Hi
I was looking at the new 00-18 because body size it is very similar the the Guild I currently own.
However, the 00-18 has bridge string spacing of 2 5/32" compared to the 00-18v of 2 1/4" (same as my Guild), and is a potential deal breaker.
The narrower bridge spacing on the new model had attracted some criticism on the UMGF, and does seem a strange decision by Martin when the instrument is presumably aimed at fingerstyle players.
I do like the neck on the post 2014 000-18 (same as 00-18), and so may well go with that model (same price for either here in UK). The 000-18 had bridge spacing of 2 3/16".
Unfortunately, if you want the smaller bodied 00 option and wider string spacing, you would have to go with 00-18v, but then have a decision to make re the neck.
Whilst Martin have ceased making the 00-18v, I have noticed that some shops (in UK, so assume also the case in US) still have them available - at the same price as the new 00-18 and 000-18 models.
The 2014 updated 000-18 continues to receive rave reviews from all that have bought one.
Rich
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