Talk me into or out of it

[Jay5150]

I regret every 000-18 I haven’t bought. They were all great sounding, easy playing and very beautiful instruments. I have multiple times looked over the 18 series, but they are great instruments.

[jdinco]

I had a 000-18 and loved it, but when a M36 came along, I couldn't keep both, so the 18 was sold. Yeah, I regret it, but wouldn't trade the M36 for it. So I'd like to suggest, if you can find one, try an M36. Just a little larger body, a larger tone that is a bit livelier. It is not a short scale though.

[L20A]

Be aware that a 000-18 will not have very much bottom end.
You may find a 000-28 more to your liking.
As already suggested, an M-36 would also be a great choice.

Don't ever rule out a Martin D-28 though for a great all around guitar.

[Jay5150]

Originally Posted by L20A

Be aware that a 000-18 will not have very much bottom end.
You may find a 000-28 more to your liking.
As already suggested, an M-36 would also be a great choice.

Don't ever rule out a Martin D-28 though for a great all around guitar.

For a 000-18 style guitar with more bottom end, I really liked the OM-21. Not as much bottom as the M-36 or a dreadnought, but still significantly more bass than the 000.

[volman]

Originally Posted by TTiimm

I’m in northwest Atlanta. Outside the perimeter. Cobb county.

You may be hard pressed to find a 000-18 to play. Definitely call ahead.

Ken Stanton music has an 000-28 on their website. It doesn’t list which of their five stores it is at. They are Martin Custom Shop experts so they might be good to speak with anyway.

I was at Sam Ash a few weeks ago. They had a couple of high end Taylor’s under glass but nothing else over $1000.

Righteous Guitars has only one Martin listed right now. It’s worth talking to them if you are driving all the way here. They are the real deal. I think they are appointment only.

Not sure what’s intown or south/west of the city. Again, probably a good idea to call ahead.

You are welcome to stop by and try my Eastman E10OM-TC. It’s actually a 24.9” scale 000. I’m not sure why they call it an OM. Send a PM if you are interested.


-Tim-

Righteous Guitars would be a good place for him to be able to play multiple 000 or OM guitars, even if they don't have a Martin. I know they carry Boucher, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Huss & Dalton, Furch, and Eastman. Shouldn't be any shortage of guitars to try out. I know some of those are above his budget new, but he can probably find some used in that price range online. I've definitely played some Furch and Eastman guitars that can hang with guitars that are much more expensive. Boucher is close to that budget and I've been impressed with the ones I have played.

[DBW]

Originally Posted by mawmow

I sure love it but I do not consider my OOO-18 a strumming beast
as I play only fingersyle

My 000-18 is very much a strumming beast. I do all kinds of strumming on mine as well as fingerstyle. Very versatile. I also wrote my first complete song on mine. Very good singer-songwriter guitar as well. It is a very full sounding guitar with good nuance.

[rogatsby]

Go to your guitar shop and try a D-35. The new ones are super balanced. I bet you would like it, unless you are dead set on a smaller guitar.

[L20A]

As an owner of a D-35, I would totally agree with you.
However the OP is looking for a smaller body in the new guitar.
Perhaps a used OM-35?

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Coldnose

I like the idea of a smaller body but am not going to rule out another body style if I find one that really stands out to me.

Forget the small body AND the Martin and get yourself a jumbo Guild F50 or F50R!

[dnf777]

Welcome. If you have lurked here before jumping in, you should know that asking “whats the best for 3k” type question,will net you every guitar built in the 3000 to 8000 range!

I dont think you can go wrong with a 000-18, regardless of your playing style. Same goes for OM style. They can do it all.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by Coldnose

Hi All, I am new to the forum but have been playing guitar since 1964, Yeah I know I'm old but it beats the alternative I have 8 guitars all of them are good insturments but none of them are what I would consider "great". I am searching for "the one" and am considering a Martin 000-18. My budget is about $3,000 will the Martin fill the bill or does anyone have another suggestion. For reference I mostly strum and do a little flat picking and am trying to learn some hybrid picking. I play old rock, blues, country, folk and a little old time / bluegrass. Thanks in advance for any and all constructive feedback.

Be Nice & Play Guitar.

Whatever guitar brand you are looking at, keep in mind the depth of the guitar. The closer to 4.5", 4.75" you are the better in my opinion.

Welcome to the forum too!

[musicman1951]

Originally Posted by Coldnose

I haven't played a 000-18 yet but I did play a 000-28 at the Martin factory a couple of years ago. I am looking forward to the hunt for the next guitar. My bigest obstacle is there are zero guitar shops less than 1.5 to 2 hours away so I am going to have to go to Atlanta for a day to shop. I like the idea of a smaller body but am not going to rule out another body style if I find one that really stands out to me.

I think the 000-18 would be a fine choice. But when you consider a decent chunk of money and the hours/days/weeks/years you will play the guitar how much of an inconvenience is a day with 3-4 hours driving? I did closer to 6 for my last purchase and it was a great day. If you can, take a friend. Play a ton of guitars and really end up with the one that tugs at your heart strings.

[Coldnose]

Well I got out and played several different instruments and while the Martin's were beautiful insturments they just didn't flip my switch. I have a Blue Ridge BR 160-A the poor mans Martin. I brought it with me just to have something to compare with. Much to my surprise my Blue Ridge held its own with any of the Martins I tried. Don't get me wrong the Martins are fantastic guitars but I have something so close I couldn't justify the expense. Just for grins I decided to check out a J-45. It sounded just right, the neck felt like home and I was smitten but I left empty handed. I called the shop today to see how long it would take to get another one. I was told a minimum of 8 months so I put a deposit on this one and will be picking it up tomorrow afternoon.

[rampix]

Welcome to the forum Cold Nose. We’re about the same age…old…but hey, we got to see all the cool concerts.

I think you’ll be pleased with the J45. I still miss mine!

[Coldnose]

Originally Posted by rampix

Welcome to the forum Cold Nose. We’re about the same age…old…but hey, we got to see all the cool concerts.

I think you’ll be pleased with the J45. I still miss mine!

Being "old" aint so bad it sure beats the alternative LOL. I am really looking forward to getting to know my new guitar. This is one of those I have always wanted the only problem is I still don't have a J-200 yet