Martin 000-18; other guitars that are similar?
 

I'll say right up front that I seldom find Martins appealing, but I recently played two 000-18 examples at one of the GCs here in Atlanta. The first one really felt alive and sounded great. The second one seemed very lack luster, and I would in no way consider purchasing it. Before I pull the trigger on a $2500 guitar however, I would like to try alternatives. The Martin checked all the boxes for overall size, neck shape, "play-ability", sound, etc. I'm dying to try one of the Yamaha FS red label models, but what other brands/models might I consider?

Have you tried a 000-28? Not a huge difference to my playing, but YMMV and all that.

Honestly, check out everything in your price range. There are a ton of great guitars at that price level, even if some of them are "Not for me" or "Not today but..."

I’m of the mindset that an OM/000 in mahogany and spruce is about as perfect an instrument as you can find. The 000-18 is a classic for good reason. Depending on your budget, there are loads of other builders/makes in that size and combo.

But I will day this: a good 000-18 is hard to beat. Some here will recommend buying from a sponsor as it will save you a good chunk off that GC price (true) but as someone who has done that, the sample I received didn’t hold a candle to the one that lit the fire. They do vary, and at times that variation is considerable. If the one at GC floated your boat, and you can afford it, get it.

And what does it matter if you’ve never been a Martin guy? A great guitar is a great guitar!

Good luck!

My OOO-18 (2014) is just fantastic.
Any other I once owned or still own does not really compare.
Taylor 412ce (2007) is nearby. The 512 (1995) was quite nearby.
Larrivee OM-09 is also great but sounds different.
Yamaha LS-16 ARE was great but sounded too cristal clear.
Gibsons L-00/L-1 are something... else.
The OOO-18 is actually worth its price.

The 000's have a 1 3/4" nut, 14 frets clear of the body and a 24.9" scale. These things have a lot to do with the way it plays. You may want to compare it to other guitars with similar specs since you liked the playability of them.

That being said, if you found one that really spoke to you, that may be the one for you. 6 or 7 years ago, I found my J-45 at GC. I wasn't in the market for a J-45 at the time, but it had me at the first G chord. I knew immediately it was the guitar for me. A bunch of guitars have come and gone since that time, but I can't ever imagine parting with that one. I'm so glad I bought it.

A little advice - don't be afraid to ask for a better deal if you decide to buy it. I almost never pay the asking price at GC.

I adore my 000-18. So easy to play and tone to burn! I also prefer the classic no-bling look of the 000. Like someone said before, it's about as perfect a combo as one can get. Sounds great fingerpicked, flatpicked, etc. Extremely versatile guitar. Are there some duds out there? Sure.

Go get that one you loved, or play a bunch more guitars before you go back and get that one you loved.

scott

If you like the 000-18, try playing a D-18 (larger) and an 00-18 (smaller). The voices will be somewhat similar but the 00-18 will be a little more mid focused and the D-18 will be more bass focused.

Also try going over to the Gibson side and see if you can try an L-00 of some type. Only slightly smaller than the 000-18 but it will have a drier, more fundamental voice.

If you can go up the price bracket, try a Collings OM1 of some sort. You'll get the same type of voice as the 000-18 but with a lot more clarity.

I love the older 000-18's before the recent chanages but I havent found a guitar that is an exact duplicate. Ive found some that are similar to 00-18's. I have a taylor Academy 12 that is very similar to a 000-18 in specs but not in sound. Ill be following this thread to see if anyone has a suggestion.

I haven’t checked, but spec wise, Blueridge and maybe another manufacturer or two should have a version of that build in their catalogue, but as above, it really comes down to the individual guitar, and if you found one you think is special, go for it, regardless of brand name.

I really like Martin 000-18's but swapped my last one for an 0-18, it was just more comfortable for me. I did buy a used Recording King 000 with a torrified top and unusual finish for about 1/10 of the price of the new Martin. It sounds good and plays great, so I can live with it. Keep your options open.

Take a look at the Cort L300V.

The Blueridge BR-143A would be close.

To my ear and hands, there isn't a single guitar that can touch the 000-18 without going for a more expensive instrument. I actually find the D-18 and 000-18 to be fantastic values considering how much tone you get from these instruments. I will recommend to look into My Favorite Guitars customs and check out the 000-18GE as an option. It was always my dream guitar since I played one at Dusty Strings years ago, but Martin stopped making the GE at some point. Luckily MFG still has them made and mine turned out to be everything I remember.

Like others have mentioned, people talk highly of the new 00-18 and that might be worth a try depending on your playing style. The 000-18 is perfect to me, and that's that.

I have always said "standards are standards for a reason", and the search for alternates or budget versions is generally folly.

M-36. Martin’s best kept secret.

Red Label FS5
 

You are spot on. Try the FS5 and see if you’re blown away. It will save you some money instead of getting the Martin 000-18. That’s what I did. ;) Keep us updated which guitar you chose...