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Last updated on June 13th, 2023 at 12:18 pm
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!
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you use one of these links to make a purchase.
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.
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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!
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.
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These details contribute to the guitar’s irresistible visual and aural appeal.
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:
| Specifications | Martin 000 18 | Martin 000 28 |
| String Type | Steel | Steel |
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Body Shape | 000-14 Fret | 000-14 Fret |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Colour | Natural | Natural, Aging Toner |
| Body Bracing | X Scalloped | Scalloped X-bracing |
| Neck Shape | Modified Low Oval Profile with Performing Artist Taper | Modified Low Oval, High-Performance Taper |
| Radius | 16″ | 16″ |
| Number of Frets | 20 | 20 |
| Scale Length | 24.9″ | 24.9″ |
| Strings | Phosphor Bronze .012-.054 | Phosphor Bronze, .012-.054 |
| Nut Width | 1.75″ | 1.75″ |
| Weight | 3lbs | 4.4lbs |
| Overall length | 39.81″ | 39 ¾” |
| Knob | Butterbean | Butterbean |
| Neck material | Select Hardwood | Select Hardwood |
| Body width | 15″ | 15″ |
| Body length | 19.37″ | 19.3″ |
| Tuning Machines | Nickel Open Gear | Nickel Open Gear |
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!
This product list contains affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I may earn a commission if you use one of these links to make a purchase.
