MARTIN HD-18 Vts
( Brand: Martin ), ( Model: HD-18 ), ( Body Type: Dreadnaught ), ( Series: Custom ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
Review MARTIN Vts Custom
The HD-18 Martin VTS (Variable Tension System) is a high-performance, acoustic-electric guitar designed and built by C.F. Martin & Co., a renowned manufacturer of fine musical instruments. This model is part of Martin's Standard Series, which offers a balance of classic design, tonal appeal, and affordable pricing.
The HD-18 features a solid Sitka spruce top with a high-performance "X-bracing" design. The back and sides are crafted from select mahogany, providing a rich, warm tone with good overall balance. The top and back are treated with Martin's proprietary VTS process, which secures the bracing and top to the neck, allowing for greater stability, improved tuning, and enhanced resonance.
The neck is made of select hardwood (species varies), with a standard taper profile. Its scale length measures 25.4 inches (645 mm), ensuring comfortable playability, especially for players with smaller hands. The 1-3/4 inch (44.5 mm) nut width allows for easy chord forms. The fingerboard and bridge are made of richlite, a sustainable and durable material that mimics the look and feel of ebony.
The HD-18 comes with Martin's Authentic Acoustic Performance (AAP) electronics system for amplification. This internal pickup system utilizes a slender bridge plate transducer, providing an authentic acoustic tone when plugged into an amplifier or PA system. The system features volume and tone control knobs on the upper bout of the guitar.
Other standard features include Martin's trademark "Site-Glued" fretboard dovetail neck joint and a standard belly-cut bridge. The wood binding, rosette, and body decorations add a classic, tasteful aesthetic to the guitar. The gold open-gear tuning machines ensure smooth, reliable tuning stability.
In summary, the HD-18 Martin VTS is a sturdy, appealing, and versatile acoustic-electric guitar. Its combination of high-quality materials, advanced design, and electronics make it well-suited for a wide range of players, from beginners to experienced performers, who desire a reliable, versatile instrument for singing, diverse playing styles, and live performances.
The HD-18 Martin VTS is a mid-priced acoustic-electric guitar that offers several appealing features for musicians. However, like any instrument, it comes with its pros and cons. Let's examine each aspect in turn.
Pros:1. Solid Top: The HD-18 Martin VTS boasts a solid Sitka Spruce top, which is known for its excellent tonal qualities and durability. This feature makes the guitar well-suited for both live performances and studio recordings.
2. Electronics: The Shadow pickup system with a built-in tuner provides a clear and accurate representation of the guitar's acoustic tone when amplified. This feature is essential for performing in various venues, especially in larger settings where an acoustic guitar may not be loud enough.
3. Durability: Martin guitars are renowned for their high-quality construction and longevity. The HD-18 Martin VTS continues this tradition with its solid wood body, reliable tuning machines, and smooth finish.
4. Versatility: The HD-18 Martin VTS is a versatile instrument that can handle various playing styles and genres, from folk to rock, making it an excellent choice for musicians with diverse musical interests.
Cons:1. Price: The HD-18 Martin VTS is more expensive than some beginner or student guitars. This might deter budget-conscious buyers who are looking for an entry-level acoustic-electric guitar.
2. Size and Weight: With a full-size body, the HD-18 Martin VTS is not the most lightweight or compact guitar available. Its larger size may not be suitable for younger or smaller players.
3. Setup Requirements: While the HD-18 Martin VTS is an excellent instrument, it may require some additional setup work initially to ensure optimal playability. This could involve adjusting the truss rod, setting up the intonation, and fine-tuning the playability of the strings.
4. Fretwork: Some players have reported that the frets on the HD-18 Martin VTS are somewhat sharp or uneven, requiring additional attention to file them down or level them off for comfortable playing.
In conclusion, the HD-18 Martin VTS is a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with a solid top, excellent electronics, and robust construction. Its versatility and tonal capabilities make it an ideal choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a dependable instrument for live performances and studio recordings. However, its higher price tag, size, weight, and required setup may deter some buyers, especially those on a tight budget or with smaller frames. Ultimately, the HD-18 Martin VTS's pros outweigh its cons for many players, making it a worthwhile investment for those who can afford its price and size.
Recommendation: If you are an intermediate to advanced player looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric guitar with excellent sound quality and durability, the HD-18 Martin VTS is an excellent choice. However, if budget or size are a concern, you may want to consider other options within Martin's or other brands' lineups. Researching various models and their specifications can help you find a guitar that best suits your musical needs and financial circumstances.
Details:
If you're looking for a great flat picking guitar this is the one. Simple dovetail neck with modified low oval shape and satin finish. Fine herringbone 28 rosette.
Comes with lifetime warranty. Addresses only lower 48 states. Martin vts terrified steak spruce top. Ebony fingerboard with 25.
Terrified top gives this guitar an instant vintage sound. Ebony belly bridge with compensated bone saddle. East Indian rosewood head plate. 4 long scale and bone nut.
Hard shell case. Martin custom hd 18 features Martin's iconic dreadnaught design with solid genuine mahogany back and sides.
It already blows away comparable guitars. Custom built for us in Nazareth, pa.
Satin finish. Fine herringbone top trim. Short pattern golden era diamond squares inlays.
Steak spruce 1 scalloped a frame bracing. Faux tortoiseshell binding.
part #: hd18 price
- $3899.99
specifications acoustguitmusi:
- brand: Martin
- model: Hd-18
- body type: Dreadnaught
- series: Custom
- dexterity: Right-handed
- string configuration: 6 String
- country/region of manufacture: United States
Returns acoustguitmusi:
- policy: returns accepted
- time: 14 Days
- type: Money Back
- paid by: Buyer
Payments acoustguitmusi:
- PayPal
Shipping acoustguitmusi:
- type: Flat
- handling: 3 days
- cost: $0.0
General acoustguitmusi:
- in stock: Yes
- condition: New
- Musical Instruments & Gear > Guitars & Basses > Acoustic
Offer acoustguitmusi:
- Started: December 4, 2015, 5:32 pm
- # Sold: 0
- best offer: false
- # bids: 0
- quantity: 1
Ratings:
- Thanks for a great experience. 11-26-15
- Great Seller! Thanks! 11-19-15
- It is beautiful and everything I wanted in a Martin. 11-11-15
- fantastic 11-23-15
- Great transaction. Fast shipping. Beautiful guitar. 10-20-15
Seller acoustguitmusi:
- city: Leesburg, Virginia
- zipcode: 2017 6
Martin HD-18 Is Similar To:
- 0-12 Flamed Mahogany Martin Custom 0729789475655 (44.7% similar) Non-catalyzed natural gloss body finish and satin neck 12TH fret joint 0-12 size steak spruce top flamed mahogany back sides scalloped 1/4 standard bracing old-style 18 rosette genuine full-thickness v black ebony fret board old select abalone inlay east Indian rosewood head plate nut width 16 ...(March 24th, 2017)
- 00-40h Martin Guitars Vintage With Spanish Fingerboard Conversion (38.7% similar) Features lovely abalone ornamentation of the body and around sound hole. It has steel extra light gauge strings. This exceptionally beautiful instrument was played for many years by my father and well cared-for...(April 16th, 2018)
- 00-42k Custom Shop C Martin Custom 00-42k Carpathian (45% similar) This Martin 00-42K high flame KIA is a very rare instrument, being only one of 2 in existence. Below you can hear a sample of the guitar in action: Carpathian spruce top fret body SIZE5 32 grained ivories binding select abalone 5 piece pearl inlays figured high flame KIA back and sides select ...(March 1st, 2017)
- 00-42-SC Custom Signature Martin Acoustic Mayer Guitar Edition John (26.8% similar) ...(August 16th, 2015)
- 00-45k2 Martin Custom Shop Exceptionally (55.9% similar) The low profile neck shape is easy on left hand and allows for maximum comfort. 4 scale 45 inlays abalone mother of pearl slotted peg head gold hardware 12 fret design flame maple binding ebony bridge original hard shell case. Don't let its small frame fool you though, this sounds way bigger than ...(May 24th, 2017)
- 000-15-special Martin Special Acoustic Guitar In Natural With Case 729789530057 (37.4% similar) Martin special acoustic guitar in natural with case stunning spruce top w binding, heal cap and back strip mahogany sides. The box has been open for inspection. We must ship to the address that is. Among Martins most affordable solid wood guitars, the special acoustic guitar is visually distinctive ...(September 6th, 2018)
- 000-28H Guitar Adirondack Martin Ambertone Case Custom Sunburst (39.6% similar) St seal start AP6. Stamp steak spruce standard cf Martin co Nazareth pa made in USA BTW 1ST 2ND brace caution stamp none back binding grained ivories back inlay. 840'' '' Be. Purling 28CENTER strip lock. These are popular. 025'' black pick guard faux tortoise 3071, pattern pearl inlay none back ...(July 18th, 2015)
- 000-28K Vts Authentic 1921 Martin (29.5% similar) Pics are the actual instrument that you would be purchasing. You are buying on a Martin 28K authentic 1921 vts. 4''NUMBER of frets clear 12NUMBER of frets total 20FINGERBOARD width at nut ''fingerboard width at 12TH fret ''fingerboard position inlays diamonds squares short pattern golden era ...(July 22nd, 2015)
- 0000-14 Martin Custom Shop Fret (67.8% similar) With all of its original packaging including the paperwork manuals, unfilled warranty card, etc. 127 poly b m fiber top bracing pattern: j 2ATOP braces: solid steak spruce, scalloped 5/1 6''BACK material: Birdseye maple back purling: 1/3 2 east Indian rosewood strip w bomb inlay on each side - ...(March 25th, 2017)
- 0000-28v Martin M-28v Custom Shop Excellent (56.3% similar) Always kept in a climate controlled room with humidity levels between featuring solid east Indian rosewood back and sides, steak top golden era scalloped braces, the 0000-28V custom was designed to take some of most popular features Martins om line put them on larger m sized body. This guitar was ...(December 21st, 2016)
- 00015 Martin Acoustic Guitar With Case In Most Condition Custom Gloss (35.1% similar) Martin acoustic guitar with case in most excellent condition custom gloss top beauty. They are always in a controlled environment heat and humidity. I have many guitars so they do not really get used a lot. I am over 60 and just love my guitars pamper them...(October 23rd, 2018)
