitars! The adirondack spruce top is sporting 1/4" scalloped adironack spruce high "X" bracing. It has the most beautiful Amberburst finish I have ever seen, period. I know that of which i speak, as I either presently own, or have owned, Collings and Bourgeois burst tops. They are stunning, especially the Collings. This amberburst is the best. Nice tortoise binding around the top and back. Fossil Ivory for the nut, saddle and pins. Ebony for the bridge and fretboard. Beautiful mahogany back and sides, with Brazilian overlay on the headstock. Genuine mahogany soft "V" neck. Great Gotoh open back vintage tuners. Short scale wonder! Comes a great Geib style case with the worlds most comfortable handle! Keep up the great work, guys!

Well, this is what it's all about! Straight out of the case, this guitar impressed me with its vibe, then when I strummed the first chord, the whole thing vibrated beneath me. The tone was exquisite. Balanced, rich, full tone that just spoke to me in volumes. I went up and down the fretboard and the intonation was right on. The guitar is a gem, period. It sounds great fingerstyle, strummed, and plucked. Other than bashing out heavy chorded strumming, she is up to whatever task I can give her. One of the best sounding guitars I have ever had the pleasure to own. The variety of tone is limited only by my playing style. This is a "go to" guitar, in my book. Wonderful woody sound. How do they do it?!

My Favorite Guitars, from Naples Florida, sent me this guitar, all set up and ready to play. Action is perfect for me. The fit and finish are the best I have seen. The inside is clean and perfectly executed bracing and finish.

Sure it will stand live playing, what other kind of playing is there? Dead playing sounds terminal! I would not hesitate to gig with it, that's what it' there for. Martin's are built for the long haul.

Martin are not too swift on the email returns. Although my last email was responded to a bit faster. Jon Garon at My Favorite Guitars is a swell guy and offers superior service. Check him out! I will give an "8", but that's mostly for Jon, Martin support stops me from making it a "10".

I have been playing for 35 years. I own many guitars, most of my acoustic guitars are, and have been, Martin. I like their guitars. If lost or stolen, I would ask Jon for another. I love everything about it. I have not said that about a guitar in some time. My favorite "feature" has to be the finish, but I play it for its comfort and sound, build quality.