Stopped by to check out a D-18 and played a D-13E

[rabbuhl]

The local shop had a D-18 a while back. I compared to two 000-18's and did not like it so much. They sold that one and I stopped in to check if they had a new one. Nope. So, I tried out a D-13E instead. I love Martin guitars and this one was nice but a bit heavy. It's 1/2 the price of a D-18.

[lowrider]

In the months before the covid shut downs, I was out shopping for a D-18. I also kept trying the Road Series D-12e and liking it just as much. I was still looking when everything shut down, but I did like the sapele D-12

[rabbuhl]

Originally Posted by lowrider

In the months before the covid shut downs, I was out shopping for a D-18. I also kept trying the Road Series D-12e and liking it just as much. I was still looking when everything shut down, but I did like the sapele D-12

That's a great point. I like the D-18 but not the price. I wanted to also check out a D-10E or a D-12E but none in stock either. My OMC-15ME is for gigging and right now my Taylor 214CE is for jam sessions. Lots of loopers beat on their guitar so maybe something which can take a beating and good for jam sessions. Hard to beat the 214CE for jam sessions but it will never open up like a Martin with solid back and sides. Thinking,...

[dilver]

Originally Posted by rabbuhl

That's a great point. I like the D-18 but not the price. I wanted to also check out a D-10E or a D-12E but none in stock either. My OMC-15ME is for gigging and right now my Taylor 214CE is for jam sessions. Lots of loopers beat on their guitar so maybe something which can take a beating and good for jam sessions. Hard to beat the 214CE for jam sessions but it will never open up like a Martin with solid back and sides. Thinking,...

I got a 214 for my teenage kid a couple years ago and it’s a surprisingly good sounding guitar. Records especially well, and I’m not a Taylor guy. I’m not familiar with the newer Martin models - what’s the deal with the D-13? Made in Mexico?

[rabbuhl]

Yes, the Martin D-13E is a Road Series made in Mexico. It played nice but wow it was heavy and expensive. My Taylor 214CE is also made in Mexico. Over time I like the OMC-15E to play because it sounds better. Plugged in the 214CE does okay. The OMC-15ME is 3.8 lbs (super light). The 214CE is 4.5 lbs (also good). The D-13E I checked out in the store must have been a heavy one. On Sweetwater they have one which is 4.6 lbs.