I played a Martin D-18 from every decade

[@AdamWillisWilkesMusic]

Jeremy, this is my most favorite video sine finding your channel and joining the “music making family” you’ve help grow here. You’re always telling us thank you, but respectfully I’d like to thank YOU. Thank you for helping me personally become one with my music again. There are times in all our lives, musically where we get bored, or burnt out. People like you ignite that fire in us and help us find our tone again. We love ya man!

[@darrenckern]

Awesome video, and perfect timing for me. I just bought a brand new 2023 D-18 Standard model this past weekend, and I am just beside myself with joy. This is my dream guitar and I can't believe I have one now. Your videos explaining the differences in the eras have been extremely helpful.

[@OldPathTraveller]

My 2019 D-18 is by far my favorite guitar in the whole world. My 2023 D-28 Satin close behind it. But man, I love your videos. You’re such a good dude. Appreciate your humility and care.

[@andrewcoffey4694]

Just received my 2023 D-18 Standard from Sweetwater about 3 weeks ago. I was playing it a lot last night and realized that I’ve FINALLY found the guitar that matches the sound in my head (I hope that makes sense). I’ve had several 300 and 500 series Taylors, a Gibson J15, J35, and several Eastman acoustics. But this D18 should have been the first step. It’s going to be passed down in my family for sure.

[@nige99]

Love your comment 😊

[@jonathancorey7080]

Bought a 2019 D18 new back in September of 2019. Out of the several acoustics I’ve owned, it’s one of my favorites. Quintessential Martin that every serious player should own. Very good video Jeremy!

[@SimplyBS]

My D-18 that I bought this year is my favorite guitar I’ve ever owned.

[@rocketman3231]

The Authentic is my favorite. Looks like you’ve got that life-long friend there. Congrats Jeremy and thanks for making these videos.

[@arniebaird7852]

Although every clip is recoded differently, the 1937 seems to sounds best.

[@holyfreak86]

Wow! Great edit man! And nice to have the chance to play all those beauties🤩

[@darrells1806]

I have to agree with you on this one. I have owned many guitars over the years, including Martin’s. They were all great guitars. This past September I was at my annual Bluegrass Festival near Pigeon Forge Tennessee, and stopped in at one of my favorite music stores The Music Outlet. They’re hanging on the wall was a 2023 1937 D18 Authentic Aged. I wasn’t even in the market to purchase a new guitar but it spoke to me In ways no guitar in the past has. After several days of contemplating my experience, I bought this guitar. They say nothing last forever, but I see no reason at the moment to ever trade or sell this guitar anytime soon. It is just an incredible guitar in every way😁

[@MashaT22]

Amazing video. Jeremy. This was well presented. Fun to revisit some of the Martin Guitars you’ve played and get to see the special ones you own now. I always enjoy the world/brand history lessons that get interjected along the way. Thanks so much for always making great content! P.S. At. 0:53, I thought a teeny splash of chocolate syrup got on my phone screen. Kept trying to wipe it off to no avail. Took a good few moments to realize that spot was a giant pick on your leg! 😂😂😂

[@JeremySheppard]

😂😆😆

[@americansoil_americansoul]

I just received the guitar hunter shirt my man, thank you! And I love the historical aspects of your show, great stuff man!

[@JeremySheppard]

Thanks! I’m so glad you got one!

[@johnwashburn3793]

Your new personal guitar is very special, as you know. Mine is an 'o5 D-18GE, (1934)so Adirondack top and 1 3/4" nut. It's special enough for me and scratches that itch just fine. Have a great week.

[@keithhunter3910]

I have an '04 D18GE. I have owned lots of other D18 style guitars, including two other GEs, and this '04 is my favorite guitar of all time. I had the popsicle brace pulled, the taller two back braces shaved, and the pickguard changed out. I also pulled out the dorky dad paper label. 😂

[@allendesomer]

Love the way you connect with your perfect guitar. Conviction and clarity! 👍

[@ia5662]

my 2019 D-18 is my pride and joy - came straight off the Martin factory line into my hands and never touched a music store, thanks to my wife who got it as a wedding gift. I play it out regularly and it's my main squeeze as a solo performer...

[@Microphone5158]

Congrats on your D18! I’m glad the views helped. Your videos truly have inspired and helped many find their dream guitars.

[@nicolasmayrand7157]

Just bought mine yesterday i am in LOVE ❤❤❤ CANT WAIT to put a set of john pearse

[@SteveEdinger]

I love d-18's, Great video!

[@Beachbumartist]

I have a 2021 D 18 and it sounds fantastic.

[@jsckie4150]

Jeremy, what a great video. Thanks for showing your love of all things D18! Really enjoyed this one. Love the new songs you played as well, especially the Smashing Pumpkins!

[@ozarkpipertony8396]

Im looking to buy a 1966 D-18 this year. Great video!

[@matthewmlynarczyk8917]

Thanks Jeremy! I appreciate your delivery of passion, expertise, and humility. Cheers!

[@guitarguy6662]

Beautiful guitar brother, you deserve it ❤

[@soniah4821]

The way I always believed a Dread should look and sound. Beautiful. Thanks Jeremy.

[@simon-oy6um]

The D18 has something special about it ,great sound .😊😊

[@Richard_Lush]

Didn’t know about the rounding of the headstock. Just worn machinery. Thought it was by design. Thanks for the info. Always enjoy your videos. That 37 is awesome. Boy what a sound. Almost sounds like you’re doing some Iron and Wine there🤔

[@Octoberskyunderground]

You played my personal favorite Iron & Wine song, and it sounded perfect. Couple that with the fact that Elliott Smith and Kurt Cobain both loved the D-18, and Nick Drake preferred the closely related D-28, I am very much sold on the D-18 as a great soft fingerpicking instrument(I know Elliott and Kurt were not known for soft fingerpicking, but the spirit and tone are close to my heart) I have always played random budget dreadnoughts because they were always what was around, and have developed a soft fingerpicking style over the years, and that style sounds best to me on a dreadnought, even if I am often told that an OM or 000 would be preferable. The overtones, “echos,” and bass response you get from a proper dreadnought have become integral to my songwriting at this point I want to get one and then get the bridge replaced with a 2 5/16 pre-war bridge for better fingerpicking, and get it refretted with stainless steel. And that should see me through till the end. I wish I had come to this realization years ago Really enjoying your videos. You do a great job of showing the soul in these instruments. I really loved your Guild M20 video as well(another dream guitar). Looking forward to more :-)

[@karlcountry2363]

This is were its at…… love your passion

[@9ramthebuffs9]

I always like how conversational and casual your videos are. I'm sure you have outlines or scripts or something but you're not reading a teleprompter or constantly checking your notes or making jump cuts for corrections.

[@JtClaypool]

I have a 1975 D18. Its incredible.

[@tomhampton4595]

My friend Dan owns Norman Blake’s 1930s D18. I have alway been an old Gibson guy, but that one absolutely rocked my world!

[@philmansfield8825]

Bought a 2012 short scale... frankly I'm astonished by it's tone... incredibly smooth even sound. May sound even better than a friends 1962 D28. Has the open tuners and a curiously darker seasoned looking top.

[@lilycat1694]

My D18 Reimagined Sunburst is being delivered today, and I am really looking forward to it. Was also considering an HD28.

[@JeremySheppard]

You’re going to love it! HD28’s are cool but a burst 18 is badass.

[@lilycat1694]

@ thanks for replying. Love your videos btw! Forgot to mention I ordered it from The Acoustic Shoppe. John Chapman played it in a recent video right after playing a new Yamaha FG5 Gloss. I decided that’s the D18 for me. Figured it would have sold before I placed an order. Lucked out.

[@campfirebear4083]

I just bought my dream guitar. A 2019 D18 with a sunburst finish! I would still like to own a J45 at some point

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks, Jeremy. Loving my A Loprinzi LM-15! A new surprise is the Eastman E22SS-V-sb walnut back and sides with Adirondack top and Vintage varnish. My only issue is I keep having to change strings because I play it a great deal. Thanks. Jeremy

[@PeterFrancis-u5x]

I bought a D18 (w/ case) in 1968 for $300. I still play it to this day. Treat yourself to a great guitar. Get a D18.

[@aidanhobgood5133]

What about the fact that they’re many many thousands of dollars in this day and age? Back in 1968 when I was -28 years old I wasn’t thinking about it I guess 😅 $300 is a great price. Even my dad who wasn’t born till 73 is kicking himself not buying one when he was a sperm. $300CAD in 1968 is equivalent to about $2650 now. I’ve seen your guitar for sale (same year) for $10k or more. But don’t worry I’ll find a way to treat myself 😎

[@G_Demolished]

@@aidanhobgood5133D18 standard is now $2800, so not much higher accounting for inflation.

[@TheRiverYeti]

Picked up a Custom Shop Martin (in D18 style) w/Adi top and Hog b/s. By far the best guitar I've ever owned/played. I've owned Bourgeois, Huss & Dalton, Collings, Gibson, Taylor and many others, but this CS Martin just takes the cake. Ended up selling all of the others (except a J40; need at least one Rosewood/pearly Martin lol) once I got the CS. Buy once, cry once; it'll save you a TON of money in the long run 😂

[@jeremysuggs8345]

It’s surprising to me but seems the standard sounds as good as the authentic if not better, but I do understand the awesomeness that is the authentic D-18!

[@Gerrysjamz]

Dang that box guitar sounds really good!

[@Limerick2004]

Gibson Hummingbird(2014),Gibson J200(2012),Martin HD28V(2002), MartinD28(1973) .....And the winner is..the D18(2018)!Thanks for your videos once again,Regards from Ireland

[@ratwynd]

I get it. I was lucky enough to have bought a Gibson J50 in 1971. Still have it so the mahogany guitar is covered well and has aged nicely with lots of finish checking from Midwest and Alaska winters. It has had a refret and new bridge but has otherwise fared well for 50+ years. My dream was always a D35 and a D12-28. In the last 5 years I have been lucky enough to acquire both. They are lifetime keepers but I am doing my darnndest to wear them out before I die. They hang on the wall and are played daily, no case queens in my music room. As a result the indirect light in the bright sunny south is bringing out all the color if the newer wood beautifully. I believe a ghost-white guitar top has no life. The top on the J50 is almost orange with aging of the wood and lacquer.

[@TheSmellworthyReport]

Every time Jeremy plays a D 18, an angel gets his wings.

[@attybong]

that one from 1955 rings like a bell ❤🎉

[@ParhelionMedia]

Gotta say I think the new ones are the nicest looking and best sounding. Unless you find a gem of a pre-war model and pay out the nose for it (tens of thousands), the new models seem to be the best D-18 you can get.

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

Have you played any of the satin finish models? They sound great as well

[@jrbowen81]

@Jeremy Sheppard Are you in Open D tuning on most of this video? Your playing sounds absolutely gorgeous.

[@JeremySheppard]

DADGAD and standard.

[@billallen1594]

The Santa Cruz does it for me tbh. The others are amazing too though. It’s great that we all like the different special something

[@billyhuynh6554]

i also love Martin D-18 ,wonder guitar

[@Mdimanaarman2022-tu7zu]

Amezing video Jeremy. And amazing presentation, God bless you and being grow up to your life. Have you review 1935 Martin D18

[@davidpeirce7914]

Really great video , I’ve recently bought and sold a few and I did ok. I am also interested in add a d-18 to my collection. I saw you put up a course at the end of. I could not find it. Can you help me to find that link? Thx

[@MeatyMax]

People bash the early 2000s before the reimagined but I love mine from 2010. I just got it last week and I can’t put it down.

[@mrcanarsie]

just canceled my purchase of an 03 based on this video. lol Gonna get a 2023

[@kmacdc4]

My 69 18 with Fishman Matrix Infinity is my go to gigging guitar as of late.

[@vangmx]

Thank you for the video. I recently got a 2023 D18 and it’s the best guitar for me. Of course when I made the purchase at the local guitar store, they didn’t have the Authentic in stock for me to compare. What’s the difference in sound between the two models in your opinion? Thanks!

[@karlcountry2363]

I thought I would buy the D18 but walked out with the 28! I will have both at some point.

[@oasisforthesoul8002]

Hello, I am looking for a used D-18 lefthanded in condition

[@bsjeffrey]

that boxwood guiter makes me think of a giant cigar box guitar.

[@AshYoung8]

All this love on the internet for the d18 is making me question my purchase of an hd28 last week… Don’t get me wrong it sounds incredible, but I don’t have much experience with the d18 line. Did I make a mistake? 😢

[@dmatt1116]

Hello Jeremy, I absolutely love the Martin D-18. I owned a 2016, but unfortunately sold it to make ends meet at the time. I recently purchased a near perfect 1997 DM and I have to say, it sounds pretty darn good. What are your thoughts on this model? Thanks!

[@RaddelMoreraSigarreta]

Great video! I own a 2021 Martin D18 and I feel like I found my life partner, an incredible instrument. What strings do you think may sound better on my D18? 👍🏻

[@JeremySheppard]

I use Stringjoy Foxwood lights or Daddario nickel bronze lights.

[@cozmos21]

that 1937 authentic has to be the best D18 ever. I have tried the reimagined twice at my local store, and can't get it out of my head as it's really outstanding. the only reason I haven't bought it yet is the neck feels too slim for me. how do you feel about the huge 1937 neck? especially the V toward the body? thanks

[@stevescarano9208]

How big of a difference do you hear between a really good D16 and a D18?

[@steve0852]

Curious as to what wood is being used for the 2023 bridge plate. Did Martin return to maple for the reimagined D18?

[@JeremySheppard]

Yes. They returned to maple bridge plates in 85, I believe.

[@DannyBrooks1]

That 1941 d-18 killer!

[@coloursoundrecordings3856]

Great episode! What do you think about the D28 from 2005-2012?

[@JeremySheppard]

They're okay, since filming this I bought a 2008 HD-28. The pickguard is the cheesiest part. Grovers are cool.

[@cameronwallmusic]

Would you recommend this guitar to a praise and worship leader? Got a good deal on a d18 and wondering if it is the right tool for singing playing worship.

[@JeremySheppard]

Absolutely! Realistically, you can use whatever guitar works best for you. Some guitars emphasize the voices. They are partnering with and some guitars compete with voices being sung. Find what works best for you and your budget. I have used the 18 throughout the last 20 years to lead worship.

[@nirwanaeathell]

that 41 so crispy

[@krisdonnelly8122]

I'm not sure id be here today if I started playing guitar during my partner's labour 😂 love the d18 though and your videos

[@JeremySheppard]

😂 different strokes for sure.

[@christopherpederson1021]

that Santa crus is so sweet

[@ceffortbailey]

Hi Jeremy, What kind of strings do you have on your D-18? It sounds great!

[@Ravenscaller]

The 37 wins but of course they are not played with the same set ups and location. However the 18 is my favorite working man's Martin and the loudest guitar I've ever heard was a 50s something D-18. It was a banjo sledge hammer.

[@gregoriodecker2692]

I love how martins play but the best sounding and playing guitar I've ever experienced was a 70s guild grand auditorium or at least a big body.i don't recall exactly.. low, booming great sounding across the board crisp clear and unreal sustain. My wife was given a 1974 Gibson j45 by her uncle who bought it after he returned from Vietnam.. she was born in 74 so he gifted it to her as a 10yr old.. sweet story but i was not impressed by it.. but i don't like the feel of Les Paul's either..sgs are great feeling

[@John-cw4no]

My favorite tone was the 1955 played by that Adonis ..did you hire Fabio for that shot?

[@insanekoz]

What are each of these songs used to demo the D18s?

[@softsouthernknight]

I like my 71 D18- the best. My 2012 is good to but a loud guitar.

[@pawlowski6132]

I would be shocked if you bought that dream d18 of yours new. Did you?

[@markv.5962]

the 1955 was the best to me. i have one from 1972 that sounds alot like it. bought it new in72 when I was 21 yrs old for $300.00

[@twopizza833]

Of all the things I expected to hear when I clicked on this video, the intro to Wedding Dress was not one of them. 😂

[@JeremySheppard]

Right!?

[@davidharder7512]

?? Does Martin make the D-18 you talk about in an aged version?

[@davidharder7512]

Maybe the correct way to ask is, does Martin make a D18 aged with a truss rod? Not a 30’s version.

[@JeremySheppard]

Yes. That is a new D-18 that's made to look aged like that. It's the D-18 1938 Authentic Aged with VTS

[@davidharder7512]

But it wouldn’t have a trussrod, is that correct? Apologies that I forgot to mention that part within my question.

[@JeremySheppard]

The authentics have truss rods. They are non-adjustable.

[@jasonstacey9460]

The necks on all the new ones are too small. But other than that they sound great.

[@JeremySheppard]

The neck on my authentic D-18 is very big.

[@jasonstacey9460]

@JeremySheppard ya I have a 2015 HD 28v it has a pretty beefy profile. Happens to be one of the best sounding Indian rose wood sitka topped guitars I've ever heard. The more I beat on it the better it sounds.

[@ikigai47]

More power to you, but I don't know how you don't feel guilty owning so many HIGH end guitars. I feel guilty for owning 4 six-string acoustics (none of which compares to your best) to the point I feel compelled to sell my Taylor. I guess it's the "collector gene" in you which I can respect. But for me, when I start owning so many some don't get played I hear "while my guitar gently weeps" in my head and decide to offload it to someone who'll preferably make it their #1. Or at least play the hell out of it. Congrats on having sooooo many fine guitars

[@JeremySheppard]

Please go watch my video "Enough is enough"

[@ikigai47]

@@JeremySheppard - Thanks, enjoyed it. Wise words.

[@justindean4993]

What song are you playing at 0.54?

[@JeremySheppard]

That’s an original piece I wrote several years ago. It’s in DADGAD

[@justindean4993]

@@JeremySheppard You should do a tutorial on it id love to learn it

[@krennels]

The Authentic is the clear winner.

[@dividedbytimestudios]

You’re welcome

[@acadianflatpicker]

❤

[@MelodyMaker]

Okay Jeremy. How much time did you spend on that thumbnail?

[@JeremySheppard]

😂 not as long as I'd feared but I'm still not great with Photoshop/canva.

[@jasper_north]

Work on streetlights a bit more. Easy. It’s travis picked. Love your channel

[@JeremySheppard]

That clip of me playing it is from 7 years ago, I was super nervous to be in front of a camera and played very fast.

[@m.vonhollen6673]

I just played two D-18’s. I’d rather have a Larrivée!

[@gam1471]

Personally I don't like the 'ageing toner' - it looks like painted yellow rather than naturally aged spruce - I owned a secondhand D-18 from 2017 with this finish for a while. The binding on the back had also come adrift - something which occurred on quite a few Martins at that time from what I read. Very poor - a company founded in 1833 can't stick the binding on properly! Lest you think I've a 'downer' on Martins - over the years I've owned five D-18s and six D-28s.

[@sixgunslingin]

D18 Authentic followed by the 2023 d18

[@user-myDeus24ever]

Go Harrisonburg Virginia

[@jbilly24]

Didn't they make D18s in the 1930s?

[@JeremySheppard]

They did, 1934 I think is the first one?

[@mca56rpa]

Very nice review, BUT! I think you’re all wet about the late 90’s and early 2000’s D-18’s. I played some very good regular D-18’s, and there were various versions of it made that were fantastic. I have s 2001 D-18 Golden Era that is easily on of the best D-18’s I’ve owned. Everyone I know loves this guitar. It sounds like a very old guitar. It is my lifetime guitar. I haven’t played an Authentic that I think is better, but i’m sure there are some out there. Mine is very warm for s D-18 but the trebles are fat and bright without any jangliness. Everything is just fat and it pops. This guitar is ugly because it has been around. It needs a new bridge, some crack repair, and a refret of the lower frets,, maybe more. I know people become biased and tend to be delusional about their guitars (probably a good thing to be satisfied). But many people have commented on my guitar to me. I had a friend and bandmate with a 1941 D-18. He loved may guitar and said it was equal to his in tone and volume. Mine is a lttle sweeter. It’s hard to describe. Anyway, I loved hearing them. I played a new one the other day that I thought was a very nice D-28. I almost bought it.

[@6trak]

Correct. It was right around the turn of the century that Martin began to rediscover what made the old pre-war guitars so great. The GE's with the "signed label" are incredible and several cuts above the standard D-18s in every way. They were the first stab at the "Authentic Series" idea - recreate what was great about the originals. Everything they did was right - they just didn't go quite as far as they do now with Authentics. You play a GE guitar now that they're a couple decades old and wow - they're incredible. Don't be fooled by the "special edition" paper label. The lightness, scalloping, forward shifting, nut size and neck shape size all work together to get 95% of the way back to the old days.

[@davidharris7431]

See , what did I tell you ? Peace ✌

[@aficionadolurecompany700]

And you DIDN'T name your first born MARTIN D-18 SHEPPARD????

[@jackmundo4043]

The ‘41 wins.

[@Michaeldesselle-g9u]

Enjoyed till the square " joke " won't share now

[@JeremySheppard]

😂 whoops

[@Dave-gy1hx]

I bet you have two or three dogs in your house.