Martin D-18

1974 D-18 With the Factory installed Frap Pick-up, an unusual feature back then jack plug and volume knob, I call it a turn up the fun button. The pick-up pulls the sound out of the wood itself, great mellow full rich tone, and drum, like a built in Cajone when plugged into an amp. Mahogany back and sides and neck, spruce top. Finished like all Martins once were, the new ones seem to be lacking a bit in that department

This guitar sounded great the first time I picked it up and continues to sound better year by year, contrary to some that frown down upon it over the 28.
I have drug this thing around for over 30 years into and out of all sorts of environments, from the Northern rain forest to the southern desert, to parties and festivals and all kinds and sorts of Jam and picking sessions and it has held up 100%

It is as it came from the factory, hasn't changed and I felt no need to attempt any changes, how can one change perfection?

It has stood up to things a lot of other guitars, both cheap and expensive wouldn't have. If I didn't know what it was made out of I might think it was iron. In fact it's tougher and more dependable than I am these years.
And even though we both show a bit of wear and tear it's better lookin than I am now

It's never needed anything other than playing some love and news strings now and then, well and a new batteries for the lick-up from time to time, Frap went out of business years ago. Or I would still be cussing them out for using something that takes 8.4 volt batteries, they look like a 9V but are ever so slightly smaller. I had to carve an adapter for the 9v, takes 2 of them, and it never seemed to mind.
But Martin gives a lifetime warranty to the original , that should tell you what they think of their guitars.

I've been playing a few more years than this guitar has. I had admired Martins for some years, but was afraid to pick one up because of the price, hey a grand or two 30 plus years ago was real serious money. This is the very first one I ever touched. Once held that was it, I wasn't letting go and 34 years later I have no regrets. What else can I say it's a lifetime love affair.

2004 D-18 Mahogany back and sides, rosewood fingerboard, satin finish on the neck. Dreadnought body-style, Gotoh tuners with original hardshell case and humidifier included. Build quality is beautiful, No crazy electronics or onboard eq just a solid gem of a Martin. I'll probably add a K&K Pure Western under-saddle pickup later. Rated an 8 because this is a no frills dread.

I play Brit-pop, Rock, Jazz comping and flat-picking the D-18 does all equally well. This is a very balanced sound I now know what the raves are about and why Martins are the bomb. I was initially in the market for a sunburst dread and nobody does them quite like Gibson. I was looking for an Advanced Jumbo or vintage J-45 but, found out very quickly that although the J-45 is a great strummer the D-18 has a resonance and complexity that many J-45's didn't have..don't get me wrong the J-45's are great it's just that the Martin gave back when strummed aggressively and sang sweetly when cradled and finger-picked. It was not as dark as the Gibson J-45 now this is a personal preference but, the versatility is what I latched on to with the D-18. The Gibson Advanced Jumbo is a different animal with it's Rosewood back and sides a little more expensive than the D-18 but, a very consistent build from Gibson. The D-18 was my choice, nothing I dislike about this acoustic and as it continues to open up sonically the honeymoon continues!

I bought it used in nearly mint condition. It came from a drier climate with a humidifier and has adjusted properly to Austin's more humid climate. Setup was perfect although it will eventually go in for a truss adjustment/setup. Fantastic build quality!!

This is a lifetime guitar. Martins are like a fine wine getting better with age, light as a feather that resonate the soul. The better you play the more you'll love the Martin. My next purchase will hopefully be a rosewood acoustic either a Gibson Advanced Jumbo or Martin HD-28(ebony fingerboard).

Not dealt with them, this is used w/no warranty I take care of my instruments with no worries.

Playing professionally since 1993 (15 years)Yes, I would buy this D-18 again. I own Gretsch electrics, Tacoma high end acoustics. Dr Z and Vox amplification. Best part of this guitar is the build quality which translates to the wonderful sound for both recording and live. I compared it to several Taylors including the 310CE,314,414CE models, Gibson J-45 Modern Classic, Advanced Jumbo, Gibson 180EC.
If you're looking for a professional instrument that will not disappoint look no further!!

This is for Phil C.
Your 1971 D-18 has a truss rod. It's just not adjustable. It will handle meduim or light guage strings.

C.F.Martin Info.
Neck Truss Rod.


1928-ish: Ebony neck reinforcement under fingerboard for strength.
Late 1934: Steel "T" bar. Thickness varies, but generally speaking both sections of the T is 0.125", width and height is 0.525" (kind of like Flexible Flyer sled runners). The bar is glued into the neck with Hide glue.
1942: Ebony neck reinforcement under fingerboard (war time shortage of steel)
1946: Steel T bar again.
1967: Square steel bar.
1985: Adjustable (inside body) steel truss rod.

1971 D-18, my mom got it new and had until about 5 years ago, then she gave it to me. Mahogany sides and back, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, grover tuners.

It was cared for pretty well by her, but age will do its thing... it has the nice checking of the finish you would expect for its age, and developed a small crack on the back 'cause she wasn't careful about proecting it from getting dry. I had the pickguard replaced, and the crack glued just in case. Had the neck reset and gave it a refret job. After all that the guitar is perfect as far as tone and playability. I mean c'mon, what wouldn't you rather play a vintage D-18 over practically anything else???

Oh man... this is a sweet sounding guitar! It is definately got some soul and depth. As a dreadnaught, it makes a nice large sound. After the neck reset I had it setup for lights, because I think with its age (and the fact Martin didnt put truss rods in these necks) it can handle the lighter tension from lighter strings better than mediums. I get the great dreadnaught kind of bottom projection with the brightness of lighter strings.

I have a Taylor 310 which I play most of the time, but the old D-18 sound beats it hands down. I think no surprise there :) Maybe in 30 years I can say the same thing about the Taylor compared to whatever is hot then.

If I gig with this guitar (not very often, I hate to take it out of the safety of my house), I mic it. I tried a fishman soundhole pickup but it just didn't capture all the sound the D-18 has to offer. Miking it is the way to go...

Heck if I know what it was when my mom got it new... I was about 3 years old. But I remember playing it a little as a kid, and it was always so easy... I wasnt actually playing yet then, just like holding it and asking people to show me how to play simple cords and stuff. I could really get it to play and make great sounds though. Basically, the guitar played itself, you just made the right shapes with the left hand and strummed something with your right.

Later when I was starting to learn to play (on some other guitars) and it always sounded like crap, I would remember back to being a newbie with the D-18... wishing I had it.

By the time I got it the action was pretty bad, frets pretty worn, fingerboard had some wear in it. So all the work I had done it brought it back. I say 10/10 here because when it was new it was probably perfect, and even though it is old, proper care and if necessary work done to it be a pro can make it perfect.

Definately made to play. The guitar only sounds better and better the older it gets, I plan to take care of this thing for another 36 years, and continue to play it. I do play live with it, when I got to have its sound, I'm just careful with it and don't do something stupid and acrobatic while it is strapped on so I dont trip over and smash it.

These are meant to last... just respect its age.

Lifetime warranty to the original owner. I had the work done it in my mom's name, and had to forge her signature... but Martin paid for the neck reset and the replacement pick guard. That alone cost more than the guitar cost my mom in 1971 (she paid $300)...

Pick a luthier you know and trust (and obviously on Martin's list of service centers) for something vintage like this. If they screw it up, its not replaceable (well I could go find another old D-18, but you know by now each one of them has its own individual character).

I started playing for real when my mom gave it to me 5 years ago... how cool is that, to get something like this to get serious on? Most beginners get one of those $99 specials where they throw in extra set of strings, a strap and 10 picks. That is cruelty! Beginner playing already sounds bad, then the guitar sounds aweful even when they learn to play it right, where's the positive reinforcement in the learning experience?

Anyway I think I got good fast with the help of that old D-18, especially after it got its restoration work. I also have a Taylor 310CE for most live performing, and an Ibanez PF for taking to the beach or leaving in the car. I play the AE's through an Acoustisonic 30 amp, use a Boss AD-3 processor for chorus and feedback control. I'm saving for a semi-hollowbody and a tube amp... one day I'll own a Les Paul...

But the D-18 will always be my girl... I would be seriously emotionally scarred if it was taken away from me.

Standard 1968 - got it in a pawn shop in Baltimore it's amazing what people will trade for crack. His loss my gain.

what are you kidding...I'll go head to head with any guitar on the planet. Tone is surreal, crunchy cannon when needed. Great balance. Stays in perfect tune for months...weird. I've played them all and all the great ones have some of the sound of this thing. But never found one with the whole spetrum of sound.

Thsi thing chews up other guitars and spits out toothpicks.

It has the spiderwebs in the finish, also has two bookmatched surface splits on the top. They dont go all the way through, but you can see them at a certain angle. Pick guard is really starting to come up. Overall she's been through alot and still looks great. Neck is as straight as an arrow and had been set somewhere along the way by a pro. I've seen better action.

The d-18 has been the "go to" guitar for so many of the greats it's scarry.

never tried but I heard it sux for non original owners. I live 20 minutes from the martin factory they've got a great tour and killer museum. MECCA

If stolen I'd hunt the person down and wrap a high E string around their neck. been playing 27yrs but still terrible. I've played some newer 18's that sound completely different. Invest in vintage(BUT BE CAREFUL) The new ones dont have the same feel and the sound is night and day.

This is a Standard D-18,2005 model.Proudly made in Nazareth, Pa.Purchased from Musicians Friend, it is a true keeper.

This is a beautiful instrument, I had wanted one since my college days in the Mid-70's.I stepped up and finally bought one earlier this year, and could not be happier.
It has started to open up a bit soundwise lately, and I could not be happier with this for being a mail order purchase.I play at home mostly Blues based Rock, but I have a interest in learning Bluegrass as well.

It was alright from the factory, but I had a professional set/up done to it that made a big difference to the playability.A set of Elixir strings, and the action lowered a bit really made it better for me.

This guitar model has withstood the test of time, I am sure that it would withstand hard use from a working player.

I have never dealt with them, but they seem to be a very customer oriented company.

I have played off and on for over forty years. The D-18 is one of those guitars that inspires you to play, and makes you want to improve on your skills with its beautiful Martin sound.It is highly recommended to anyone who appreciates the basic line of C.F. Martin guitars.

I bought my D-18 new in 1968. It has been the best investment I have ever made. I enjoy this guitar as much as the day it arrived. The action is excellent.

The D-18 sound is very distingtive. You can pick it out from the rest of the instuments in the band. In my band I played rhythm guitar. Always used a Fender strat or Gretch semi-hollow. Recently I had a reunion with the guys and used my Martin with a fishman pick-up in the sound hole. Unbelievable sound, even for good old rock n' roll. Peer pressure stoppped me from using the D-18 during my band days but if I were on tour today my d_18 would be the only guitar I bring on stage.

Have only needed major repairs once since 1968 to correct a slight bow in the neck and move my bridge back a half an inch. The finish is a bit worn because of use but good overall.

This D-18 has survived years of constant use in all seasons. Never in a controlled environment and it is still near perfect.

I called Martin for warranty work and they refused to help. They will only warranty workmanship for the original owner. I was the original owner but a receipt from 1968 was not in my possession. I could give them the name of the music store and manager I purchased the guitar from. I also have a serial number never registered by anyone else. The repairs I needed should have been covered regardless of the ownership situation. The bridge was installed too close to the sound hole. A manufacturing defect according to the lutherie that fixed the problem. Martin should cover a defect from their factory.

This is without a doubt the best guitar I have owned or played. Over forty years of playing I have had the opportunity to play many guitars. I can't think of one that I would consider trading for my D-18 including my 1962 Stratocaster purchased from the same music store as my Martin. The strat is long gone but the D-18 is still here...thank God.

features what this kind of guitar often features, i'll give it a nine because the d18 has no fancy or extra ornament

well you've heard it everywhere: "martin guitars do not sound as they used to, they are to expensive for what they are, they are living on a reputation, i have a no brand guitar that sounds louder, for this price get a boutique instrument, go to the luthier, etc..." WELL this guitar is THE GUITAR i wanted to buy because i wanted that sound, the sound that built the most beautiful folksongs ever written, songs that nursed my youth, Crosby, Stills, Nash, Young, Paul Simon, joan baez, bob dylan...i did not wanted to buy another type of sound because the d18 IS folk music

flawless and ready to play

this guitar being the workhorse of many road artist, i have no doubt about its being reliable. Elvis used to play his each night, and david munyon tour the world with it. I suppose mine will withstand a little gig at the local bar.

I keep two guitars here, my d18 and a guild gad50 which i often use in open D. I've been working mostly my folk tunes for 10 years and i couldn't have imagined gathering such a dream team of acoustics to catalyse my moods. I 've tried lots of acoustics, taylors and lowdens are pretty good, kind of airy but i prefer the earthy martin sound.

This is a 1971 model regular easy going d18. the whole guitar has been at some time been taken apart, and repainted later, don't know when. the d18 has mahognay sides, spruce top and rosewood deck. I've put in a pickup, (lying in the chair)

If you're an owerall player, fingerpickin, chords, this guitar will give you satifsfaction. The mahogany sides gives the warm and big heavy sound, and the rosewood floats the chords away. The sound is absolutely great on this one, i play crosby, john martyn, old folk things and it's great. But it's not the best fiingerpickin guitar, you'll not get the "nick drake" sound on the d 18, mainly because of the big dreaughtnout body, it gives away a lot of sound

nice sustain, great handle, the tension is great, of course the gauge is not like a small bodied guitar, you'll break the stings ( at my case specially the g string goes if you take ip up and down all the time) but this is absolutely a guitar you can depend on, people say the martin in the 70's were a mass production, and given a poor sound. i don't think that true, maybe after 74-75 but it's still a martin.

warranty? this is a vintage, wouldn't know., but it's probably good:)

Great guitar, if you're in to the old days, 60 - , this will suit you great.
Just remember if it's been repainted or taken apart, the martin guitars will drop in price.

Martin D-18 standard, for specs se Martin's homepage. I have personally added a greven's tor-tis pickguard, bone nut, bone compensated saddle and open back tuners (Gotoh). I see from Martins home page they have added bone nut and saddle for the D-18. I'll give it a 9.

The sound has changed much over the two years I owned the guitar. I would say from 8.5 to 10. Now the sound is really clear, crisp and woody. I belive that after 2-3 years playing it regulary one cannot hear the difference between scalloped or not.

The guitar was not set up from the factory. However, if you buy such an expensive guitar you should be able to set up (nutt, truss rod and saddle) your own guitar so it suits your.

Rock Solid. You can dig holes in your garden with Martin Guitars. They are build to include lifetime gurantee.

Never tried this.

This sound is what you hear on records and in the radio. If you are into a clear, crisp and woody sound you should go for the Martin D-18 this is what I perfer. If you want a more rich and ringing sound you should go for a D-28. I've been playing 17 years, also owner of Gibson J-45, Blueridge Br-180 and Br-163.