acoustic · dreadnought
D-18
| Maker | C.F. Martin & Co. |
|---|---|
| Origin | United States |
| Type | acoustic · dreadnought |
| Introduced | 1931 |
| Price | USD 2999.99 (2026-09) |
| Maker founded | 1833 |
| Status | current |
The Martin D-18 is a spruce-topped dreadnought with mahogany back and sides, the plainer sibling of the D-28.
Watch
Why it matters
Mahogany back and sides give the D-18 a drier, more direct voice than the rosewood D-28, which is why flatpickers and accompanists often prefer it. The Standard Series refresh brought Golden Era-style top bracing to the model, changing how it responds compared with earlier versions. It sits in the middle of Martin's core range, below the heavily decorated Style 40 instruments.
Note
Mahogany-back/sides sibling of the D-28; drier, woodier, bluegrass favorite.
Specifications
- Scale length: 645 mm (25.4 in)
- Neck shape: Golden Era (GE) Modified Low Oval
Before you buy
- Solid spruce tops respond to humidity control
- Neck profile changed with the Standard Series refresh
- Earlier and current versions do not sound the same
Other opinions
One video is one opinion. These are the other videos for this entry, most-viewed first. The order is the view count, not a ranking of ours.
Alamo Music Center · 2025-03 · 39,431 views
“We finally have a new 2025 D-18 in stock long enough to shoot a video on it-- but the question is, how much further can you improve an already near-perfect acoustic guitar?”
Alamo Music runs through the refreshed Martin D-18 standard series.
Acoustic Letter · 2026-05 · 12,500 views
“The Martin D-18 is one of the most iconic models in acoustic guitar history...”
Demo of the current Martin D-18 with a comparison to the J-45.