Martin D-18 Authentic 1937 VTS vs. D-18 Modern Deluxe | The Best You Can Get?

[@tonymac7272]

The '37 is my favorite but too would not shy away from the modern deluxe. I loved that you have a shoutout to those guys in Bozeman. You're two channels are the ones I watch the most and love it. Thanks guys!

[@rmyAddison]

Nice comparison. Lifetime 72 year old Martin player. Over the decades I've owner Standards, V's (vintage), GE's, Marquis, Authentics and Custom Shops. I love different tone woods, in general I've preferred Authentics, my first year OM-18 (2013, pre VTS) has evolved into a beast and the neck hasn't moved at all. The D-18 Modern deluxe sounds good, the Authentic sounds better. The only generalization I feel comfortable making is age counts, any new Martin (wood not laminate) will sound better in 10 years. I've aged with a number of "keepers" and while they improve with age I just get older........keep up the videos !!

[@johnwashburn3793]

I appreciate your thoughts. I have said, an old car is a classic, an old guitar becomes vintage and old people become forgotten..."hey boomer". I also don't get the fuss about the necks.

[@rmyAddison]

@@johnwashburn3793 Thanks. I do get the fuss about necks, it matters to me a lot. While I can handle most profiles I only own/play 1-3/4" nuts. Part of the reason I never owned standard Martins was to get the wider nut with many Vintage/GE/Marquis/Authentics models. Play what suits your hands.............keep on pickin'.

[@TimMilliken]

A profile neck or shape actually tells your hand where you’re at. I’m actually getting old enough to realize. Tone woods age but guitar construction has outpaced most every other factor in playability and tone. Martin and others are making the best instruments ever at this point except for sustainable wood bs.

[@johnwashburn3793]

@@rmyAddison I prefer a 1 7-8" nut but only own one. My Martin's are 1 3/4.

[@johnwashburn3793]

...but I have others as well and enjoy all for different reasons. By neck profiles, I meant that I prefer a beefy neck, a mod v over a skinny modern "artist profiles". But this is me and my opinion. I have a D18GE and just bought a CEO 7.I love both. I am 66.

[@bngbraz2]

Exceptionally good! I have the D-18 Modern Deluxe and have thought since ownership, it's not an "authentic" D-18. It is certainly modified. I like it. But I LOVE MY Martin authentic 1937 D-28, and it is definitely a dandy. Great comp! Thanks Alamo! I rode my bike past your shop the other evening on a nice evening San Antonia ride.

[@ExploreThe50]

Great video. A terrific discussion highlighting the differences. Absolutely loved the demo portion!

[@scouser2230]

I agree with you guys that the Authentic Dreadnaught has a brighter and louder sound, which I agree with Cooper that the Adirondack spruce is likely the main reason. The protein glue may also account for a small percentage of the difference. I personally love Adirondack topped guitars.

[@kevincrouch3956]

Love everything about the D 18... history, look, sound, feel, smell, taste ,(Ok maybe not the taste) but really prefer the understated Standard but nice review, thanks.

[@billyhughes9776]

You can't really hear the volume difference in these recordings, but, the Authentic is definitely brighter on top, more even in the midrange with a beautiful bottom end -- sounds fantastic. The Modern is rounder/warmer on top with a bump in the lower mids -- great sounding guitar. Great comparison. Would love you all to compare the D-18 to a Guild D-40.

[@keithpeltier1334]

I WAS THINKING SAMETHING BOTH ARE MOHOGS.D18 * D40.

[@DanTrapp]

Just picked the 1937 up today after a random call to a local shop. Phenomenal sound. Sustain on G/B really rings forever it seems. I'm not sure if I'd put this up in the same caliber as my McPherson, but I will say for a dreadnought that's got that classic Martin tone, you can't beat it.

[@Raphyes]

Great! Now we just waiting for 000-42 Modern deluxe 😊. I’ll stay in tune

[@alexandergray1977]

this makes me want to buy both - great playing and intro thank you!

[@damienlancer]

Awesome video men, amazing guitars.

[@sonofprovence]

Some folks have made the argument that owning a 1937 Martin D-18 Authentic is analogous to owning a pre-war D-18 built in 1937 but in brand new condition. This caught my eye 2 years ago, so I began to search for that guitar, but I wanted it to be in a 1935 sunburst and to have a sinker mahogany back and sides. So I got a custom 1937 Authentic, and the minute I started playing that thing I knew exactly what these folks meant. It has the Martin tone, it is loud, it is beautiful and it makes me wonder why one would spend 80 to 125K in a pre-war 1937 D-18, except to flamboyantly own a true piece of history.

[@shirlmccullough1993]

Got to admit, I only watch 2 videos. Yours and music villa.

[@JonnyBoss83]

I've tried a couple of higher end Martin custom shop guitars at peach here in England. Absolutely beautiful. Tone,construction, and playability. I'm saving for a D15. Or a guild D40. Gotta keep it sub 2k I'm afraid.

[@murraywagnon1841]

In 1970 I had a Martin D 18 S and a Martin D 12 20. I sold them both and bought a D 28 and a D 12 28. I still own the D 28. It is over 50 years old now and sounds great, but I wish I had never sold those Mahogany guitars.

[@billdedrick1914]

What is the weight of the Authentic 37'? Would be interesting to hear the comparison of weights...What strings were on each here? What flat pick and thickness was used?

[@uvp5000]

The D-18 1937 Authentic should be sporting Martin strings. Martin apparently writes into their sales agreement that, on the showroom floor with their new instruments, stores can only use Martin strings. Lately, they're using coated strings to keep the sound relatively newer as opposed to non-coated strings.

[@seanhallahan14]

Per prior comments, I'm going to suggest fading out the vs. ethos, and fading in the "expanding the Martin D-18 pantheon culture. Thanks, in advance, for your kind consideration 'o me suggestion. I see this "Lean Into The Light" cultural shift all over the place. I see it on our NYC morning news, I see it dozens of writers and bloggers, even MSM transmissions. Thank you. Best & cheers, Sean

[@lorigilmore5521]

I really like the authentic. So much more volume. Great playing Cooper.

[@scoggers1628]

Amazing guitars. I wonder how the modern deluxe and authentic series compare to the Furch's Vintage dreadnought models?

[@michaelwas8549]

I have a 2004 D18 Vintage. Sounds great.

[@titusrider7948]

What strings/gauge are used on each guitar? Beautiful playing 😊

[@texhaines9957]

Guitar voice: I like the sound of the fuller, deeper, louder 1937 authentic with the Adirondack top and Madagascar Rosewood. Being able to play the authentic is the issue with my wounded fretting hand.

[@el34glo59]

That's not Maddy. That's an 18

[@texhaines9957]

@el34glo59 either way, the neck profile on Authentic 1937s is too chunky for my wounded fretting hand. Doctors did pretty good, but being run over from behind (while walking on a sidewalk) was not good. Snow & ice were too deep, and apparently that's why the driver was on the sidewalk.

[@robertforbes6502]

❤😂you guys are great! I have the D18 GE but I wonder how much better an Authentic D28 would be, and if it would be of any benefit, if it would be a noticeable upgrade😅

[@mogasm6091]

Great stuff as usual fellas

[@sdfswords]

Definitely do a VTS versus the 1940, will be amazing!

[@RFtinkerer]

How would the Special 18 with adi top vts compare to the 1937? Sound-wise, I mean? $2900 is a lot cheaper than $6200.

[@spikedodson3194]

Let's get ready to rummmbblllee 😂👊

[@stephenkennedy7347]

Got a Martin OM-28V - love it but the powerful bass is an issue for recording as you were mentioning. Mic position and EQ require particular attention!

[@el34glo59]

You have issues recording with a om?

[@jackbart1960]

I own a 2010 Vintage series D18 and the neck is big to say the least. Not unplayable but a chunky piece of wood in the hand. But the sound that comes out of the thing is amazing!!! Would definitely like to check out the Modern Deluxe

[@G_Demolished]

I’m a simple man. I like the stock reimagined D18. 🤷‍♂️

[@sdfswords]

The Modern sounds balanced, the VTS sounds bright and punchy, will mellow out as it gets played in. Both great, but distinctly different.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I do not get all the discussion about neck shapes. I played seven acoustics yesterday and all have different neck profiles. The only one I don't like I have never liked, it is too narrow (I don't know exactly, I have had it since '83).it is cedar over rosewood and sounds great (my wife's favorite). Even my modified V necks are different from each other but they are a good fit for my hand.

[@uvp5000]

Were I choosing to purchase one of the two instruments demonstrated in this video, it would be the D-18 Authentic 1937. It sounds remarkably balanced, present, and responsive. I've played Martin D-28 Authentic 1937s so I know what the neck feels like.

[@el34glo59]

That 37 sounds unbelievable. Real hot hide glue, vs protein glue top. Also Addy vs sitka. Also that MD has that weight carbon fiber thing going on. I'm good

[@texhaines9957]

Modern Deluxe has a carbon fiber bridge plate. The asymmetrical neck is much easier for me to play than the 1937 vintage baseball bat neck.

[@texhaines9957]

The Music Villa MARTIN Shop 000-18 VTS is just super, but the Authentic has a better voice.

[@AudioJanitor]

@Alamo - Which mic have been using for all these vids? Thanks!

[@uvp5000]

Their microphone choice helps their demonstrations sound exceptionally good.

[@tommygunn1521]

Played both here is the real deal. If u are playing in the first postion the 1937 is unreal. However it has a 1937 neck and as u climb up the fretboard to the modern places hand it becomes a battle. I bought at D28 model deluxe after playing all three..

[@CalJennings]

I want to see Martin vs. Guild.

[@Zoe_Langa]

Cooper's playing🤌🏾🤌🏾🤌🏾

[@vonwelch7847]

Great comparison. And by the way a great way to create guitar lust in those of us watching. Could you please add a real prewar D18 to compare with these two. If the authentic sounded as good or better than the real thing...... I play HD28V 2016 and this demo makes my heart wander. To my ear, I liked the MD is seemed a little brighter more distinct notes. The red dots are distracting. I may be swayed by the fact that I visited the Martin factory in Nazareth and the had the d18 MD on the wall to play while awaiting the tour. Bryan Sutton has prewar videos that sound great but there is no comparison to the modern versions.

[@guitardude4700]

Love the thumbnail😅🤣😂

[@ektalon1]

As an old beginner, I can't play to save my a**, so I listen to guitar reviews and guitar playing. That Authentic 1937 was probably the sweetest guitar I have heard. The Modern Deluxe sounded beautiful, but to my ear a bit restrained. Cooper's play was the icing on this guitar cake.

[@gladesowards]

That Authentic is insane.

[@texhaines9957]

Cooper, "you can age it" how? You mean play it?

[@uvp5000]

Playing an acoustic with a solid wood top, back, and sides is the best way to "age" the instrument.

[@texhaines9957]

@@uvp5000 you bet! I age mine about 30 to 50 hours a week. I volunteer to sing and play 20+ hours a week at Memory Care facilities. Nice to "wake up" older guitars, and hear when new guitars "open up. "

[@3cardmonty602]

Do they both have truss rods?

[@bp7152]

Authentics do not, MD’s have a titanium truss

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

They both have truss rods - you should have listened to the video. The 1937 Authentic is a non adjustable truss rod and the MD has an adjustable truss rod.

[@davidm.kesslerfineart1717]

@@bp7152 Martin only used the titanium truss rod the first year of production of the MD models - there were issues with them and they no longer use them in the MD’s.

[@randybecker7339]

Guys, you gotta move those guitars out from behind Chris and Cooper!! Chris constantly has a pink nub coming out of the top of his head in these videos! At least move the pink Fender about two feet to Chris' left.

[@chrislocke1042]

Would it be easier to move the stool he sits on?

[@ShowseeTravels]

I do watch them too lol. I prefer y’all.

[@mr.bumble8400]

Love ‘em both but I’m not picking up the sonic differences everybody’s talking about here.

[@uvp5000]

I run my computer sound through nice speakers. Because of that, the sonic differences are clearly heard. The 1937 Authentic sounds quite striking compared to the Modern Deluxe.

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

That 1937!

[@usmcchrisg]

Chunky D is my street ball name. Guitar player fight. IDK about that.

[@erickbiain]

Wow the Adirondack eats the modern deluxe, sounds more bright and full of life…

[@jed1166]

Sports car vs. guitar? Simple… give me a Toyota and the 1937 Authentic, and I am all good.

[@kylekromer8047]

Good grief that 1937 sounds like it's gonna shoot out of the screen at you, talk about "3-d" sound, not sure how else to say it. I'd say if there was a perfect guitar that might be close, WOW! That said, the M.D. is a great guitar too.

[@hampshirepiano6383]

Hide glue, will not bond to plastics/epoxy materials = no good for plastic bindings that needs acetone-based adhesive.

[@el34glo59]

Which is why no one uses hide glue on binding

[@williamclinton6968]

Not a fan of the modern deluxe at all, I have a Martin Custom adi/sinker D18 and it is far and away the best Martin I’ve ever heard. Incredible

[@pacificgreen9690]

Plastic is the only thing keeping one of these out of my hands. I wouldn't give any maker -boutique or otherwise - ~$6,200 for a plastic-bound guitar. Never mind the history. Many of the boutique builders actually will give you figured koa or maple binding at that price point. I'm sure that plastic was a novelty in the 1930's and not necessarily thought of as cheap. I am also sure that D-18s were not the equivalent of $6,200USD back then. No excuses today.

[@michaelogden5093]

Cloth strips: For mojo... taken from the garter of Lilly Langtree.

[@misorodzinak8829]

You should do a quickest guitar strings change challenge, and the winner takes the '37.

[@uvp5000]

A staring contest might be another non-violent contest worth watching.

[@markhenry3851]

My money is on Cooper for the throw down

[@bc4923]

This guy is other worldly demoing the guitar, but I wish he would strum some chords instead of shredding away.

[@djross2043]

I keep wishing………………… D18 would make me sell all my others.

[@Invictus13666]

FFS a sweetwater ad in front of your video

[@masterofce]

There's NOT a Taylor on this planet or any other that can touch either one of these guitars.!!!

[@greenfinmusic5142]

The only reasonable thing to do is to buy one of each.

[@cfmartin568]

those authentic d18s And 28s Sound much better non vts

[@el34glo59]

Do they though. I mean that 37 kills right here

[@tcjensen1]

In person there’s no comparison. Authentic makes modern deluxe sound like a toy.

[@jamiemcneil9462]

Compare those guitars to a Huss and Dalton TDM and you may be amazed. I certainly was.

[@devilsadvocate9343]

First

[@michaelogden5093]

High gloss is yuk.

[@el34glo59]

Since when? High gloss has always been gorgeous

[@phillipdaigle4850]

Gentlemen, Talk LESS and Play MORE!

[@Mrcabe]

The 1937 model sounded more like a Taylor and Modern Deluxe sounded like a new Martin

[@el34glo59]

Lol what. 37 authentics sound absolutely nothing like Taylor's

[@dxcman1]

Watched cooper play...is that all you got cooper @disappointed .. lol :-) I'm kidding cause I cant play like that! I like how you can justify an expensive guitar. I tell my wife I'm in my Midlife crisis, I don't want fancy cars, younger girls will get me in trouble ... so I'm just buying guitars. She isn't impressed!