The price point is actually pretty damn good in my humble opinion. I mean, if you look at the specs this guitar is very close to a 000-18. This one has got a rosewood fingerboard and bridge instead of ebony. And off course the finish isn't high gloss (and many tone purists believe that's a good thing). What I personally don't understand is the fact that they use plastic bridge pins on this guitar instead of ebony. But if you want these to be ebony, you can buy them for 20 to 30 dollars. What surprises me more than anything is the fact that, despite all the similarities, these guitars do sound significantly different from the 000-18's. The latter tend to sound warmer and 'older'. Apparently small things can make a huge difference, although I think it's hard to believe that these changes would come mainly from the difference between rosewood and ebony for the fretboard and bridge. Not that one sounds better than the other. They sound different. I would love to have both, because I love both sounds. Although I'd probably prefer the black smoke version. I've always loved black acoustics. ❤️
Having owned many more Martins and Gibsons than I would like to admit, the 000-18 has a true dovetail neck joint, scalloped bracing, and a nitrocellulose finish which all contribute to the enhanced tone and the ebony fretboard adds something, but not sure if to tone. The 000-17 is still an amazing special guitar, but having owned both and played side by side, you will realize the magic that the standard series holds.
you did a great review , what did you think of the black smoke finish , I know these whiskey sunsets are beautiful no doubt about that but all black not sure , Thanks
Sold. The lead sounded AMAZING on that thing. OOO guitars really are hit and miss but that thing has the magic. Like a ooo version of the Gibson Robert Johnson L-1 guitars...it has raw soul. I highly doubt the higher end Martins sound any better. To me with all flat-tops (but not classical guitars) the "pristine" sound is usually a negative. Like steel string guitars with rosewood backsides. ?! Unless you want to just play Bach on it give me the mahogany!
i have a D-18 and 000-15m and live them and i’m very obsessive with acoustic guitars and i want a third Martin and was looking for this model because it’s less expensive than standard series but in quality do you feel it’s cheaper on material and assembly? at least it sounds great!
