Martin 000 18 vs 000 28

Martin 000 18 and the Martin 000 28 are two of the most popular acoustic guitars in the world. However, which Martin guitar is the best fit for you?

The question is a TOUGH one and has no straight answer. These models have completely different structures and characteristics, but also fit a wide range of users.

A lot of people want to know which one is better, so today we’re going to compare them head-to-head in terms of materials, design, sound and much more.

Let’s get started!

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Martin 000 18: Features and Benefits

Martin 000-18 is a guitar from their regular series that allows you to experience the excellence of a basic dreadnought guitar, and that’s not all.

The 000-18’s tone and playability are second to none, thanks to its traditional combination of Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and an ebony fretboard.

The 000-sized acoustic guitar has a concentrated tone that works well with any form of music.

Features:

• The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a classic sound.
• Consists of a hard shell carrying case.
• Has a strong, booming voice that can be heard and is ideal for collaborating with other instruments.
• Auditorium-style guitar with top-quality wood for vintage-inspired acoustic guitar.
• The Performing Artist taper on the select hardwood neck gives it a modified low-oval contour.

Enhancements that are appealing to tone scientists who work at the microscopic level are among the additions to the 000-18 that put the “modern” in this very deluxe model.

These enhancements include components such as Liquid-metal bridge pins and a carbon composite bridge plate that are touted to improve the instrument’s volume and sustain.

The Martin 000-18 acoustic guitar is a perfect example of CLASSIC style!

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Martin 000 28: Features and Benefits

Wood is the most important component of a high-quality acoustic guitar, and the Martin 000-28 offers an uncompromising rendition of a traditional tonewood combination.

Solid Sitka spruce is used for the top, which contributes to powerful projection and crystal clear note purity. Traditional Martin material, solid East Indian rosewood was used for the construction of the back and sides of this instrument.

The mellifluous tone of the Martin 000-28 is matched by its incredible playing ease, thanks to its solid ebony fingerboard, high-performance taper neck made from premium hardwood, and high-performance low oval profile.

Features:

• Scripted old-style overlay on a rosewood head plate.
• High-gloss top, back and side surfaces.
• Scale length is 24.9”.
• An antique white heel cap with a 14th-fret dovetail neck joint.
• End cap in antique white with multi-stripe inlay.
• Striped rosettes.

In addition, the bridge is constructed out of ebony.

The 2018 000-28 features refined and understated Style 28 appointments, such as a traditional and bold herringbone inlaid top binding, as well as abalone diamonds and squares for the fingerboard inlays.

These details contribute to the guitar’s irresistible visual and aural appeal.

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Martin 000 18 vs 000 28

And now we have arrived at the most IMPORTANT part of the post! Here’s a detailed comparison of the Martin 000 18 vs 000 28:

Martin 000 18 guitars are smaller and cheaper than Martins that have a model number after “28”. This means that they are less expensive and more popular among beginners.

However, they have some disadvantages as well. For example, the strings on Martin 000 18 guitars are thicker than those on other models.

Martin 000 28 guitars are larger and more expensive than their younger siblings. They have better sound quality than Martins with a model number after “28”.

But they too have some disadvantages. For example, the strings on Martin 000 28 guitars are thinner than those on other models.

Let’s have a look at their TECHNICAL SPECS:

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Price Comparison: Martin 000-18 vs 000-28

When comparing Martin 000-18 vs 000-28, price is a significant factor. The 000-28 is notably more expensive due to its premium materials and appointments:

• Martin 000-18: Typically $2,500-$3,500 (new)
• Martin 000-28: Typically $3,500-$4,500 (new)

Used prices vary significantly based on condition, age, and specific model year. The 000-28’s higher price reflects its rosewood back and sides (more expensive than mahogany) and more elaborate inlays and appointments. Both guitars represent excellent value in their respective price ranges.

Which One Should I Buy? Decision Guide

Choosing between the Martin 000-18 and 000-28 depends on several factors:

Choose the Martin 000-18 If:

• You prefer clearer, more focused tone with tighter bass
• Budget is a primary consideration
• You want a classic, understated aesthetic
• You primarily play fingerstyle or need clarity in chord work
• You value the traditional mahogany sound

Choose the Martin 000-28 If:

• You need more volume and projection for live performance
• You want a richer, more complex tonal palette
• Budget allows for premium materials
• You appreciate elaborate inlays and appointments
• You prefer the warmth and depth of rosewood

Both guitars are excellent choices, and your decision should be based on your playing style, budget, and tonal preferences.

Similar Martin Models for Context

Understanding similar Martin models can help put the 000-18 vs 000-28 comparison in perspective:

Martin 000-15M

A mahogany-only version (top, back, and sides) that offers a warmer, more focused sound than the 000-18. More affordable but with a different tonal character.

Martin 000-28EC

The Eric Clapton signature model based on the 000-28, featuring specific modifications and appointments. Similar to the 000-28 but with celebrity association and premium pricing.

Martin D-18 and D-28

The dreadnought versions of these models. The D-18 and D-28 share similar material differences (mahogany vs rosewood) but in a larger body size, producing more volume and bass response.

Martin 00-18 and 00-28

Smaller body sizes than the 000 series, offering even more focused tones but less volume. The same material differences apply (mahogany vs rosewood).

Frequently Asked Questions: Martin 000-18 vs 000-28

What’s the difference between Martin 00018 vs 00028?

The main differences are materials and price. The 000-18 features mahogany back and sides, producing a clearer, more focused tone. The 000-28 features rosewood back and sides, offering richer, more complex tones with better projection. The 000-28 is also more expensive and has more elaborate appointments.

What’s the difference between Martin 00028 vs 00018?

The Martin 000-28 has rosewood back and sides, providing richer, warmer tones and better projection, while the 000-18 has mahogany back and sides, offering clearer, more focused tones with tighter bass response. The 000-28 is also more expensive.

What’s the difference between 00018 vs 00028?

The 000-18 uses mahogany for back and sides, creating a clearer, more focused sound, while the 000-28 uses rosewood, producing richer, more complex tones. Both share the same 000 body size and Sitka spruce top, but the tonewood difference significantly impacts their sound character.

What’s the difference between 000 18 vs 000 28?

The 000-18 features mahogany back and sides for a clearer, tighter sound, while the 000-28 features rosewood back and sides for richer, more complex tones. The 000-28 also has more elaborate inlays and appointments and commands a higher price.

What’s the difference between Martin 0018 vs 00018?

The Martin 0018 (or 0-18) is a different, smaller body size than the 000-18. The 0-18 has a smaller body, producing less volume and bass but more focused midrange tones. The 000-18 is larger with more volume and bass response. Both use mahogany back and sides.

Which is better: Martin 000-18 or 000-28?

Neither is objectively better—it depends on your preferences. The 000-18 offers clearer tone and better value, while the 000-28 provides richer tones and better projection. Choose based on your playing style, budget, and tonal preferences.

Can I use the same strings on both 000-18 and 000-28?

Yes, both guitars use the same string gauge (.012-.054 phosphor bronze) and can use the same strings. However, the different tonewoods will respond differently to various string types, so you may prefer different strings on each guitar.

Is the 000-28 worth the extra cost over the 000-18?

The 000-28 is worth the extra cost if you value richer, more complex tones, better projection for live performance, and premium appointments. If you prefer clearer, more focused tones and want to save money, the 000-18 is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your decision is probably going to be influenced by the type of sound that you want to achieve.

The 000 28 is an exceptionally flexible instrument that can produce a broad variety of tonal colors. Although it might not be as brilliant or cutting edge as the 18, its improved projection and volume make up for this shortcoming in the majority of live settings.

On the other hand, the 000-18 has a clarity that the 000-28 can’t match, particularly in chords due to the 18’s tighter bass response. This is especially true in the context of the phrase “can’t match.”

Finally, it comes down to personal preference: it is determined by what you’re searching for OR who you’re buying the guitar for, and how much money you want to spend on the instrument.

You can’t go wrong with either option and if this article was helpful to you in determining which option is the better match for your requirements, please let us know down below in the comments!