The Ultimate Martin D-18 Comparison | Standard, Street Legend, Modern Deluxe, Authentic 1937

[@mikepalmieri3375]

Received a D-18 for my 16th Birthday in 1969 (still have it). I also have the original receipt from Sam Ash in NYC which was located on what was called music row because of all the music stores located there including the infamous Manny’s Music. The receipt is in the amount of $250 case included. Love it!

[@gui-texzan7477]

That's awesome!

[@redduketeleman]

For my 45th birthday I got a 45. It was "You can't always get what you want", a 45rpm vinyl by the Stones. 🥴

[@liberty5565]

That's an amazing gift. Really awesome that you still have it.

[@gair1944]

Not a dog in this race! All of these sounded good although I felt the Modern Deluxe was a bit brash and edgy sounding. The standard and Street Legend were very close and both great. Yeah the Authentic has a little extra mojo. But you can't go wrong with the D-18 Standard!

[@JeffandHansel]

I want a D18 Satin, with a pick up. Also, am I the only one watching this video who would take a vacation to San Antonio just to go to Alamo Music?

[@shirlmccullough1993]

No you’re not.

[@jimross9429]

I would love to visit Alamo Music but would be unable to even play a chord if Cooper was in the room.

[@williamhutchings1543]

Hmmmm...maybe we should start a discussion about us guitar demo nerds visiting SA TX to be a guest audience for a future video...? 🤔

[@thomasmorris2245]

Great Guitar/ Great Playing

[@fredflinstone3173]

Make sure you spend a day on the River Walk too.

[@danleyrold45]

I have a 2016 D-18 standard and I will never let it go! Great video!

[@michaelproscelle159]

Chris… you sold me the D-18 Standard back in 2014 and installed an Lr Baggs Lyric pick-up in it. I own several other Martins and I find that the D-18 has become my go to guitar. Great review guys.

[@paulschroeder1078]

Thanks for this video, it was helpful. I hope to drop by your store when I am in San Antonio

[@jaepark8922]

Wow wow, the Authentic really stood out in a way I never heard a guitar before, The way the bass notes so clearly rolled to the next one, the sweetness of the treble and the mid, I’m stunned. I’d love to try one in person but I can see why they both love the Authentic,

[@C_Journey]

Great video guys! Would love to see the updated D-28 comparison!

[@ErnstKochArkanumSolution]

Thank you for this video comparing the D 18 guitars. I was very surprised at how clearly the difference in sound can be heard via the video. I would like to take this opportunity to say a special thank you for your videos, which are very informative and helpful. (There's always a lot of news for me too, even though I've been playing guitar for over 50 years; unfortunately not as well as Cooper...) You do a really good job!

[@Telewest792]

G'day from Australia i love the D18 and i'm fortunate enough to have picked up a D18vintage back in 2008 and it's been my go to acoustic guitar ever since i also have a 1999 taylor 810 which is a good guitar but it's not as calling as the Martin it is a lot brighter . i'd say to anyone looking for an acoustic guitar go try one you wont be able to forget the experience . i have fitted a K&K sound pure pick up and the external Pure XLR preamp ,a match made in heaven 👌love your channel i was lucky enough back in 2013 to have visited your store when i traveled to America for a holiday .

[@priit47]

I really wish to try out the D-18 Satin, which is my favorite!!! Hopefully, this instrument will come to a guitar store close to me soon, so I could play it and experience the magic.... And so thankful for your videos, so well done and I could watch / listen them eternally, so nice you guys and videos are....

[@WoodworkerDan]

Great video. I was actually hoping you would make a video like this because the D-18 is one of my favorite guitars. A former band mate had a D-18, and I quickly developed an appreciation for its tone. I hope that Cooper features his version of the D-18 on a future video because it sounds like a great guitar.

[@opidonorman8833]

I was just scrolling about looking for anything new from Alamo music center and boom.

[@joedoll]

you guys are great. this vid is exactly what i was looking for. darn i really want the authentic.. may settle for the modern deluxe. will call you when it's time.

[@marklong3610]

D-18 Standard is a true classic, of my two dreads, I like my D-18 standard over my HD-28. It is a wonderful instrument. I had a 000-18MD and did not feel it was worth the extra $'s vs the standard 000-18 I sold to fund it.

[@C_Journey]

Would also love to see a D-18 1937 authentic aged vs. a D-28 1937 authentic aged comparison! I love the authentic’s!

[@Joe-m6p6b]

Me too.

[@mjr5426]

Plus one

[@apegrasshoplizard]

I have a 2017 standard. Wouldn't want anything else.

[@mr.bumble8400]

Love the authentic sound of deep resonance and high frequencies without being jangly, but I’m keeping my 1971 d18 dents and crazing and all

[@Dragon_rls]

Whew. Talk about some excellent guitar playing. Case in point. Practice makes perfect. Mr Cooper is a product of practice.

[@mariodriessen9740]

I bought a D-28 in January 2022 and it was my second high end acoustic (I think that’s fair to say). I remember I actually preferred the sound of the D-18, but still I went for the 28, because it would sound more different compared to the J-45, which was my first high end acoustic. I got caught by the virus and after that D-28 I bought a 00-15m, a 000-18 (best sounding guitar I’ve ever played), two cheap yet unbelievably good Eastman guitars, a Guild 12 string and a Guild 8 string baritone. But even to this day I ask myself if I wouldn’t have been better off buying the D-18 instead of the D-28. Apparently, I am a ‘hog guy’. Maybe my 28 was just not the right one. I don’t know. I do know that I loved that D-18. You’d be forgiven to think that I must be a very wealthy man. I’m not. I’m 56 years old, I played electric guitars since I turned 13 and now, 4 decades later, I sold most of my old electrics so I could buy most of the guitars I mentioned above. So ‘just’ buying a D-18 is not an option. I still have a couple more electrics I might be willing to sell one day. I never thought playing acoustic guitars could be so addictive. And the D-18 is not the only guitar I still think I need. I think I’m sick. 🤒

[@mikedproducer]

I can't wait for the podcast!!!! I have a feeling this comment may be referring to me. Sorry, Cooper! I didn't mean to throw you under the bus. haha. I really enjoy your content and I am looking forward to hearing it in podcast form. I PROMISE I will give a good rating and will share links to the podcast as much as I can.

[@donnybrook8051]

I've FINALLY decided which one I want: the J-45

[@DDuMond1]

Fantastic review, probably my favorite acoustic guitar of all, x 4! I was lucky to pick up a used Modern Deluxe with the titanium truss rod... super light, resonant, and a dream to play!

[@toddphipps5496]

Great breakdown on the D-18 different variations. Thanks!!

[@ryanbloom1738]

Just bought the natural satin best guitar I've ever had. Had 2 d28s sold them both guess I'm a mahogany guy.

[@MichaelTaylor-rz4wm]

Amazing playing.. Would love a lesson on that performance

[@JamesRogers-t2q]

Have always played D-28's and never had an 18 that fit me other than a few pre-wars I had played, but 3-2-2023 while in San Antonio at Alamo music...... A few work work colleagues and I went in just to see what they had. After playing a few Martins off the wall, Jasmine brought one to me to try. Martin D-18 1939 Authentic Aged. When I played it all the guys with me turned around to see what I had. I did not need another guitar but I left the store that day with that one. Do not believe Martin still offers the 1939 Authentic but the 1937 is real close. Same construction but chunkier neck and braces are forward shifted giving it a little different sound. If you want a great playing and sounding guitar. Try the Authentic Series. Well worth the money.

[@jason_learns]

Thanks for this comparison. And thanks for breaking things down for a newbie like me!

[@rayreid8327]

They all sound great, I love the authentic, I'm buying a standard (I love it too ). I really love the demo song you're playing and would be really happy if you would share it with me so I can learn it. I'll definitely stop in your shop the next time I'm in Texas.

[@johnwbanjo]

These all sound amazing! I love the Authentic!

[@texhaines9957]

If I recall, Hyde glue is a hot-set glue from hydes, sets up hard (eventually like glass), and is labor intensive. "Protein" glue is made from another source (like fish), and is a little easier to work with. It cures hard also.

[@thefreese1]

Hide glue is not really that great in my book . .just saying...as a luthier, its inconsistent...Sometimes it doesn't hold good. And sometimes it holds strong. And yet sometimes eit holds too good almost like epoxy... requiring a rediccoulas amount of heat to repair... this is very important when it when it comes time to do a neck reset. Means a lot when there's not one cent worth of noticable difference..

[@williamhutchings1543]

D18 standard was the first high end guitar I bought. I have since added my original dream guitar, a Gibson Hummingbird original. The bird was my dream guitar before ever playing any high end guitars because, like many of us I assume, our dream guitars are initially based on image (what our idols play, etc). I love them both but if I could only keep one it would be the D18 because IMO its the more versatile of the two. I think the D18 can match well with any style that fits the Hummingbird, but there are sounds you can get from the D18 that you can't really get from the bird.

[@philcottone2247]

Now that was a great demo. Glad you played what you did and that you played the same thing for all 4. As a big modern deluxe fan, that was my favorite, but they all sound great. Would love to see a comparison of the D18 modern deluxe to thr D 28 modern deluxe.

[@texhaines9957]

Tone-wise, I like the Authentic but can not play the neck. I know, I tried, the hand spasms, and that was it for playing that day. I got a D-28 Modern Deluxe, and it is truly blossomed. The neck profile is from a 1939 Martin Dreadnought in the Martin Museum. Mine has the titanium truss rod, no longer available because Martin lost their supplier during the shutdown. As for a D-18, I have a 1974 A. Loprinzi LM-15, one of the New Jersey "Martin's". Thanks, Chris and Cooper.

[@TankBuildersInc.]

They all sounded amazing. I think I liked the MD ever so slightly better, but in person who knows. Great job guys!

[@christinepratt4656]

I'd go for the satin. Thanks for the comparison. Any satins coming in the future?

[@erichutchinson6882]

You can't use the liquid metal bridge pins on the D18 authentic because the pins on the Authentic are much larger than the liquid metal bridge pins. I know because I tried....lol

[@lilycat1694]

Excellent demo! Would love to see an updated D28 comparison which includes the 1937 Authentic. With the D18’s I would be very happy with the D18 Standard.

[@SteveMiller-yw7kv]

Man..that satin finish model sounds great 👍

[@stevenwithaph9785]

Traded in my D13e zircotte for a d18 e z standard about 2 hours ago. It was a good upgrade

[@rd264]

they do good close comparisons. Maybe they can compare a recent Gibson J50 to a D18 from the last 10 years ?

[@tomehCanada]

Thank you for this comparison video. Excellent. Have you ever heard the Dic Boak model and if so how does it's sound compare?

[@jaimiestead254]

Just learned about liquid metal bridge pins. Looked them up, here in the UK they cost £99, wow!

[@roberttaylor7640]

Martin only specifies an Adirondack top for the authentic version. For the rest they just say spruce. Guessing the rest are all Sitka spruce. Would like to see a standard model with the Adirondack top… Great review👍

[@MarkJVSomers]

Tasty playing, as always.

[@RRW276]

The Martins being made today just sound amazing, even without being completely broken in. However, I just can’t adjust to the 1.75 nut width. 1 & 11/16th just feels so much more comfortable to me. Interestingly, I prefer a big neck tho, can’t stand thin blade necks.

[@davelips]

Do the same comparison with the D28 models please! Great video.

[@charlesbranch4120]

"Animal protein" in the Modern Deluxe reminds me how good (and how little was left over of the "cottage" shoulder bacon) in yesterday's 6-qt. batch of baked beans when we loaded out after the church potluck in the morning. I'm known for 'legendary" baked beans besides running the visuals during services... but, like Cooper, do not have the 'beans in the bank' for higher end guitar(s). The joke a guitarist friend imparted at Sunday's early lunch: "How many guitars do you need? Just one more." He really likes his mid 1970s Guild F50R, and was concerned about its replacement should that be needed someday. I do not need to tell you that he found and bought the second. He and his wife told the story of him calling her at work, which he never does, so I know it was an emergency. He found the third and called to ask, "Should I buy it?" He received the go-ahead and the guitar. Fortunately, I have two daughters and a son in law who play, appreciate, and welcome my acquisitions in their homes. Thanks to all for this and future comparisons.

[@simonerusso548]

WONDERFUL!! what kind of pick do you use?

[@slpc30]

They all sound amazing!

[@stockholm1752]

I’ve always wanted a *genuine* Martin D-18. When I discovered that my Alvarez/Yairi DY-45 is essentially a copy, I thought, oh - wouldn’t it be great to have the real thing? After listening to this demo carefully (headphones), now I’m not as sure. Because the one example here that sounds closest is the “aged” $$ Authentic. Feeling smug? You bet. So why do I still really want one? Just the Standard, though. Nothing fancy.

[@rogerd9150]

Hey guys....what about the sinker mahogany D-18? You missed that one in the comparison.

[@dangatton7138]

Do either compare to my D18-V ?? also... I put a 10 dollar tone bar on my DY61 Yairi.. I am amazed at the sound change . for 10 dollars you might want to try one . Im putting one on my D-18V tomorrow. Best upgrade ive ever found for the money

[@ed_music1834]

Hi Chris and Cooper, Been a while since I've watched in your channel but lo and behold, a Martin video! I'm thinking of going for a D18 as an endgame acoustic guitar. I think its an excellent one however im torn between this and the 000. I wish the 000 had a longer scale length like the OM. Considering the SC18 as well however the price is just steep, I'm not sure if that would give enough power considering the body shape. All in all these are fantastic guitars but I can only choose one! Thanks again for this wonderful video,

[@AlamoMusic]

You should check out our exclusive custom shop OM we did. It’s a deep body OM with Adirondack and flamed mahogany back and sides. - Chris

[@jt3483]

In terms of looks, I think I prefer the Authentic. In terms of sound, it would be tough to go past the Street Legend. I actually preferred it to the Standard. I liked the Modern Deluxe too, but not for me than double the price. At that point, I'd save a couple more thousand and get the Authentic.

[@andersfernbach2399]

Did I hear a John Prine melody in that demo? Sounds great, one day I'd like a D18 Standard

[@wheninroamful]

3:10 2012 is when the D18 got the revamp, not 2013.

[@vedder10]

I've always wanted a Modern Deluxe. I would go with that one because they still feature some VTS treatment correct?

[@Malagrass]

This your best video yet. Keep practicing 😂

[@jeffreyhawk1080]

Have you ever looked at the 18 special with a VTS Addy top, supposed to approximate a 30's D18. A little more than a standard but not near what the authentic costs. I just bought one and it seems awesome, just wondered where it compared to these. Thanks.

[@jessehudson7113]

There is one for sale about 60 miles from me i sure want to go play it what is the nut size on yours

[@Pleotau]

I sure love that Street Master ;)

[@geoffwickstrom]

Related/unrelated, but after watching countless hours of your videos, I have two questions as I find myself about to purchase either a OOO-18 or OOO-28 (a/b test tomorrow). What have you determined to be your preferred mic(s) for recording the Martins, and for singer/songwriters, what would be your suggested live mic for OOO Martin acoustics (not internal) - through Bose speaker system? All input appreciated!

[@jessehudson7113]

Im sold great picking coop!

[@fluffkiller]

Coop with the ol I ii V demo… sounds like don’t let me down by the Beatles

[@mikehoehn1475]

Very well done, thank you

[@MervGinsberg-sc8kp]

I’d give my right arm to be able to play like Cooper! 😊

[@vano7500]

I want to ask what strings you used in the recording. Thank you

[@keestoft250]

A little ways from now down the Autumnal lane of my life there shall be a Standard D18. Sad, but I spend an unreasonable amount of time dreaming about that day. For now though the kids need peanut butter and clothes and roller scates and ..... etc etc .....etc

[@bufalobill19]

The Authentic is a masterpiece

[@winstonian88]

Which one has binding that will stay glued down? Or is that extra?

[@thetexasbeachbum9929]

I like my D-18 Modern Deluxe

[@skateborg]

Have you guys done a video comparing high-end Martin dreadnoughts to a Yamaha LL16 ARE? The Yamaha LL16 features solid Rosewood back and sides, hand-selected premium Engelmann Spruce top, Ebony fingerboard and bridge, all premium construction. I just got one a few days ago after trying out every Martin dreadnought I could get my hands on, including a $5200 D-41 with all the bling. None of the Martin dreadnoughts I tried sound as good or play as well as the $800 Yamaha LL16. This experience confirms my belief that Martin guitars are overpriced and overrated.

[@grantryder5463]

Well played! Waiting for my lottery win then I’ll be in touch.

[@sure5871]

Question! Is the street legend thinner in depth?

[@artrogers3985]

Artificially aging wood is blasphemy! 🎸

[@marctestarossa]

why?

[@colakeith1]

WHY are you leaving out the D-18 satin finish, not the Street Legend? Would love to see a demo of that...

[@misorodzinak8829]

They explain in the video.

[@FluxedState]

Is t it the same

[@startreker8591]

My DRS2 the first beginning models I got to save $$$ from skipping D18. now I will check on D18 modern de luxe y D28 which I skipped for OM 28 a year or so ago…

[@erinpatricia4]

The D18 standard.y favorite guitar

[@JeffSimpson-yy2si]

I’ll take the street legion

[@Dragon_rls]

The guy with the long hair seems like a real sweetie pie.

[@jasper_north]

I have all 4!!!!! Standard the best but little difference.

[@hapshan]

Modern Deluxe sounds like a Taylor. They all sound fantastic

[@KylanJohnson]

Alamo always has great reviews but who else also watches just to try to play what Cooper does? 😂

[@thefreese1]

Not sure what they each different one sounds like in real life comparably, but coming through my sound system , the original sounded best ...at least for what he was playing on them .. Now flatpicking, thumb picking , that might be something all together different.

[@realvaughnfelix]

D18MD ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@theicecreamsocialist5048]

The satin needs better rep, but they're all great.

[@superkonek7808]

FG5 is the best

[@zunif]

fg5 is over rated. sounds tinny

[@ericmojave6061]

The FG5 is good, but nowhere near a D-18.

[@superkonek7808]

@@zunif Any Lowden guitar are loud. FG5 is the sound dynamic balance

[@jasper_north]

Not balanced…poor man

[@negotiatewithleverage4763]

Meh. I dislike my 37 D18 Authentic and I'm not happy about that. I don't play bluegrass, only light strum/light pick, I just really like a dreadnought sound. Anyway, picked it up in 22 and it just sits in a closet. Why? Well, the neck is super fucking thick and coming from Taylor's, really didn't end up being for me. I ended up getting a Custom 00-14 w/sinker redwood and WOW it's the most amazing guitar I've ever played or heard. Then I pick up the D-18 and just wish it was gone with $6k in my bank account, but since that will never happen, I'll reluctantly keep it.

[@rogerd9150]

Yea, I bought a 2015 1937 D28 Authentic online. The neck size deinitely a little overwhelming...like holding the fat end of a bat.. haha! Well luckily for me I actually got all my money back (even with the consignment charge I paid at the guitar store) when I sold it. That was shear luck. I do have a Collings D3 that I don't play and I would lose my shirt trying to sell that one now. Sadly it sits in the closet like yours.

[@markmelville6670]

Now all it needs is a Adi top.

[@rabbadatz]

Modern Deluxe has the most airy and lively sound. Next comes the Authentic but I doubt that the fat neck will do for me. The Modern Deluxe neck I know well and I like it so much. Great comparison. Super nice playing.

[@liberty5565]

I bought the Modern Deluxe. Because, efff it.

[@mogasm6091]

Different camera angle please!!!

[@JDTreadwell]

Could be fish glue.

[@marctestarossa]

i’ve seen lots of stupid naming conventions over the years but to me this is absolutely ridiculous. how am i supposed to remember which one sounds like what?

[@marctestarossa]

but taylor isn’t much better with their body shapes. i mean i’ve been to several occasions where i had a concert, auditorium, orchestra and symphony at the same place and time but they somehow think that these represent different sizes of guitars.

[@qinghai1]

$9000 d18 authentic?!?!?

[@30smsuperstrat]

If the braces start to rattle, put a gerbil couple in your guitar and tape it shut for 3 minutes and 14 seconds, and the braces will be protein glued down once again.🙈🙉🙊

[@roostercogburn4803]

😂😂😂

[@r.a.4777]

i can't help, for my ears all modern deluxes sound harsh, "cheap", just not good, but that is very subjective... this vts treatment might work under a microscope in a laboratory, but it definitely does not make an old sound, no warmth, a lot of treble, no wow moment at all.... fortunately martin offers alternatives which are great, only these non black ebony parts make me sick, a good martin needs black ebony, maybe we will see in the future that they charge black ebony as an extra... this responsible for the environment blabla may strike back, get woke, get broke,these babies are so expensive that the consumer ( the dealer is the only customer for martin, sad but true..) may expect fine black parts, imho... so, this rant was necessary, i am not that negative person😇, but the way this company is heading makes me a bit sad, i love their instruments, own a fantastic sounding and looking 2019 d28 and i'm still in the market for a d18...😅

[@CJEAGLES36]

D`18 most overpriced guitars ever made. My d10e is better than any d18 I’ve ever heard. Sorry but everyone i show it to says the same. Deal with it

[@neveroffguard]

I had the D10E a couple of weeks ago. Bought the D18 and it blew it out of the water. Couldn't put it down. Couldn't justify keeping both so I sold the D10 and do not regret it whatsoever.