Just scored a Martin OM-18 Authentic

[battlegraduate]

So out of curiosity what is the best price a guy could pick up an OM 18A for ? Nobody around here even carries them locally

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by battlegraduate

So out of curiosity what is the best price a guy could pick up an OM 18A for ? Nobody around here even carries them locally

It depends on how much a dealer will discount it for. The MAP price is $4999 but street seems to be anywhere from $3900 to $4300.

[battlegraduate]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

It depends on how much a dealer will discount it for. The MAP price is $4999 but street seems to be anywhere from $3900 to $4300.

Thanks, in your opinion is the authentic worth the extra money over a used 18GE ? One of the main reasons I have held off on picking up a GE is awaiting more evaluations of the authentic. Sounded great in that video you posted

[bizango1]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Yes, without a doubt. I have quite a few 'keepers' and this is now one of them.

Toby, do you still have a CS OM-18 Special? How do the two compare? I love mine and I'm wondering if you consider the Authentic to be a replacement or if you think they're different enough to have both.

[Misty44]

Just scored a Martin OM-18 Authentic

oh my, oh my, oh my...

I'm not envious, just enjoying the happiness/thrill/satisfaction/joy you're feeling.

That's my holy grail dream, the one I hope to acquire someday and take right down into to the grave with me (they do let you take Authentics with you, right?), but not yet, not just yet. Sometime after the house repairs, kid's college loan payoffs, and all of my wife's needs and desires (oh my, oh my) -- then and only then. But someday.

In the meantime I'll just keep playing your video (please make more with that beauty!), and pretend I'm running to meet my OM-18A future because walking is most too slow (to paraphrase Big Bill). Congratulations Toby!

Dave

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by battlegraduate

Thanks, in your opinion is the authentic worth the extra money over a used 18GE ? One of the main reasons I have held off on picking up a GE is awaiting more evaluations of the authentic. Sounded great in that video you posted

Can't say, I've never played an 18GE.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by bizango1

Toby, do you still have a CS OM-18 Special? How do the two compare? I love mine and I'm wondering if you consider the Authentic to be a replacement or if you think they're different enough to have both.

I own a custom OM-18 that was made for Stan Jay at the Mandolin Brothers. It's a wonderful, sweet guitar but the Authentic stands out ahead.

[kiva238]

I've got both an OM-18 A and a 000-18ge and even though the specs are somewhat similar and they look very much alike, they are two completely different animals.
The GE is as dry as toast in Tucson and the Authentic is almost rosewood overtoned and much more resonant. (And I do mean much more).
They are both amazing instruments, but so different in tone that it boggles the mind!

[Long Jon]

Originally Posted by Toby Walker

Yes, without a doubt. I have quite a few 'keepers' and this is now one of them.

Nice one T. !

I've got a couple of definite, lifetime, "keepers" that are in danger of one day moving out, to make way for one of these beauties !

[battlegraduate]

Originally Posted by kiva238

I've got both an OM-18 A and a 000-18ge and even though the specs are somewhat similar and they look very much alike, they are two completely different animals.
The GE is as dry as toast in Tucson and the Authentic is almost rosewood overtoned and much more resonant. (And I do mean much more).
They are both amazing instruments, but so different in tone that it boggles the mind!

Thank you for the insight. If that is the case maybe I should keep my solid hog and sell the rosewood and buy both a used 18GE and an authentic. Why not right. Anyways not to take anything from the OP, I agree with other statements from what I have seen, this guitar and player is a perfect conbination. I hope to see more videos of Toby and that guitar.

[SongwriterFan]

Originally Posted by battlegraduate

Thanks, in your opinion is the authentic worth the extra money over a used 18GE ?

I think it depends in large part on the individual guitar. And the player.

Most people would say get the OM-18A, but my story is a bit different.

I played a new OM-18A and had the opportunity to buy it at a GuitarCenter about two months ago. The main reason I didn't get it was that I didn't like the neck. But also, the guitar didn't really sound like what I wanted. Almost like the notes were TOO separate from one another.

I was back in the store a few days later and bought a used 000-18GE that sounded WONDERFUL to me. Much more to my liking than the OM-18A.

Ironically, that 000-18GE had been traded in by the guy who ultimately bought the OM-18A. Go figure.

[Long Jon]

So Toby ,,,,, gonna give her a few days on the ol' ToneRite ?

[BobbyBadd]

Good for you Toby! I knew it would be hard to wait another 2 years. I figured a new one was desired/on the way, when you sold a couple.
I hope its everything you want it to be! Sure looks good! Congrats!
Also, thanks for the DVD, looks like some stuff right up my alley!

[RandeesMusic]

Congrats! The OM-18 Authentic is the nicest Martin we've ever stocked!