Martin D-18 Satin - Compared to D-18 Standard

[@walterstreet1467]

The open pore sounds the best and welcome back Q

[@ioodyssey3740]

Should come with a pore key.

[@ia5662]

correction: the D-28 is NOT Cobain's, but rather that Street Legend D-18. He loved an old D-18 he called "Grandpa" and it's in the Martin museum. I think the D-18 is a cross between Hank's and Kurt's. Great stuff either way guys, loved the comparison to the OG and the satin. I think the Standard is a bit more focused, but had these Satin guits been around, I'd be very curious which one I would have chosen. I still love the Standard D-18 the best.

[@mjolnircarlssen4211]

I love the stock D-18, but the satin sounded incredible, as well. Looking seriously at both. I play a Yamaha FGX5, it’s got a satin finish, and it sounds incredible. I’m thinking about going the same route with a D-18. Then again, the classics are always the classics. Stock D-18.

[@johnwashburn3793]

I swear I heard this a couple of weeks ago. Pau, you are perfect in your imperfections! Now I gotta go put my patchouli on and go to the gym Paul,Baxter still says to tune your guitars.

[@joelaming6814]

I went to the store to get a d28 satin, and came out with the 18 satin. It was louder than all the other martins on the shelf, d35, d18, hd28, d28 satin. I came back and I had someone else listen in too, because i thought am i crazy, is this a one of a kind. Them not being a guitar person and not knowing the prices they felt the same way. Reminded me of a couple years back when buying a martin d28, there was a 28 modern deluxe that had a sound you wouldnt forget but it was out of the price range. I havent gotten a chance to pick up an authentic series but have played a couple thompson, collings and bergeoiuse. And that modern deluxe had that airy tone like they did. Such big, crisp tone. This 18 was like picking up one of those, it blew me away. Check one out. The 18 satin Satin is going to take over...i prefer the gloss look but cant argue with tone

[@powbobs]

If you wax it with carnuba wax it will develop that low shine very similar to the finish that the custom shop authentics have.

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

​@powbobs does that hurt the finish? I might try it..where do you get it?

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

Quinton, What brand thumbpick do you use, & what gauge? Thanks!!! BTW...I'd humbly accept either one, but I'm partial to the satin amberburst D-18

[@martinkleinman2522]

I think the gloss-top d18 has more rounded tones, and a "fuller" sound. The burst satin sounds more "stringy". Do they have the same strings, these two samples?

[@IRequireMedication]

I have to assume so straight from the factory

[@77guitarts22]

I hear the difference, the Satin always sounds a bit more Dry , Earthy and not as Sweet and sparkly as the glossy one. But indeed the sound is more opened and loud on the Satin. I like both but would choose the glossy.

[@paullanier8280]

To my ears, the two sound the same when you compared them . Maybe my hearing loss at %50 now has a big effect on discerning. Oh, wait. I did review it several times and the sun burst has a sweet and defined tonal difference. Great job, fellas !!!

[@mylerism]

I hear a tighter frequency range in the stock D-18. I prefer it slightly over the satin. But I'd take them both and spend the next 20 years comparing the two.

[@texhaines9957]

If I recall, Martin said it's a dot matrix stain-nitrocellulose finish. I like my MV D-28 12-fret.

[@wheninroamful]

The D-18 is modeled after Kurt Cobain's guitar "Grandpa". 1953 (the year Hank Williams died, btw) " This well worn D-18 was coined “Grandpa” by Kurt Cobain, and was gifted to the rocker by then girlfriend Mary Lou Lord In 1991. Used by Cobain while on tour for Nirvana’s second and most notable album Nevermind. After Cobain’s death, the instrument was returned to Mary Lou Lord who toured with late rocker Elliott Smith who also used the guitar. (Courtesy of Martin Guitar.)" Vid on the 1953 original: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYqvgJuQrNychas

[@uvp5000]

Until I took an interest in acoustic guitars and learned about the effect of a paint finish, I had not considered that this could affect the sound. As always, the soundboard will influence what an acoustic guitar sounds like, but, yes, the paint finish can have quite an effect on the sound.

[@dangatton7138]

I took the Satin off of my Epiphone back and Front.. not only did I find some beautiful woods but the sound changed so much it was amazing. I had no idea. why hide the natural wood under Satin?. so glad my D18 is not satin . my DY61 Yairi is satin and ill change it over to gloss to. guess its the sound you perfer . I just love beautiful woods as part of my guitar buy.

[@startreker8591]

May try that dati if available at our local San Jose GC…do you know the way to San Jose…; maybe my last dread Martin btw just got my om28 some months ago

[@kurtisloew108]

the burst sounds great! and looks hidious

[@JesseDylanMusic]

“B.O. and patchouli is awesome.” -Quinton, 2K23

[@SingSurfStrum]

That Satin sounds like the truth.

[@mickymillersson4376]

I like Martins but I prefer the Gibson sunburst.

[@powbobs]

Especially the really dark one like on my Custom Shop 12 fret Southern Jumbo.

[@clawhammer704]

Hank Williams Sr. played a D-28 in photos. He also played Gibson guitars too.

[@BaktaBak3]

Love satin guitars .

[@BaktaBak3]

Martin should make a series of satin & semi/low gloss with road ready pick up 00-DB & 000-DB guitars for those who want the sound without the bulk. Better suited for traveling musicians IMO. American made of course!

[@Joe_Montfort]

Paul: “… nah, I’m ready to go home.” 😂

[@AndreRMeyer]

D-King for Resident ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@lilycat1694]

I would spend the extra $ for the D-18 Standard.

[@charlesbolton8471]

You mean the “Gloss” D-18 Standard. All of the satin models (sunburst, natural, or Street Legend) are also part of the “Standard” series.

[@lilycat1694]

@@charlesbolton8471 yes!

[@ProfessorJM1]

OKAY OKAY, send me both and I’ll get back to you, once my investigation is complete 😊

[@douglasholdenjr.45]

EXACTLY!!!!😂😂🎉🎉

[@leerumbley]

This guy!! Not only is he an amazing guitarist, but has a PhD in molecular biology and is a lawyer. Watching him makes me feel like I've just thrown my whole life away!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Doc Watson did well without the shingles.

[@AndreRMeyer]

@leerumbley fool for a day, Quinton King for a lifetime. Greetings from the sunny climes of Basle, Switerland

[@multipipi1234]

Nope...you haven't thrown your life away. He shouldn't have paid so much time studying and done a bit more playing.

[@jshu1625]

I am all in on the satin ...now I just got to hope they do this in a 000 body and then the waiting will be over, and the buying can commence!!!!

[@powbobs]

The 000-17S has a satin finish.

[@jazzlehazzle]

To my ear, the Standard sounds prettier, with better separation of notes but still somehow more overtones, and sweeter. The Satin is definitely more open, but I hear it as a woofier, muddier growl that's more dominated by the fundamental. A great blues or cowboy strummer for sure.

[@davelips]

Satin sounds like an older guitar.. if they sold one, I would love to have a standard D18 with a flat finish. The original bright colored spruce is just gorgeous

[@powbobs]

They’re available in the amber burst and natural satin finish.

[@BaktaBak3]

Why did Martin discontinue the Whiskey Sunset 00 14 fret guitars ????? And ....the 00-16 E Grenadillo ????? And the 00-DB Jeff Tweedy ?????? And the 00-18V ?????? And the CEO- 9 ???All they offer now ( for the most part ) are 000 & Dred's ???

[@paulboden7850]

At least they still build the 00 ceo7

[@powbobs]

@@paulboden7850 Which is the best CEO model ever.

[@paulboden7850]

@@powbobs Some are next to impossible to find, but the fact that the ceo 7 is still being built tells you something. Adirondack spruce and mahogany make this 00 outstanding.

[@powbobs]

@@paulboden7850 It sounds much bigger than it is.

[@lapidarydave]

i called martin in PA they said not only is the distressed guitar a image on the top so is the ambertone :( i was hoping the ambertone was a sprayed finish but it’s essentially a sticker

[@powbobs]

It’s not a sticker in any sense of the word.

[@meljames52]

Play the first minute at half speed!..... it's funny...lol

[@OpenDGuitar]

The satin finish seems like Martin jumping on the retro mail-order style so popular right now. From a builder’s standpoint - less cost to production.

[@powbobs]

Jumping on? The 17 series has entered the chat. And they cost less because of that lower cost of production, so what’s your point.

[@stevebernard221]

D-18 standard sounds like a D-18, the D-18 satin sounds a little more brighter to me....kinda like (but not as bad as) a Taylor.

[@jcradical2520]

I like satin, but that drastic burst looks like it belongs on a low end epiphone.

[@richardlucascronley5128]

I really worry about these satin guitars just not sounding good over the years.. they’re borderline too airy and ‘spread out’ ‘unfocused’ already.. what’s gonna happen when the top dries out (probably rapidly without finish) and it begins aging.

[@lighthouse7i]

I'm no expert but I would think as long as you're keeping the humidity between 45-60% they shouldn't dry out. Martin also sells the Satin cleaning/conditioning wipes I use on my 000-15SM every other month which does a good job.

[@powbobs]

Martins from the 50’s sound amazing. These will be fine.

[@WScott-gd2mj]

will quickly be a collector's item...because that "sunburst" is so ugly

[@powbobs]

Stores are selling them as soon as they receive them.

[@ioodyssey3740]

Yeah but two standard D18s will sound that much different because Wood. That finish is horrid looking... like otr stain... wtf

[@sailor5026]

…and wash your hands before you pick up the guitar.

[@powbobs]

As you always should.

[@truthof7382]

Not a fan of the overly open sounding satin guitars.

[@multipipi1234]

Merlot anyone.

[@multipipi1234]

What are you talking about....