So I walk into the guitar store...
 

...to look at one of those Peterson tuners. I figured while I'm there I'd check out the acoustic room, big mistake. The first thing I see is a Martin 000-18GE. Best fingerpicking guitar I've ever played. That thing was sweet, responsive is an understatement. I spin around to see this golden, honey colored, sweet looking top on a Martin dread. A second glance and I knew it was a new D18. I've played a few of them and everyone I've seen has had a great looking top, but I've never seen one that was an aged looking honey brown color. Pick it up to get a closer look and whoa!, the top on it looked 3-D. Never seen this much silking on one (I think that's what you call it). One last test. Figured it would sound good, just like the rest I've played. One strum and I couldn't believe how open this thing sounded, so responsive (light as a feather, too), didn't have a pick so I was just strumming with my fingernail. It sounded great fingerpicked and strummed.

Well...it chipped away at me all night last night and I had to go back by today and play it again, with a pick. It excelled again, and I couldn't resist.... 2012 Martin D-18!

Betty Lou (D28 marquis) is not amused...LOL

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0234.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0226.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0227.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0230.jpg


Tried to get a good shot of the silking in the next two pics...

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0228.jpg


The top is not that bright, must be the light, darkest top I've seen...

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0229.jpg


The Fam

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0231.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0232.jpg



Oh yeah, I got one of those tuners...they're cool. Haha!

http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0238.jpg
http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/t...N/GOPR0236.jpg


Trying to get a sound sample uploaded so y'all can give it a listen.

Sweet!

I am learning NOT to enter the acoustic room at all. Last time I did I got another Martin, and I really couldnt afford it..but it was....

Sorry about the pic quality, all I have is my little go pro camera with a fish-eye lens. It doesn't take the best pictures. I also recorded a little sound sample. Again, this is just the camera, no mic or anything.

2012 Martin D18 sound sample: http://soundcloud.com/crotchrocket-1-1/gopr0241

always wanted a D18v , hear these 2012 D-18's are sensational -Martin finally did something smart making these with Ebony fingerboards and ebony bridges--
smart move -congratulations that top is beautiful !

Congrats!!!

Martin's are like potato chips....................;)

Nice guitar, enjoy!!

Haha, I hear ya, these forums are hard on GAS too.

Great to see another satisfied and excited 2012 Martin D-18 owner ... I haven't given mine any rest since I got it about 10 days ago. Simply the most enjoyable guitar I've ever played, never mind actually owned.

Thanks guys!

You know this is all your fault Rich. If I hadn't been in there looking at those Peterson tuners....:D


Shawn

yeah, i can see this one getting alot of play time. The Marquis was my only git for about 8 months and it almost needs a re-fret. The D18 is going to split the workload. Love the warmth of this thing!

Congratulations.
Welcome to the 2012 D-18 Fan Club.
Martin hit one out of the park with this one. I'm amazed at how consistent
this model seems to be,as everyone who buys one is absolutely smitten with their decision.

Sweet :guitar:

Cool guitar and congrats. She is beautiful.

Nice guitar. I've always loved the D-18.

BTW how do you like the Peterson Stroboclip tuner?

I was a little nervous about all the reviews saying it was hard to get use to. After about 10 minutes of using it I can get the dial to "freeze" and my guitar has never sounded better. I could find the sweet spot with my other tuner only after messing with it for like 15 minutes and tweaking this and coming back to that, etc.. I can tune quick with this one and I don't have to mess with it. I haven't had a lot of time with it, and I've not checked out the sweetened tunings yet, but I give it a thumbs up. Seems to have a ton of functions too. Cool little tuner.

I've gone looking for a $500 guitar and come home with a $1500 guitar, but I have to admit... Going to look at a tuner and coming home with a Martin?

I bow before you Master!