What is the source of the Martin D18 mystique? (Page 1 of 2)

I work a major bluegrass festival every year and handle hundreds of guitars over the course of the weekend.  No one except Martin owners bother to tell us what brand it is.  It's pervasive to the point that "The guy with the Martin in the black case" has become a running joke with my team.

Martins are the Harley Davidson's of guitars. 

Jerome +1 on the HD comparison. I suppose the un-scalloped bracing makes them LOUD and therefore suitable (or required) for Bluegrass?

I've never understood the "mystique" as naolslager puts it, of any Martins at all. I've kinda found them to be over-bassy and a little dull. Still, many guitarists I have a lot of respect for say they're amazing, each to his own. Maybe the older ones are better, haven't played too many of though.

I own a Martin, I love it, but I've had my eye on a Taylor for sometime, even went to actually buy one, but walked away without it. I can't explain why I did that, guess that particular one didn't suit me, but again I love my Martin., and hope to one day bring home that Taylor.

Cam

Oh, and I'm frugal. I own three acoustics (and only acoustics) and I have a grand total of $527 invested. Every time I veer above about $300 for a guitar I suffer from extreme buyer's remorse. Even though I could probably afford a $1k guitar (D-15, D-16, or Larrivee OM-03) I can't seem to pull the trigger on one. I guess I'm not comfortable with that much money tied up in a single instrument and then there's the thought that my playing doesn't warrant it either.

So pricing is part of the source of mystique for me.

I just copied a quote from a UMGF member about the D18.  While he really likes it, he did end up preferring another Martin.
The quote: 

Some you know I picked up a very clean '64 D-18 recently. I had the neck reset and it is a killer example of a straight braced, aged D-18 from the old factory, with all hide glue, large T bar, small (tiny) maple plate. 

I was very excited to enter the D-18 world for a while to see what the fuss it about.  It definitely cuts in a loud jam and is a different sound from all the D-28s around the house.

That said, it is a specialty guitar for my tastes, and has it's place, but after playing it for a couple months now, it is not what I'd want for the desert island guitar.  I love the lush and cutting sound of a good D-28.  The D-18 is simply too sharp for just sitting around by myself playing.  That doesn't mean that the old scalloped braced or new Authentic scalloped braced D-18's couldn't fill that niche, but that is because they (to me) cross over into rosewood land sound-wise.

I don't plan on getting rid of the D-18, because it is such a great example of that guitar, and has its place.  But it couldn't be "The One" the way a D-28 can for me.   

Guitars are like cars, I guess.  Everyone has their favorite.  I just happen to like the bassy sound that Martins provide.

Yeah, when i get some money i think my new acoustic will be a Martin.
D-45 is also popular.

"Where you begin doesn't matter. Your willingness to start is what counts."
Without music life would be a mistake.
Country music is three chords and the truth.

Mekidsmom,
Good strategy.
dj

That's what I do.  I save money a little at a time in my new guitar fund.  It usually takes a year or more to save up enough to purchase the next one, but well worth it.  Mekidsmom, save up.  You won't be sorry with a Martin.

Hi mekidsmom,go ahead and save a little each month or alot if you can,you will have enough one day for a martin or maybe another top end guitar.

I make it a point not to have a "guitar fund". That would cause me to have, dare I say it, too many guitars. By too many I mean how many do u really need? I have 5 now, two I need to sell cuz they don't get played. The other 3 are diff and I think that's as big as my collection will be. Maybe add an electric someday. And I just couldn't bring myself to spend $1k on a guitar even if I had that much to spend.

My last two guitar fund savings came in real handy,I had too get a new tv $750.00, I had too get my car repaired,$700.00. So I am starting all over again.