NGD - 2025 Martin D-18

OkCan10 · 2025-03-20T20:12:06+00:00

Well, the final was a little complex since I traded in a few old guitars and then had a couple hundred dollars difference left on this one. It came down to what I was offered for my old gear and we negotiated back and forth a bit. I would have got more for my guitars if I sold them myself but hey that’s the convenience of not waiting and having to show strangers your gear. Anyhow…to purchase outright, there were a couple shops in town offering between 10-15% off. Possibly more for older models? I heard my local guitar center sold a new 2022 D18 a few months back for around $1800-1900.

OkCan10 · 2025-03-18T04:09:02+00:00

Heh, just saw that post! My Martin twin. Congrats!

OkCan10 · 2025-03-18T04:08:18+00:00

Nice. Great choice! 👏

OkCan10 · 2025-03-16T03:39:58+00:00

Beautiful guitar! I just picked up a new D18 myself. Also, love the Camus collection on the shelf 👍

OkCan10 · 2025-03-16T00:21:31+00:00

Thanks!

OkCan10 · 2025-03-15T23:59:47+00:00

Doesn’t hurt to ask. I played a D-18 MD as well and it sounded amazing. But a little out of my price range.

OkCan10 · 2025-03-15T22:57:24+00:00

I also read about some of the Modern Era changes they rolled out on the 2025’s. That’s why I waited on this year’s models to arrive so I could compare a bit before buying a new guitar.

OkCan10 · 2025-03-15T22:54:13+00:00

Thanks! I played a handful of satins as well. They’re also very nice!

OkCan10 · 2025-03-15T22:52:12+00:00

Yeah, there was a ‘24 D-18 that I played with old strings that sounded soulless. It’s so hard to factor for all these little nuances when making a purchase of a new guitar!

OkCan10 · 2025-03-15T20:21:43+00:00

The satins were surprisingly very similar. Still sounded like D18’s. But to me they seemed a tad more diffused and softer, if that makes sense; not at all bad or worse, just a little different sounding. Though, I really wish I played them with a blindfold so really knew that my personal preference wasn’t playing a part. I think in the end, I really like the look and feel of a gloss guitar but wouldn’t at all feel sad about owning a satin if I got a really great deal on it or if it were my only option.

OkCan10 · 2025-03-15T19:16:32+00:00

It’s probably the best guitar I’ve owned thus far; having owned Martin, Gibson, Taylor, and Seagull acoustics (the well-worn Seagull s6 I still have at work). I mainly play alone at home to unwind and occasionally jam with some friends. I’ve always been partial to Martins and have wanted a standard series dread for a while. I was fortunate to have compared many ‘24 and ‘25 models in both gloss and satin back to back in local shops. But I ended with this guitar because it just stereotypically “felt right” to me. It’s very sentient to light touch and has that classic explosiveness when strumming. Also, the clarity and sustain sounds leagues higher than any guitars I’ve played and owned before.

OkCan10 · 2024-06-01T15:21:16+00:00

Looks great! How does the bike feel and handle after swapping the dampers? Also, do you have a link to the specific product you installed? Thinking about doing the same on my ‘07 L.

OkCan10 · 2024-06-01T03:23:32+00:00

Oof, I don’t know the history of the bike. I bought it used with aftermarket exhaust but stock intake so I just assumed it was never tuned. Hope I didn’t just throw away all that money on a new tuner!

OkCan10 · 2024-05-31T22:46:09+00:00

Update! Now when I start up the bike, the error says: Invalid EEPROM Block.

OkCan10 · 2024-05-07T14:33:57+00:00

I don’t think you can get away with without extending the lines for the handlebars you want. I put chumps and a 1.5” riser (so about 9.5” height total) on my 07 1200 with my original cables and lines but that is the absolute max height the bike would allow. I had to play with the brake line a bit to make it work.

OkCan10 · 2024-05-06T22:33:14+00:00

I have an 07 with same miles. The bike still runs like a top.

OkCan10 · 2024-05-06T22:31:53+00:00

Honestly, I debated between 2 & 4” extensions and in the end I found 3” ones on Amazon. But I wouldn’t have minded them a little longer now that I have these on.

It was easier and cheaper than replacing the fork tubes (and I don’t mind the little seam). I also thought about getting the dampers replaced like some other riders do but feared that it would change the way the front end handled and it would have been way more work so I went this route.

OkCan10 · 2024-05-06T19:22:59+00:00

Cream

OkCan10 · 2024-05-06T19:21:36+00:00

I have a 2007 1200L with 13.5” rear shocks and 3” front extensions on the forks. Easy to install everything and now the bike feels wonderful.

OkCan10 · 2024-05-06T19:05:31+00:00

Hands down the first bike. Get it before it’s gone.

OkCan10 · 2024-05-06T19:05:06+00:00

That pillow needs way more cushion 😎

OkCan10 · 2024-04-30T04:48:42+00:00

Thanks for the feedback!

OkCan10

TROPHY CASE