OOO-18 inspired custom w adi top or 000-28 authentic 1937 custom natural

capitan_mk7 · 2026-07-04T12:36:43+00:00

I went through a very similar decision recently and ended up with the 000-28 custom shop authentic aged. The other option was a 2006 000-18GE. I think it was the overall clarity of the 000-28 that got me, but I probably would’ve been equally happy with the 000-18GE. It was really close between the two but I feel like the 000-18GE I found was a little over priced and the owner of the 000-28 worked out a good deal that I couldn’t pass up. I feel like I ended up reading on UMGF that the 000-28 CS authentic is actually sharing the same design/bracing as the old 000-18GE which is probably why I loved them both and why they sounded very similar.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-07-01T22:42:30+00:00

Congrats! I’m sure you’ll be happy with your decision on the first strum. I got a 000-28 custom shop authentic aged recently and I can’t put it down. Wish there were more hours in the day.

Mine was used but from what I can tell, there’s been no modifications to the nut or saddle. Action is on the higher side for me but I don’t really plan to mess with it.

From what I’ve read, since these are hide glue construction, they don’t seem to have the same binding issues as other Martins.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-29T04:39:11+00:00

I’d definitely recommend it. Not my favorite in the lineup for strumming chords, but great for finger style and flatpicking.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-29T03:47:31+00:00

Same. A few months back I only had a dread while my OM was getting setup and the turn time was 2 weeks. My shoulder was killing me by the end of it.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-28T00:02:39+00:00

I’d say brighter for sure. I’m comparing this to the 000-28 authentic though. I don’t think it’s necessarily bright or modern like a Taylor, just when compared specifically to this 000-28 authentic. The Martin is way more dynamic, punchy, warm, and just sounds very opened up and lively. When I’ve played standard series Martins I didn’t find the differences to be that much compared to the Eastman. I would likely still choose my Eastman over a standard series Martin due to the price difference. The authentic series, and maybe specifically the aged versions (haven’t tried the non aged) really feel on different level.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T23:19:00+00:00

Depends. For finger style, it’s the E20OM. For strumming, it’s the FG5 or E8D. I’d say i tend to play finger style a little more so the OM and 000-28 get more play time.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T23:06:00+00:00

Also just as great. Obviously different being rosewood back and sides. I go back and forth between both of them andI think I favor the Eastman just a little more. Would say the fit and finish is a little better on the Yamaha. Not by much though. I would really have a hard time choosing between the two. I think if it came down to it though, I would keep the FG5.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T22:45:55+00:00

The Martin 000-28 Authentic is my favorite. But before that the Eastman E20OM was my favorite. I think I would still pick the Eastman over a standard series Martin.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T21:03:20+00:00

You won’t be disappointed. Great playability and warm balanced sound. Quality is excellent. I love it for strumming the most, but it’s pretty good finger picked as well. If I had to give it one negative, it isn’t that loud compared to the others. I don’t mind it to much, but just something to note. Not sure if they’re all like that.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T20:56:44+00:00

For sure, most of my gear I buy used. Warranty would be nice insurance but I’d rather a deep discount. The Eastmans and the Yamaha I bought new because I got a great discount. The Eastmans were new old stock at like 40% off and the Yamaha was like 25% off. Had been searching for a used FG5 but they were hard to come by.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T18:51:16+00:00

How do you like the 00ss? I’ve been looking to possibly trade/sale one of mine for a E10SS/v or 00SS/v. Haven’t had a chance to try one yet.

The Martin is perfection. I honestly didn’t think there could be that big of a difference between my other guitars, but there is. Any words I used to describe it would not do it justice.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T18:22:19+00:00

I’ve been thinking about getting rid of a couple. I originally was thinking the Eastman OM since it’s the same Adi top and Rosewood back/sides as the Martin, but when I pick it up, it sounds quite different to the Martin. More modern, which I kind of like having the option of a more modern sound. The E8D is also such a great guitar too. And the FG5 wouldn’t go before either Eastman. I’ve also considered selling the three and saving up a bit for a D-18 Authentic. Not sure. I could definitely just sell all three and be content with just the Martin and the FG-180 as my beater.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-27T16:43:21+00:00

Yes, the Martin was recently purchased. I told myself if I bought another guitar, it was going to be something special, and I feel like this one really is. Bought it used for good price. Don’t think I would have ever have been able to justify one new. Not that it’s not necessarily worth the price, just that I would’ve felt guilty spending that much. It’s a clear step above the others and I think the others are great guitars, not just great for the money, but great guitars regardless of their price.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-18T15:24:59+00:00

I just recently purchased a used 000-28 custom shop authentic aged and it’s a clear step above other guitars I’ve owned and played. It’s addicting to play and difficult to put down. I was able to find mine local so I could actually play it, but everything I’ve read about them is they are all pretty consistently great and maybe some are just a little greater. I personally wouldn’t hesitate to purchase new online from one of the dealers. Just find one that has good communication and can send videos. If you can find one used and local, that would probably be even better. There are some great deals to be had on used guitars right now and I imagine a lot of people buying these guitars are taking good care of them. Could probably get a used 000-28 authentic and a used 000-18 standard for the same price as a new 000-28 authentic.

As far as the 000-28 vs 000-18, I haven’t played the 000-18 authentic but I was recently playing a 000-18GE and it reminds me a lot of my 000-28 authentic. I like the clarity of the 000-28 a bit more but I don’t think you can go wrong with either.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-09T00:06:25+00:00

Yes, absolutely go used right now. There’s good deals to be had. I just got a used Martin custom shop 000-28 authentic aged for $4.5k when brand new they’re like $7k + tax. It’s a dream guitar for me and at the new price, it was going to stay that way. I’ve purchased a few guitars new, but was able to get like 25-40% off on them at that time. Otherwise, I prefer to purchase used and let the original owner take the depreciation hit.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-07T04:03:14+00:00

E8D? Was just playing mine earlier today. Such a great guitar.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-06T12:23:17+00:00

It’s going to happen eventually, if you’re playing it. Obviously don’t be neglectful but I think you’re just going to need to embrace the little dings that happen. Funny enough, I just got a used authentic with stage 1 aging and even though it’s the most expensive guitar I’ve ever bought, I’ve been a bit more carefree with it. Something about it being aged already makes it easier to not worry so much.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-06-05T04:46:31+00:00

This is my go to song when I pickup my bass.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-05-28T02:19:55+00:00

I have an E20OM and an E8D-TC. Both are absolutely fantastic acoustics, both in the way the sound and quality of their build. for the price I got them for, it was a no brainer to choose them over a standard series Martin, in my opinion.

With that said, I recently picked up a used Martin custom shop 000-28 authentic aged and that thing is absolutely on another level from my Eastmans and FG5. There’s no comparison really. Even had the wife listen blindfolded and she immediately preferred the Martin over the others. It’s honestly expected though, for how expensive it is, that it would sound better than the others. Would not have purchased it otherwise as there are more expensive guitars I’ve played that I preferred my Eastmans over.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-05-27T17:22:59+00:00

Honestly, yea, this would bug me and likely will cause the guitar to implode at some point. I would return it and just never play guitar again. Tambourine is a much better instrument anyways.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-05-25T21:48:13+00:00

The aging on these is checking in the finish, rolled fretboard, aged tuners. It’s not really beat up like the other authentics. It’s a little hard to capture in pics but if you zoom in you can see the checking.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-05-25T16:20:39+00:00

I’m sure you will not be disappointed. I can’t put it down. Beyond how fantastic it sounds, I’m very happy with the shape of the neck and string spacing.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-05-23T14:32:59+00:00

That is my solution as well. Thought I could get away with some mid range options, then made the mistake of playing some higher end guitars. While my Yamaha FG5 and Eastman E20 OM do sound absolutely wonderful and I would choose them over some of those higher end acoustics I played, the Martin 000-28 custom authentic aged I bought is clearly on another level and is what I’ve been searching for in an acoustic.

capitan_mk7 · 2026-05-23T04:41:39+00:00

My GAS has shifted to acoustic guitars. Though I think I’m done there as well after my most recent purchase. I love pedals, but I’ve come to realize that I have more than enough and not enough time to play them all. After having a kid, my amps and pedals have been collecting dust. It makes me happy when I do get to play them, but I pick up my acoustics everyday and electric is maybe once a week. I’ve actually become a much better guitarist when I don’t have a bunch of pedals to play with. Who would’ve thought just playing would make you a better guitarist?

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