The Critics Are Wrong! Setting The Record Straight About the Martin D-18 Street Legend

Join us as we dive into an in-depth review of the Martin D-18 StreetLegend, a guitar that's sparked plenty of conversations and misconceptions. In this video, we clear up all the misinformation surrounding this exceptional instrument, explaining its specs in detail and providing tone samples to showcase its true sound!
🎸 In This Review:
- Clearing Misconceptions: Addressing the common myths and misunderstandings about the Martin D-18 StreetLegend.
🔗Check out Martin Guitars here: bit.ly/TAS-Martin-Guitars
🎵Listen to our cover of "10 Degrees and Getting Colder" here: • Professional Bluegrass...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
👕Get Your TAS Merch!: bit.ly/TASMerch
🪕Instruments At TAS --
⌁Check out our Guitars here: bit.ly/TASGuitars
⌁Check out our Flat Top Guitars here: bit.ly/FlatTopGuitars
⌁Check out our Dreadnought Guitars here: bit.ly/TASDreadnoughts
⌁Check out our Mandolins here: bit.ly/ASMandolins
⌁Check out our Banjos here: bit.ly/ASBanjos
✨Don't forget the Accessories --
⌁Shoppe all Accessories here: bit.ly/TASAccessories
⌁Check out our Picks here: bit.ly/TASPicks
⌁Check out our Strings here: bit.ly/TASStrings
⌁Check out our Capos here: bit.ly/TASCapos
⌁Check out our Tuners here: bit.ly/TASTuners
⌁Check out our Cases here: bit.ly/TASCases
🔊Amplify Your Acoustic! -- bit.ly/TASAmps
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
00:30 - Specs
02:07 - What Is The Finish?
07:05 - The Sound
08:29 - Who Is This For?
09:31 - Pros & Cons
10:46 - How Does It Compare?
11:29 - Tone
12:44 - Playability
13:49 - Build Quality
14:21 - Aesthetics
16:14 - Value
17:18 - Tone Samples
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
🌎Follow The Acoustic Shoppe Everywhere! --
Facebook: / theacousticshoppe
Instagram: / theacousticshoppe
TikTok: / theacousticshoppe
TAS Knows People Podcast: open.spotify.com/show/1yM0Y64...
Our Website: www.theacousticshoppe.com/
Reverb: reverb.com/shop/the-acoustic-...
🎙️We use Ear Trumpet Labs Microphones for instrument demos - Thank you Ear Trumpet Labs! www.eartrumpetlabs.com/
👍Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that bell icon to stay updated with all things Acoustic Shoppe. Follow us on our journey through the music world, and share your thoughts in the comments below!
#martind18streetlegend #martinguitars #martinguitarsongcover #acousticsongcover #bluegrassmandolin #bluegrassguitar #d18streetlegend #BluegrassMusic #AcousticGuitar #GuitarInstrumental #MusicLovers #TheAcousticShoppeReviews

[@texhaines9957]

I don't mind "aging" if it is aged the way I play. I have a 1968 dreadnought, my first guitar, and I know what it looks like after being played by me for 50+ years. I acquired a single owner 1974 A Loprinzi LM-15 ( a Jersey Martin) and it is similar in light aging, like a closet relic. So "new old stock" or closet relic work for me. That aside, I purchased a Martin 000-16 Street Master (Adirondack-Rosewood) that sounds and plays great. They used this stain-finish printer to make it look well used by somebody other than I. I like the thin finish, but not the look. Luckily, I don't see it when playing. I have other guitars with aged finish (like Eastman E22SS-V-sb). I prefer to add dings and dents on my own. Thanks, John and Jeremy.

[@ratwynd]

Agree. I own an OMC16e Ovangkol, a D35 an a D12-28 currently and I have owned a D16e and a 000M in the past. I have seen these SLs in the shop and have not been tempted to even pick it up. I was just playing my 1971 J50 before I watched this video. Bought it new and aged it along with me. But my favorite is the 2019 OMC16e. Ovangkol top, back and sides.. Very balanced tone. Perfect feel in the hand.

[@jamiebritton6781]

I love my d18 StreetLegend. Such a great guitar and at a cost savings from the gloss one.i will never be able to afford a prewar d18 so this guitar is as close as I can get.

[@tomehCanada]

Yep it's an "olive" thing. You either love it or hate them.

[@BulldoggerJK]

I’m undecided and a little confused about it. I wouldn’t be excited about another guy walking in with a guitar and the “wear” is exactly the same. They need to somehow randomize the wear so every guitar isn’t a Kurt Cobain copy or the other two. I’m even less excited about it being a copy of that guy’s guitar. Be better if it had bits of cardigan baked in. Maybe someday you be able to pick Elmer Jone’s wear. When you can pick the wear or randomize it, it’ll be better. That said, if it sounds amazing, I don’t care so much. I just don’t want to pay more for something I don’t really care about. I played one and it was a good guitar. Weird touching the wear and there’s nothing to feel. I’m not totally against it because I see potential.

[@johnpaulragan9134]

I like the randomized idea quite a bit. Something interesting going on with that finish, sounds at least as good in person.

[@Jaxparoh]

I agree, imagine showing up at a jam and seeing the same wear on 2 or 3 guitars. Kinda odd

[@unclesham5507]

Kurt played a lot of junk, it wasn't even his guitar. It was Mary Lou lords. Boston singer songwriter he was dating before Courtney. He didn't own a martin till the D-18E he bought to use on unplugged. She also let Elliot Smith use that guitar.

[@johnpaulragan9134]

@Jaxparoh Doesn't that trigger a dance-off or a Highlander situation? Thinking of having buddies and musicians along the way sign the top... that would make it different and it'd be the only one it wouldn't bother me to do it with.

[@kansasblues]

love em, have a d28 SL, my next D 18 will be a Street Legend.

[@jamesmaddock]

I played one of those and it was fantastic. I loved it

[@imjason75]

I wonder how that finish is going to look in several years when it begins to show actual wear like what is printed on it now.

[@BulldoggerJK]

@@imjason75 that’s a great question! How’s a real scratch going to look next to a fake scratch?

[@kansasblues]

@@imjason75 imagine it’ll look even cooler

[@jasper_north]

@@imjason75 Good question

[@uvp5000]

I'm a relatively careful, non-gigging musician. By "careful" what I mean is that, despite my aggressive, intense picking style, I don't move my arm in a sawing motion. Any picking energy is translated to the string, not the soundboard (I don't pick in a way that scratches/wears against the top). I also pick gently for softer playing. After watching the tone sample, my picking style is identical to John's with my remaining three fingers loosely floating over the pickguard preventing errant pick motion to the soundboard. I would prefer to have any wear be the wear I put on it. I understand this is a finish and not a distressed instrument. I can't look past the finish. I could easily enjoy the sound and playing experience for something like this. I would not choose to purchase a guitar that looked like this unless the price was exceptionally compelling.

[@BlaisPianoGuitars]

Yes! LOL.

[@TankBuildersInc.]

That guitar really sounds good. We have an old, 57, J-50 that looks about like that one and smells like it had a smoking problem and it's a hoss of a guitar... I really dig the old look and would like to look at one up close, but think it looks cool on the video anyway. As always, great video guys!

[@LowKickMT]

do you sell it?

[@edyue1]

The bro with mandolin cracks me up. “Smells like someone who doesn’t have teen spirit”, “I can’t wait to get my kids face printed on it, the dog…” 🤣

[@johnpaulragan9134]

It's designed for me! That's why it's sitting right next to me! Can't say enough about the service and support from TAS. First class experience from start to finish. A guitar I'm much less concerned about the wear I'm going to apply and sounds Fantastic. You're right, it's a 5. Speaking of which... time to play! -JP

[@BulldoggerJK]

@@johnpaulragan9134 congrats! You’re definitely going to have some great conversations about it.

[@johnpaulragan9134]

@BulldoggerJK Indeed. In fact, they started before it ever showed up. Now that it's here got a buddy driving up to play it. You know that one friend who owns all the nicest guitars.. in the market for a Boucher... why would they want to play this junk?

[@BulldoggerJK]

@@johnpaulragan9134 you have to play them all! I never pass up playing any guitar no matter price or how it looks. You just never know. I went on a little guitar safari this weekend. I can say the street legend I played was better than the two authentics I played.

[@johnpaulragan9134]

@BulldoggerJK You could not be more CORRECT. This exact one in the video sounds awesome in person too. I don't mean the same model, I mean that serial number in his hands is sitting 3 feet away. Sounds and Plays GREAT. One of my closest friends says to his ear it sounds better than the Authentics he's played, etc., so he's coming up to play it. At the end of the day, he'll bring a car full of VERY expensive guitars that he hand picked... including that Boucher I'm sure he's about to buy (TAS lookout)... we'll pass guitars around and sing and play for two days and care very little about the look of that finish.

[@seacorc]

This is the kind of video I’d make if I wanted to move inventory that wasn’t selling.

[@seniorp9444]

After seeing one in person I like it. Not sure I’d prefer it over a used D18 for that price but if buying new I’d probably get this or the satin for the same price. The printed on amber tone doesn’t do it for me though.. looks cheap.

[@ericecklund676]

Martin should have put a wide-saddle belly bridge on it and completed the look. It would have looked a bit closer to that 1940 mojo that they were shooting for. At least they got the Butter-bean tuners right, and the sizes of the dot inlays on the fingerboard. I'll be happy to stay with my 2002 D-18 GE.

[@jasper_north]

It is so beautiful!!!

[@slpc30]

It's a great sounding guitar! I really like the all satin ones

[@jameswestconsultant]

Just picked one up today and really dig it. Throwing some custom light strings on her as we speak (thumb). Traded my D-16 RGT in on it as it was too newish & sterile feeling. This piece has the look of vintage without the warped neck & ridiculous price, the sound of a D-18 and at a fantastic price ☝🏻😉

[@WysteriaGuitar]

AESTHETICS: 0/5 - The embarrassing realization you bought the wrong Martin D-18 when 2 other guys show up at the same bluegrass jam and start playing next to you showcasing the THREE guitars with fake wear...

[@johnwashburn3793]

I like the look actually. I am happy with the D-18 that I already own but I would consider this if I was looking to buy one.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

I love that Martin is doing a Satin finish on their flagship dreads at a lower price point. That shows that they seem to care about their customers amid the prevailing inflation challenges. This, however, is a dumb idea and a waste of a good Martin. If I could pick one up used for maybe $1,500 or less and sand the top down I might consider that path to a good bargain. But then again I don’t know how deep the ink penetrates the too

[@herbmichael5053]

I have a golden era D-18, I like the sound of the street legend a great deal. I am not sure that I would buy this one.

[@richiechrestman8318]

I wonder what those street legend guitars will look like when they get real scratches, dents and wear on top of the altered tops?

[@coltknight3945]

I like well done relic guitars,takes all the pressure off of treating a brand new guitar like a baby's head. You can just get right to playing it.

[@mitzioden4926]

I'd like an aged guitar looking like Del McCourys!

[@cph630]

Fun fact is the wear pattern was scanned from Kurt Cobain’s Martin.

[@unclesham5507]

That wasn't his. It was Mary Lou lords. He didn't own a martin till he bought the D-18E used on unplugged. Wasn't Kurt's guitar.

[@TildenCats]

​@unclesham5507 he played it for a time. It's the acoustic used on nevermind. It was also in the hands or Elliot Smith at one point. Don't be a snob.

[@unclesham5507]

He never used it live. And yes Elliot used it to. Moral of the story is never take a guitar from Mary Lou lol

[@TildenCats]

@unclesham5507 lmao now you're reaching. He never used it live, so fuckin what? I'm not even a fan of Kurt Cobain. Did he use the unplugged guitar for anything else but that one show? Is it on any albums? Did he use it for any other live shows? Why is that his guitar but not the other?

[@LowKickMT]

not true. he played it once but it belonged to mary lou.

[@rossmuir4609]

First off, it sounds terrific, even a little aged IMO. Personally, I always say if I want a guitar to look old then I'll play it till it is but for a sound as good as this - at the price , It's a no brainer. And I'll just say if you're not keen, they're not forcing you to buy. Cheers, Ross

[@billybudd45]

I used to work in the film industry as a scenic artist, and aging things is very easy. Basically, a bad paint job is an excellent choice for relic.

[@752brickie]

My old 00-18G looks almost as bad as Willie's N 20. It has had a pretty tough life but I had Martin reset the bridge and glue cracks back in 2012. It is as light as a feather. But I am up in the air about the Street Legends ?? But I kinda like them!

[@leftyjcw7173]

My 1991 Martin D28S lefty, has a nasty wear area from a thumb pick. Also a lot of checking. Honestly, I wish it didn’t. But, it’s real. I still wish it wasn’t there. I will baby my D45 FOREVER, because I would be devastated if it showed wear.

[@texhaines9957]

Price: I would prefer the price Jihn quoted at $2,399 compared to the $2,799 on their website. So what is the price?

[@vernonyates8408]

$2,399 is the price on Martin's site, so I assume that's the actual price at The Acoustic Shoppe

[@user-mi9gr7or2q]

There are so many satisfying old Martins from the 30's to the 60's. They can be a joy to play, you can hug its history, and will sound beautiful, come in all sorts of sizes, woods in playable condition and affordable to most musicians (unless you want a 37 D-18) who love old Martins. They are better investments too. Why buy that?

[@pmscalisi]

Good luck finding a good condition D-18 built before 1970 and it will be twice the price of this one.

[@stephenhenion8304]

For that $$$ i picked up a 2014 D28 Custom in #1 condition.... its my Forever Guitar!!!!

[@daveanderson8214]

Wondering why, if this is supposed to be an aged guitar, Martin decided to put the modern gold foil sticker on the headstock instead of the original decal, which I personally dislike enough to pass on any Martin that has the gold foil sticker. It just looks cheap and out of place to me.

[@LegsON]

200$ Corts have their logo inlaid in PEARL! This tradition is RIDICULOUS.

[@barrettgb]

It’s passes the tone test with flying colors, people will probably really like these in a few years. Imo

[@ThakkMylde]

I like this, a lot.

[@samcurrey2442]

I actually love relics. Most people can’t afford vintage instruments and most modern instruments are finished so that they’ll never wear like the vintage ones have. I mean don’t get me wrong I’d love to say the wear was mine but I’ve seen 20 year old guitars that were not treated nicely that still look brand new. At this price point I wish you could have each guitar look a little different or maybe not be quite as worn. Also at this price point you’re gonna “print” on the relic??? No I’m out on that. But I do LOVE guitars that are either satin, or the gloss has been worn down or off. The less stuff on the wood the more it vibrates and the better it sounds.

[@badnomad357]

I love relicing / antiquing on a guitar. Because of the feel. The look comes fromthe feeling of being worn in. If it still feels like a perfect new finish it would be abhorrent.

[@rinkydinky-ob9pe]

it may have been better if they just sprayed a flash coat over the aging toner and it would have aged quicker instead of a photo like top .

[@Shovel-om7kn]

There’s a relic buyer born every minute. Semper Fi

[@johnpaulragan9134]

😂 C'mon brother, just enjoy the jam and don't set your cigar on my case. Semper P

[@alisonk3148]

It’s a little cringey. I would take the amber tone any day, but playing this would make me feel like an imposter. The technology is cool, but surely Martin could put it to better use.

[@Warner532]

I myself would never buy a NEW guitar that looks like that.

[@rogerd9150]

Well said!

[@DanielC__]

Me either. I despise the fake relic look.

[@edyue1]

The only time I would by a street legend is if it sounded way better than a standard

[@jimf4492]

I'm not of a fan of reliced instruments, or "fautina" car finishes. If I could afford a vintage Martin, then I would take whatever wear it had earned. If I could afford a new one, I would want a new-looking one. Since neither option is realistic for me right now, I'm just bloviating. SO, to each their own, YMMV - and it's your money, so enjoy!

[@chrisjohnson9300]

If you like it, buy it, if you don’t like it, don’t buy it.. no one is forcing anyone to buy this 🤷‍♂️

[@jasonstacey9460]

Does it have the new neck shape? Too much like a Taylor or something in my opinion. I like the fat old v shaped necks.

[@MatthewBarelick]

No, if I buy a vintage guitar I'm not buying it for the "LOOKS" I'm buying it for the "SOUND" because those old martins just have an amazing tonal resonance that can't be faked because they were all HAND BUILT by ONE skilled luthier who took personal pride in the quality of their work and that is something that won't ever be matched again unless you purchase a $20000+ bespoke guitar!

[@vspvince]

I'm not a fan of the relicing. It's a personal choice... if you like the look, have at it. That being said, I wouldn't buy a 1950's Ford pickup truck and have someone paint rust on it either, some like the patina. To each his own.

[@ZionForman]

great

[@arthurogle7581]

Looks like some Martin sap poured acup of Clorox Bleach on sound board!!! I wanna guitar that I tear hel outta

[@AlexA99423]

So just because sometbing is technically possible doesn't make it a good idea. It's like painting scratches on a Jeep to give it that off-road look. Standard finish and honest wear for me.

[@gregpiper8416]

I could play the same guitar for 50 years and not cause half the wear that is supposed to represent. To save $400, I might consider getting the satin finish, but not this.

[@guestguide2544]

Its photo printing the top finish.

[@kevdadd1976]

Uh no, not for me but to each their own

[@joekagerer]

I'm torn... Sort of like Foto Flame they used to do faking flame maple. This is less of a deception because they aren't trying to make it look like better wood. It would be a little cooler if every top was different... If two of you show up with the same guitar it's a little like matching dresses at a formal event for women 😂

[@tomehCanada]

A lot cheaper than a Prewar reliced guitar. 😊

[@edyue1]

Same as wearing pre-torn denim. Makes a white collar desk jockey pretend to be a blue collar tradesman. 🤪

[@waynejohnson3214]

I'm ok with relic guitars ... I own a 56 Strat Custom Shop Relic. I wouldn't want a relic guitar that's identical to 10,000 other relic guitars.

[@Motrin-Hydrate]

This guitar is perfect for people that buy their jeans with holes already in them.

[@30smsuperstrat]

Why would I want an AI finish on a guitar, when I can just turn my Macbook on and AI my music and skip the Martin man, opps I Bidened that one. Skip the middle man😮😅

[@dodgermartin4895]

It's a marketing gimmick trying to make a new guitar look old. I don't know why they feel they have to do that. They don't compete with D-18 guitars that are really old because the real vintage old guitars could fetch like $30,000 or something... but that being said, if the guitar sounds good, then consider it. I have an HD28V where they put "aging toner" on it to make the guitar look old, but it was NOT the aging toner that was the deal maker, it was because the guitar was and still is one of the best guitars I have ever played.

[@DanielC__]

Fake relic? No way, never, forget it, don’t want it. 🤮

[@rzh3443]

Martin uses the grocery store scheme to create numerous models to crowd the competitors off the shelves. Same for Taylor. There are infinite combinations of letters and numbers to create model designations. So now we have a digitally recreated “old” D18? Hmm….

[@arthurogle7581]

And you can have the so called SATIN finish too. Satin finish necks suck too! My blind bandmate has a 68 D35 that doesnt look this trashed. Im for GLOSS everytime. But Taylor is over priced, over rated and Over HERE!!!

[@dannybaca2354]

If you like it and it's your sound, buy it. I can't stand that inauthentic look.

[@romysan1]

I think most guitars are way over priced !!!

[@billybudd45]

I predict Martin will discontinue this fake age finish. Maybe they will be cheaper on used market.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

This will go down as a failure for Martin. Big L. It’s not even a relic it’s a print, it’s not going to age naturally like this at all, and it’s not even a Headstart on the aging process like some relic is. They should have a strong position at Martin to encourage people to buy their guitars and keep them forever and play them hard. That’s what Martin is.

[@michaelsedgwick7907]

The aging, in person, looks awful. There’s no reason to do it by printing except that it saves them money. Get an Atkin and get wear done right if you want an aged looking guitar.

[@dg111fu]

Fake wear is the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Paying 2,399 for it is sheer insanity. Btw, 2,399 is not a bargain. These guitars aren't worth half of that considering what you can get from other guitars at the same price. Martins, Taylors, and Gibsons being sold at the prices they are is a joke. It's no different than the fashion world. People are paying for brand name, not quality for price.

[@geoffreycarter3981]

This will go down as a failure for Martin. Big L. It’s not even a relic it’s a print, it’s not going to age naturally like this at all, and it’s not even a Headstart on the aging process like some relic is.

[@Timberdam]

So they made it look Relic when it's not really Relic ? Just so I can understand ! So someone can pretend to have to have a Pre - whatever guitar ? Why not get a regular finish and wear it in by playing yourself ? People doing the same thing with electrics .. Have you looked at what people are doing to there bodies ? I hate the Botox affect and the Donald Duck lips..

[@TomZola1]

The finish is fake, no getting round it. Shame for all the genuine, natural wood on it. Why pretend your brand new guitar is old and battered, when a quick look shows it’s nothing of the sort. Sounds like the two of you are just salesmen, obliged to say nice things about fakes.

[@c849243]

Relic guitars are CRAP!