Martin D-18 vs Guild D-40 Traditional 

Some people say they love a Woody tone, until they hear a guild and then it's "boxy or canny". I for one love it. Guild has the woodiest mellowest tones. Guild M20, d20, 40, 55.... Very unique tones. I've heard martins that sound like Gibson's and Gibson's that sound like martins, but I've never heard anything sound like a guild except a guild

0:30 D-18 strumming 3:19 D-40 strumming 1:56 D-18 Fingerpicking 4:41 D-40 Fingerpicking I like being able to click on the time stamp and easily compare the tones

Oops! - Forgot to mention the great Richie Havens who, probably more than anyone, put the Guild D-40 'on the map'.

Ian, your videos of the D40 Traditional is what made me fall in love with the guitar, and subsequently my wife surprising my with a somewhat crowd funded among family and friends D40 Traditional Sunburst for my 30th birthday this year! It's unbelievable.

I can hear why someone would prefer the D-40, but for me, the D-18 is the sound I prefer… the individual notes and strumming sound more balanced and defined. The Guild, to my ears, has more low end, but the midrange definition seems a bit less forward than the D-18. Granted, some of this could be subtle mic placement differences, etc., but I do think the D-18 hits home for me. Both are lovely sounds, and it’s great to have access to videos like these! Thank you!

Thanks, Ian, for the fine comparison. I have a 1967 Guild D-40 (Hoboken - SN#: AJ-850) which I purchased, used, from Gerber Music (Syracuse, NY) for $175 in 1970. It had a 4" hairline crack on its Adirondack spruce top, far below and behind the bridge and close to the binding, which has never grown or worsened even after 3 cross-country hitch-hikes, way back when - once in the middle of February - in just a hard cardboard case. I have often 'dreamed' of owning a Martin guitar, given Martin's more than 180 year history/pedigree and the fact that Martin guitars were often the choice of many of my musical heroes, e.g. Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Joni Mitchell, John Prine, etc.. I am not a professional musician but, what I can attest to from owning this seasoned instrument, and listening to the comparison you provided, is that, for my purposes, I prefer the sound/tone of the Guild D-40. Although both are beautiful instruments, I thought the Martin's EQ was equal (no pun intended) across the strings. Were I a more competent 'player', relying more on leads/fills, I think the Martin's EQ and treble brightness would be advantageous. In my case, being more of a 'strummer'(voice and harp), with some occasional runs, hammers and two-stops, rarely venturing beyond the 7th fret, I relish the warm depth/body/volume of the bass and mids inherent in the construction of my beautifully constructed Guild D-40 dreadnought. Thanks, again, for your demo.

The Guild has a deep, mellow sound, the Martin sounds crisp & even. Can’t go wrong with either one. They great but different. 3:59

Another Great comparison. I absolutely love the Guild. Bright, woody, punchy. I also absolutely love the Martin. One of each of these, too. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them, but it would be better to have one of each!

The Guild is a really woody sounding guitar. Very unique.

Love the tone on that guild d40

Man I love the D-40 and I'm a Martin guy. Have a D-18. If they had a 1.75 nut I would get one.

Le plaisir des oreilles a écouter. La douleur des yeux à regarder le prix. C'est la vie.

I have a 1974 Guild D40, so I'm partial to them. The Martin certainly sounds good, but I'm happy with my Guild.

I just purchased a D-40 and love it. This was one of the videos that I checked out because It was a toss up for me. These videos are great, BTW Ian! I decided I was going to buy one of these guitars. At several stores, I played both and both were very close in sound and feel (both fantastic). At the last store where I bought the D40, I really looked at both in detail at the fit and finish. I didn't do this at the previous stores because I was not quite ready to buy yet. The D-40 won hands down. Meticulous craftsmanship. Two D-18's at this last shop, both had several misses in the manufacturing/QC process. I'm not bashing Martin guitars AT ALL. I love them. BUT, the neck at the body had a gap on one of them and on both, the neck inlay dots were not aligned properly. They were not centered or perfectly straight and you didn't have to look close, it was apparent. Maybe these were the exception, but at that moment, I didn't want to spend my hard earned dollars for an American made expensive (for me) instrument. Not steering anyone away from Martin, just make sure to inspect it and don't assume its good to go. Take a look at Guild, the quality coming out of California is superb.

These two guitars sound wonderful. I would bet it would be very hard to pick them from each other on a blind test. I own a Martin D-35 and a Guild D-55. This video reminds me why I have both.

I wouldn't begrudge anyone who says the d-18 sounds better or is "king of the dreadnoughts." But the d-40 sounds great *and* is easy to play, whereas the Martin really makes you work hard for proper mids and single-string articulation. Imo, this Guild is a great blend of Martin-esque tone and strumming with Gibson action and articulation.

From an interview with Jackson Browne years ago, implying a bit of snobbery and insecurity over acoustic guitars and conventional wisdom. "Browne moved on to another famous American acoustic brand, picking up a Guild that became the mainstay of his classic '70s recordings. A Martin gifted to him around the same time proved less successful, however. “After that I bought a guitar that I think was called a D-40, which was a Guild. I really loved that and it was a Dreadnought, too. I bought that from a friend and it was what I played on a lot of my first record. At one point, I was gifted a Martin D-45, but it just didn’t work for me. David Crosby had actually told my record company president, ‘Buy the kid a good guitar,’ and then he told them what to get [laughs]. So they just bought this guitar for me and I just never played it and eventually I sold it." Moral? Go with what speaks to you and stop trying to impress people with a headstock.

Another vote for the Guild!

In this shootout, with these guitars, it's Guild. Played a borrowed Martin in a bluegrass band and loved it. Owned a Guild D50 in the late 70s...and sold it. Bought a new Taylor 810...and was totally dissatisfied with it...so I sold it. Now own a used Taylor 410...and love it. What do I play live ? A Takamine EF341 that I bought new in 1995, and still play today. My favorite 'campfire' guitar is a well worn 1993 Seagull S6.

Two fine American guitars and equally fine playing sir.

I’m thinking of switching to Guild. It has beautiful old school deep sound. Very vintage sounding guitar. Specially the picking.

Ian, I never buy a guitar without watching your channel first, great job 👍 thank you, Mate...

Nice!! I sold my 2013 D18 to buy my 2018 D40T. Both fantastic, but I've always had a soft spot for Guilds, and the Oxnard Guilds are terrific. The modern D40T has new specs not seen in previous production from previous factories.

Bought the Guild D40 Triditional about a month ago love it. Got a Martin D28 reamangined too so I think I'm set now.

With a little eq you could get these to sound very similar in a mix. I think day to day it would be nice to have the extra bass of the Guild in a live room.

The D18 has the “twang” factor . The Guild has warmer mids and is definitely louder. I have a D18 and a J45. I would love to have the D40 as well.

Have had both. Just have the Guild D40 now. Your mileage might very.

Both are pretty damn good

I actually prefer the guild (never thought i would). Fuller, more rounded sound in my opinion!

I am a big Martin fan and owner, and wow that Guild sounds amazing. As with any Martin comparison, many people in the comments voting Martin simply because of the name, that's why I like the blind comparisons, it's great to see people's minds changed when a brand name isn't involved.

Both have their own incredible, unique tone. I am extremely hard-pressed to say that one is better than the other... unless you want to argue price. In that case, Guild wins hands down ;-)

That Guild has a sound that I really like!

I just bought a used Guild D40 today before I saw this video, I am really looking forward to it. I also own a Martin HD-28. I bought the Guild for when I go camping and to garage jams, I hope it works out. I keep the Martin at home, its sort of my "Steinway" it is the best tone I've heard on an acoustic, although I am told that there are other brands that make Martin appear ordinary.

I like the Guild. It has a big tone but damn, that Martin bluegrass tone makes it tough to choose.

Guild D40..solid, full and completin the sound spectrum.

You should do some lessons on those runs you do!!! Why do u only have 53 subscribers? Your talented sir!!

I have just changed my laptop speakers and checked this out a second time. With less quality speakers (more trebly) the Guild comes out better regards balance and quality of tone. Don't know if this means anything. Perhaps someone else could experiment between really top-notch speakers. But thanks for the demo Ian.

They would sound GREAT paired in a duet. The Martin head n shoulders on my ears.

Suddenly sounded like Dave Van Ronk when you started fingerpickin on that D-40.

Got a 36 vintage D18 bought it used back in '56 when I was a teen age snot nosed kid that makes everything else seem pale by comparison. Insurance requirements keep that old D18 at home most of the time. Judging from the sound on the video, I like the D40 Traditional a little better than the new D18. Guilds has taken a giant step forward when they hired Ren Ferguson to set up and supervise production upon their move to Oxnard, CA. I always liked Guilds, bought a D25 a long time ago, sometime in the late 60's, bought it by the weight, found the lightest one and bought it. I must say that Guilds have always been variable in quality of sound historically, but with the move to Oxnard, they are much. more consistent than anything available today including Martin, if you don't buy from a custom shop or an independent luthier. If I were buying today, I would choose the D40 Traditional, again, buying by weight, even if the consistent high level of production is so good. For my first line guitar though, nothing beats the Old D18. I may buy a Guild D40 though to take to jams and to Bluegrass Festivals. The insurance Co. requirements are making taking the D18 with me to Festivals. too expensive, causing me to use the Guild D25 since '68 for these outings, not a bad thing, it is a good easy playing great sounding instrument. I do like the D40 Traditional though, wonder how it would sound with good Medium gauge strings when it is really driven by a firm touch and a good stiff pick in a Bluegrass jam? It is always nice to have just one more guitar. Hm, maybe a Santa Cruz RS?

The Martin, to me, clearly sounds like the more distinct and uniquely sounding instrument. Not to say that the D-40 sounds poor (it’s extremely well balanced string to string and has a fantastic low-end presence) but the D-18 has a bit more personality to it. I own a Guild D-55 and would choose it over most Martins any day, but in this match-up I’m really liking the Martin.

J’ai une d35 depuis 1974 le manche manque de largeur pour moi ,aujourd’hui le son c’est beaucoup amélioré ,il est plus précis mais garde ce côté un peu sale . C’est certainement la plus intéressante des vintage car elle vaut moitié d’une d 18 de la même année ,mais j’ai les deux et je préfère la d 35 sauf pour la largeur du manche!

I had Martin's all my life, I've owned more Martin's than I can count on my fingers. But when I picked up my first guild everything changed. Guilds to me have deeper Lows higher highs and more sustain.

I don't own either of these. But the Guild sounds better. I want one.

Martin on this one.

Guild acoustic is my next guitar

Hello! congratulations on your video! I have a question: given the difference in scale length, is the Guild harder to play than the Martin? thank you so much!

I have a late 74 D40 and a 1983 D-18....The Martin is my fav...but each example is different.

Guild. warmer, more "direct" and not as many overtones, that is what I am looking for as I have Collings and a few others that have such incredibly complex overtones. For me, that is what creates the inspiration for the next note, not the striking of the string by itself. So, since I already have that, I am looking for a different presentation, not one that does it better because that can't happen. Just one that offers a different presentation and inspiration in performing some of the same material. The Guild wins it for me. Don't get me wrong, Martin makes very fine guitars. I am a fan and have demo'd them at festivals and know some good people who work there. That being said, throw a Taylor 517 Builders Edition Grand Pacific into the mix then it becomes Oh Ohhhh. . . .

I would love to own a D-18.

Post 2012 D18 also has a 1 3/4 inch nut width with high performance taper

Guild for rhythm... Martin better for nuance playing. Guild seems to throw sound a little harder at the mic. Maybe it’s the extra mids in Guild. Martin has the glasslike Martin sound. Man I dunno. I have a Martin and a Guild. It’s the same predicament every time. It’s a new Martin DCPA4 and a vintage Guild D35... same differences in sound nuance. I can say my Guild vibrates through me more playing.

I'll take one of each.🍺👍

I have a 1979 Guild D 40. I don't like the neck shape and the top is fairly easy to overdrive. A bit too Boomy for strumming, but a nice flat picking machine. This Guild sounds similar. The Martin was more jangly, but I would take the Martin in this comparison.

Does Guild age its wood before production? The Guild sounds much more "lived-in", it seems to mellow the transients and reinforce the lower harmonics.

I feel I may need another D-40

I have a $50 Yamaha that I bought in 1993 that sounds like this. It’s all about perception. Only in the classical guitar world does vintage and build matter.

does the D18 have med. p.b. Martin Lifespan strings? Guild have light gauge (12-53) EXP16?

Guild 2:55 Martin 00:01

Please PLEASE demo the new Martin Dss17!! I'd love to hear it against the similarly priced/spec'd guild d40 , thanks!! Happy New year!!!

How old is each guitar? The martin sounds like it is more "mature" .... Is there an age difference? And how much has each been played ?

Martin 0:01 Guild 2:55 0:07 3:00 0:12 3:05 0:28 3:19

I have a westerly made guild jf-30 and Im taking it to the grave with me

Martin D-18: Very, very good. Guild D-40: Even better IMO. However, this, like everyone's opinion here, are so subjective to people's ears it's not even funny.

Why does my Guild D40 not sound as good as what you are showing. To me the Guild D40 just does not have any reverb, sounds flat. I still play it and anjoy playing it but I have been playing my Alvanez and it sound so much better. Still not happy with my Guild D40 just has no punch. The back board feels and looks like playwood. Any sugestions would be great to hear.

How much better is a Guild D-40 than a Guild DC5E? Or are they pretty close to equal? That's what I have. A DC5E. 1990 I think

In this video, I'd have to give it to the Martin.....but I actually own a Guild D-40 Traditional.....and it sounds quite a bit different from this one....strings, maybe......I absolutely love that guitar. Have never regretted the purchase....

Hi mate, lovely sounding clips👌 can you remember what gauge and type of string on the Martin? Thanks

Just found your channel Ian. Wonderful playing and I really enjoyed this comparison. Will pass this on to the Acousticguitarforum folks for their enjoyment. Watched many of your other videos, the audio and visual are excellent. How did the weight of the Guild seem to you, and could you feel any vibration of its sound coming thru the back or neck?

The Martin is weak in Bass response thin in the mid-range and it is very trebley. The Guild seems much better balanced across all strings. Maybe a shade stronger in mid-range but overall better balance than the Martin

0:06 vs 3:00 0:28 vs 3:19 1:53 vs 4:36

Are you using new strings on both, and if so, are they the same or different? Thanks.

Guild is the better guitar of the two. Period.

Nice what flat pick and thickness are you using here

Martin stands out and sparkles. No comparison.

I really hear the difference in the coated strings (Guild) and the brighter Martin strings.

D-18 more balance, classic tone, very tough to beat out one of the best dreads there is.

Got Guilds y Martins y love them both…y classical guitars too

Used to have a guild d40c and it was amazing. Fell on hard times about 10 years ago and traded it for a car. I now own a martin that I love and am always torn as to whether I should buy another d40 or keep it in the past.

So how does the Guild do with heavier strumming? I ask because sometimes, like on some Gibson models, the guitar sounds pretty overwhelmed by pick strumming, they lose clarity and start buzzing a bit, but I've never played a Guild before. Amazing channel, btw

Which neck feel did you prefer?

Guild was a little more canny when he went too the finger picking..preference I'd say.

One of the few tests where the guitars seem to be equal in quality and similar in sound. Glad I'm not choosing. I'm more of a 000 guy

Martin : genuine mahogany (central amerika) Guild : Afrikan mahogany (Khaya) and a bigger body

Next Godin metropolis

The Guild straight up wins here imo. The Martin has a large amount of low mids but the D40 is very full and balanced.

Martin clarity, volume, chimey and woody sound is difficult to defeat in the case u just want to buy the guitar

do you have a preference in terms how each feels to play? Guild sounds better to my ears.

Nice guitars. I would walk in the guitar store and buy the....GUILD. More soul and overall a better sound

Guild D-40 лучший!

To me, the Guild (aka the Poor Man's Martin) sounds fuller and livelier than the Martin

Please do compare d55 vs d18 martin

Once again, Guild KOs another opponent. Wahi' Valleys

the guild is more balanced actually..hmm

Again Martin for balance, projection , resonance.....the D-18 sounds like a piano!!!

D18 but want to dash off and buy a Guild ... why is that?

0:00 2:55

Martin. best acoustics ever made

Airy, no mids, glassy, articulated, woody, good volume, d18

Mic is just a tad hot ..makes blare just a tad....fyi...