
( Brand: Martin ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Body Type: Dreadnought ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Model Year: 2002 ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Series: Special Edition )
The D-18DC D'Addario Edition Crosby Amplitone Acoustic-Electric Guitar, produced by Martin in 2002 in collaboration with D'Addario, is an exquisite instrument designed for both studio and live performances. The guitar is a testament to Martin's longstanding tradition of crafting high-quality acoustic instruments, merged with D'Addario's expertise inStrings and electronics.
The D-18DC boasts a solid Sitka spruce top, well-known for its powerful, well-rounded sound. The top is complemented by select Mahogany back and sides, which not only enhance the guitar's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its rich, resonant tone. The neck is crafted from select Spanish Mahogany, offering a comfortable, smooth playing experience. The 28-fret long, Dylan size neck ensures an extended reach for more intricate playing styles.
This special edition guitar comes adorned with a contemporary design, incorporating subtle yet gorgeous appointments. The fingerboard and bridge are made from Richlite, a sustainable and durable alternative to Ebony. Other features include white corian nut and compensated saddle, as well as open-gear tuning machines with butterbean knobs, which provide smooth and precise tuning.
The D-18DC is an electric-acoustic guitar packed with innovative features. It comes equipped with a Fishman Sonitone under-saddle pickup system, allowing you to produce a crisp, clear, and balanced tone when amplified. The System II onboard preamp offers easy access to volume and tone controls, providing you with the flexibility to fine-tune your sound to suit different playing environments.
In summary, the D-18DC D'Addario Edition Crosby Amplitone Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Martin represents an astounding collaboration between two renowned brands. Its combination of authentic Martin craftsmanship, D'Addario's expertise, and innovative electronics make it an exceptional instrument for both seasoned musicians and enthusiastic beginners looking for a high-performance acoustic-electric guitar.
The D'Angelico D-18DC and Martin 18DC are two high-quality acoustic-electric guitars that have gained popularity among musicians. In this comparison, we will explore the primary differences, pros, cons, and provide a conclusive recommendation based on various aspects.
D'Angelico D-18DC:1. Time-tested design: Inspired by popular Martin models, the D'Angelico D-18DC preserves an authentic and proven dreadnought body shape and bracing pattern, providing excellent volume and projection.
2. Tonewoods: Solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides make for a well-balanced tonal response, suitable for various playing styles and genres.
3. Electronics: The Fishman Sonitone electronics system includes a chronic tone control and a contour control, enhancing the sound quality and ease of use.
4. Impeccable craftsmanship: The guitar's attention to detail, elegant inlays, and smooth playability validate the high-quality construction and finish.
5. Adjustable truss rod: This feature allows for easy maintenance and neck adjustment, ensuring the guitar remains in tune considering the natural tendency of wood to settle and warp.
Cons:1. Higher price point: The D-18DC lies in a higher pricing bracket compared to some other acoustic-electric guitars, making it less accessible for some entry-level players.
2. Limited color options: Though the guitar exudes sophistication and elegance with its sunburst finish, some players may prefer more color variety.
Martin 18DC:1. Iconic brand: Martin, being a renowned guitar manufacturer, offers a rich history, high-quality materials, and craftsmanship that many musicians value.
2. Finely tuned: The Martin 18DC boasts the solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, providing a clear, crisp, and balanced tone.
3. Onboard electronics: Equipped with the Shadow pickup system, this guitar offers convenient tone control and volume adjustments for superior acoustic sound amplification.
4. Versatile: With its dreadnought body shape, the Martin 18DC suits a wide range of playing styles and genres, from strumming chords to fingerpicking intricate melodies.
Cons:1. Price: Like its competitor, this guitar has a higher price point when compared to other options in its class.
2. Lack of adjustable truss rod: The absence of an adjustable truss rod may make the guitar difficult for players to set up depending on their skill level.
Conclusion:Both the D-18DC D'Angelico and the Martin 18DC are excellent acoustic-electric guitars, with striking similarities in terms of tonewood combinations, elegant appearances, and projection. While the D'Angelico provides adjustable truss rods and Fishman Sonitone electronics, the Martin offers the esteemed Martin brand reputation and the Shadow pickup system.
Recommendation:If enhanced tone control, a more accessible price point, or the ease of adjusting the truss rod appeals to you, the D'Angelico D-18DC would be the better choice. Alternatively, if you value the Martin brand, history, and the Shadow pickup system, the Martin 18DC guitar should meet your expectations and suit your playing style accordingly. Both guitars have their unique selling points and will provide a captivating playing experience.
This guitar is the pick of the litter. Recording wise this has a beautiful bottom end bass that is well defined but not bosomy or muddy, the mid range is warm and well balanced and the top end is present and clear without any harshness. The top picture has a couple of shadows in the bottom but this is just the lighting and the top is perfect. 4'' of frets clear of frets total 20 fingerboard width at nut '' fingerboard width at 12th fret '' fingerboard position inlays 4mm abalone dots 1at 5th, 7th, 9th, 2 at 12th, 1 at 15th david crosby's signature between 19th 20th frets fingerboard binding none finish back sides polished gloss maple stain dark filler finish top polished gloss aging toner finish neck semi gloss dark maple stain polished head plate dark filler bridge material solid black ebony bridge belly bridge string spacing '' saddle 16'' radius compensated bone tuning machines waver nickel w butter bean knobs recommended strings Martin sp 4200 medium phosphor bronze bridge end pins black w abalone dots pick guard I 03 tortoise color beveled and polished case 545 gibe interior label signed by cfm iv david crosby numbered in sequence with total 250.
The back is gorgeous, with different lighting and angles of lighting bringing out different features. Model specifications model 18dc david crosby construction mahogany blocks dovetail neck joint body size 14 fret top solid Angelina spruce rosette 45 maple and black fiber inlays top bracing pattern dim forward shifted top braces scalloped 5 16'' back material solid quilted mahogany back purling 45 side material solid quilted mahogany end piece tortoise color end piece inlay black white Bolton binding tortoise color top inlay multiple black white side inlay black white back inlay black white neck material solid mahogany neck shape modified v nut material bone head stock solid square tapered head plate solid black ebony raised gold foil logo less est. I tried to capture a few in the multiple photos but truthfully none of them do it justice schooner abalone pearl inlay heel cap tortoise color fingerboard material solid black ebony scale length this guitar was meticulously cared for on the rare ovation it was out of the case and is in mint condition.