Martin D18 OR Martin D28? ★ Acoustic Tuesday #133
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Publicado 2020-03-10
To kick things off, I want to cover why the Martin D18 and the Martin D28 should be in your guitar collection. There are tons of reasons why these two iconic Martin acoustic guitars need to be in your collection, but I distilled it down to my top 5 reasons.
Reason #1: The Martin D18 and Martin D28 are EXTREMELY versatile.
There's almost no musical situation where a Martin D18 or D28 hasn't been used. Think about it. These guitars are mostly associated with bluegrass, but these guitars work for almost any genre. To prove it, I've got proof of singer-songwriters, rockers, and trad players using Marin D18s and D28s!
Reason #2: The Martin History
What's remarkable about owning a Martin guitar, especially a D18 or D28, is the history. When you play one of these guitars, you are stepping into history.
Starting in 1916, the dreadnought shape was created. After that, there have been twists and turns that have defined and shaped how this iconic body shape (pun intended) came to be. The dreadnought is a historical guitar shape that Martin absolutely innovated.
Reason #3: The Bass on Martin D18s and D28s
For guitars that have unmatched bass quality, regardless of whether they are vintage or not, look no further than the Martin D18 and D28. Now, just to be clear, each of these guitars has a slightly different bass sound, but the bass levels are truly awesome.
For example, the D18 offers a nice dry and woody bass tone. Meanwhile, the Martin D28 has a wonderful mid-scooped present bass tone. To demonstrate these differences, I have footage of Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle playing both Martin D18s and Martin D28s.
Reason #4: Martin D18s and D28s are the most imitated guitars on the market today.
I don't care what brand of guitar you choose, but they usually have a copy of the D18 and a copy of the D28. Why? Because the recipe is ingenious. With the Sitka spruce top and the mahogany rosewood back and sides, it's an unbeatable combo.
For those of you who recognize that Martin D18s and D28s are expensive, and perhaps are looking for the best imitations, look no further than this list of guitars:
1) Blueridge BR-140 (D18)
2) Blueridge BR-160 (D28)
3) Recording King RD-318 (D18)
4) Recording King RD-328 (D28)
5) Eastman Guitars E6-D (D18)
6) Eastman Guitars E8-D (D28)
Reason #5: The Martin D18 and D28 are used as standards for other guitars.
In my decade of reviewing guitars professionally, I've compared countless guitars to the Martin D18 and the Martin D28. Why?
Both the Martin D18 and the D28 are so finely crafted, that they have become the gold-standard for a well-crafted guitar.
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Now that you know why you need a Martin D18 and a Martin D28, I want to feature Sturgill Simpson, a proud user of Martin dreadnoughts like his custom Martin D18.
Now, I love that he uses a Martin HD28 and a custom D18...but can we talk about his voice for a little bit?
When I listen to Sturgill Simpson sing, he has a classic country quality that I don't hear that much these days. Additionally, his lyrics are masterful, ranging from sorrowful to comical all in just one song.
Be sure to check out Sturgill Simpson and listen to some of his music!
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Now, I know I mentioned some good alternatives to a Martin D18 or a Martin D28 earlier in the episode. However, I want to revisit this topic to give you a more focused list of specific guitars.
#3 for D18 Alternative: The Bourgeois Country Boy
For a guitar that has the same dry bass and projection that the Martin D18 has, the Bourgeois Country Boy is a strong contender. I've been playing this guitar for a while now, and I love how punchy that bass sound can be at times. It never seems to drown itself out or get too muddy, which I also appreciate.
Be sure to catch the full clip of me playing the Bourgeois Country Boy to see if this D18 alternative stacks up to your expectations.
#3 for D28 Alternative: Boucher BG-52
Clocking in at my third-favorite non-Martin D28, the Boucher BG-52 is a stellar guitar from a stellar guitar maker. I've had the most recent experience with this guitar, and I truly believe this guitar can hold its own against a Martin D28. It has the open, voluminous sound as a D28 with maybe just a hair brighter tone.
To catch the full list of alternatives to the Martin D18 and the Martin D28, be sure to watch the full episode and visit Acoustic Life today for links and more!
★ Request your invite to Tony's Acoustic Challenge today: tonypolecastro.com/al-request-invite/?ref=INVITE&s…
★ All show notes and links: acousticlife.tv/at133
★ Get the show: tonypolecastro.com/get-acoustic-tuesday
Todos los comentarios (21)
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Worked hard only 16 and I’m buying a D-28 it’s my dream and it’s finally coming true
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I own a Martin D28; wanted one my whole life, got one when I turned 50, I’m 61 now. I plan to get a D18 before I die. I presently play in a Bluegrass band. That D28 stands out!
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I haven't watched in awhile, I really like this format. Just you dropping knowledge to the audience. No smallwins, no guitarsanals, no real time comments.... This is perfect!
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Tony, thanks so much for not only featuring the 2 iconic Martin's, but their affordable counterparts as well. Great choices all, and it shows you don't have to bust the bank to have a quality dreadnought. Kudos!
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It’s been SO retro (ironically), familiar, and just a cozy time hearing Tony chat and play about these two beauties! Thanks!
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My experience recently: D18 had a mellow singer-songwriter vibe that's just amazing. I've literally never heard anything quite that good or clicked with a guitar more. It will break your heart, in a good way, if you like laid-back coffeehouse acoustic, ballads, classical, etc. D28 was more assertive and less "woody", maybe geared more towards bluegrass bands, strummed folk, acoustic pop, etc. They were both excellent guitars.
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I have both and love them both for how they have different voices.
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Another week made great by Acoustic Tuesday. First i heard of Sturgill Simpson was from his most recent release, Sound and Fury. No, its not an acoustic album, but it blew my mind to hear what he had made before. Good show as always Tony.
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My dad purchased his Martin D-18 in the mid 40s. It was made in mid February of 1945. It does not have the scalloped braces as Martin stopped doing that at the end of 1944. But it does have the Adirondack top one braces. It also has an ebony brace in the neck and ebony fingerboard and bridge. It has wonderful tone and action. Here is is 2020 and it has been passed down to the third generation of the family. What guitar can become an heirloom like this. Also do not forget to smell the opening under the strings near the bridge. It is also a unique smell of this Martin guitar!
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I really enjoyed this episode. Good stuff.
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Tony - GREAT episode!!!! Actually my favorite since Noah has moved on. I'll say I'm definitely in the D-28 camp after viewing all the variations, although that Wayne Henderson D-18 was amazing. Keep the good stuff coming.
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I bought my 1973 D28 in 1981, at Elderly Instruments, in East Lansing, Mi . I was not a very rich student at the time, but back then, the dollar was very low and it fitted my french savings. I used to give a try to each and every guitar which passed by the store ( tens and hundreds of them), but this one was love at first sight. Since then, she has become a true friend of mine in the good and bad moments of life. Later, I own other nice guitars (1928 Gibson L4, 1982 Favino Jazz...), but i always come back to this unique sound and feel. Both of us are still in good shape and enjoying music together.
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Very nice playing on that wonderful-sounding Country Boy! I really enjoy your shows, too.
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Some really great and affordable guitars that have that Martin feel and sound are Sigmas especially from 1970-1978. I have played several and they are all great guitars.
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Great show as always. I just finished watching The Ballad of the Dreadnought, wow really enjoyed it. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Hey! Listened to your new album, it's killer! Thank you for the beautiful music and great show. Greetings from Sweden!
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For ergonomic reasons I bought a 000-18. It never leaves my living room but man is it ever a sweet guitar!
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Very cool! The Alvarez MD60BG and MD70BG also do a great job capturing the D18/D28 vibe. I picked up the MD60BG (D18 inspired) a couple weeks ago, and it is very comparable to the Martin version.
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fantastic episode. my favorite AT yet!
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I recently purchased a 2015 HD-28 and appreciate all the info contained in this episode. I'm going to agree that the Brad Paisley Pre-War Santa Cruz is worthy of your gold medal - that is one amazing instrument and thank you Artisan Guitars for letting me play it last year.
