Query failed: connection to localhost:9312 failed (errno=111, msg=Connection refused). Martins... which are the good years? - Acoustics Discussions on The Fretboard
›
UNPLANNED DOWNTIME: 12th Oct 23:45

Martins... which are the good years?

What's Hot
2»

Comments

  • guycpguycp Frets: 29
    ICBM said:
    guycp said:
    As a general rule, standard Martins have improved specs from 2011. However Golden Era and Authentic models are always better in any year.
    Hmmm… I know someone with a Golden Era D18, and it's not only no better-sounding than a standard one (if anything worse, it's thinner and less punchy) it has a poorly-made neck join that has needed regluing.

    It may be only one poor example, but I'm not at all impressed and I certainly wouldn't buy one based on that experience.
    I guess that the D-18GE you tried must have had issues, and there's always the possibility that the odd defect will emerge, even at the top of the range.
    I have owned 2 x D-18 Authentics and 3x D-18 GEs and found them all to have been beautifully constructed and with great attention to detail and finish. They have all sounded full-bodied, well balanced and powerful, and make superb flat pickers, especially like me, if you play Bluegrass & Old Time. For a vintage American sound they can't be beat, although the Authentics are priced pretty high!
    For a more dry and mid rangy sound I love the higher end J-45 or J-50s and there are some superb examples built by ex Gibson luthiers; Ren Ferguson, John Walker and Kevin Kopp, which really capture that great early Gibson sound.

    By the way, the original poster asked when the D-18 was revamped - it had all new specs from 2012. Details can be found on the Martin website or Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum.
    0reaction image LOL 0reaction image Wow! 0reaction image Wisdom · Share on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.