- Martin D18
- Martin D28
0 voters
What Would your choice be for a “All around Bluegrass guitar”?
I’m having a hard time choosing which would be better! LOL 
The Poll starts today and ends the 11/30/24 at: 2:05 Pm
God Bless,
Chicken wing,
Martin Vs Martin
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I’ve played such nice guitars of both mahogany and rosewood that I have to say… it depends on the guitar 
It is hard to argue that the D28 isn’t “the” iconic, quintessential guitar of bluegrass. But lots of flatpickers have found the D18’s midrange qualities preferable for lead playing.
I’ve always leaned toward mahogany, but I’d love a rosewood guitar someday. Something about those overtones…
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Look wise: I would go with the D28 lol!
but everything else about it is hard.
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I accidently put a vote in so…
I won’t count it.
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Having played both…I personally prefer the d18. Just a booming, woody, deep bass punch. The rosewood has a bit too much treble and midrange for my liking.
In a perfect world they would dress up the d18 with pretty binding and a few embellishment.
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There is only 1 reliable guitar brand that would be COLLINS!
The best comment I’ve heard related to this topic is - It’s not ‘which one is better’ it’s more of ‘which one will you get first?’ No matter which one you pick, overtime, you will want the other.
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I’ve had essentially both and they are two different animals. I prefer the 18 for clarity, strong fundamental tones, and umph (especially with an Adirondack top). However, the 28 is nicer for solo work and singing with it’s thick, rich overtones. The 18 allows other instruments to shine in a group setting, while the 28 is a better ‘back up band’ and allows your voice to shine. I wish they made an 18 bone. Mmmmm, an HD18 would be nice…
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I’ve preferred D-18s for several years even though I also own a '68 Brazilian D-28. I think D-18s cut better in general and also have a lot punchier rhythm for playing in a band setting. My dream is to have a vintage D-18 someday too.
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That’s true…I like that!
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I’ve always wondered if they had a HD18 
I know…someday it will come along!
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So D18s do better in a band… where as a D28 would work better for a soloist?
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Not sure I could say that definitively, it’s just my preference. Zeb Snyder is playing an old D-28 with Appalachian Road Show these days, and he definitely makes it cut. I guess I’m kinda comparing apples and oranges though because I only have an older D-28 and newer D-18s.
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I guess it goes back to which you like better. Does Bryan Sutton play a martin?
I really like the sound of his guitar!!
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It’s probably more fair to compare their frequency responses. A D-18 typically has stronger mids, which typically is thought to help it cut more. D-28s are known for strong bass response and almost a “scooped” mid sound… that can complement a singer really nicely if their voice naturally sits around that midrange area. Maybe it’s for that reason that many folk singers from the 60s-70s used rosewood guitars (Jim Croce, Stephen Stills, Joni Mitchell, etc)
I can’t remember how true this story is, but it’s said that Clarence White used to play his D-28 for songs he only played rhythm on, and switched to his D-18 if he was going to take a solo 
He’s owned several vintage ones over the years; the one he’s got now is an incredible '36 D-28. I believe he also frequently plays a few rosewood Bourgeois guitars…
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Yes!!! I’ve seen the bourgeois Bryan Sutton edition and its my FAVORITE LOOKING GUITAR!!!
I never thought of comparing the frequency…I’ll have to try it sometime!:sweat_smile
I heard going and playing for yourself is the best option? What do you think?:
That’s always ideal if you have the opportunity!
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What would be some good places if you were in Tennessee?
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Carter Vintage Guitars and Gruhn Guitars, both in Nashville
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I never been to those, but i heard of them! I should check them out!
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