GEAR REVIEW
C. F. MARTIN SUPER D18 IS A SUPER DREADNOUGHT GUITAR | Eric Dahl
• Super D-14 Fret body
• Spruce top with aging toner
• Mahogany back and sides
• GE modified low oval highperformance taper neck
• 1 ¾” fingerboard width at the nut
• Gloss finish
• Bone saddle
KEY FEATURES
• Forward shifted Golden Era X-Bracing
• Dovetail neck joint
• Ebony fingerboard
• Butterbean buttons on tuners
When Martin adds the word Super to their new D18 and HD28 this isn’ t just a marketing ploy, this is a statement of fact. WM was able test out the new Super D18 in person and spend some time getting know this new addition to the Martin Guitars standard series line. The body shape is a Super D-14 fret body which is 13 % bigger than a traditional dreadnought guitar, plus a 20 % increase in air volume.
Visually it looks like a bigger cousin standing next to my standard D18 guitar. It isn’ t a baritone, nor is it your average sized acoustic guitar. The top is constructed of spruce with aging toner to give it a broken in patina while the back and sides are mahogany. The neck is a GE modified low oval high-performance taper, which in simpler terms means it doesn’ t feel larger in your hands while you are playing it. The body finish is glossy, while the neck is satin finished. Traditional faux tortoise pickguard and the old style 18 rosette keep the Martin vibe going visually. The vintage open gear nickel tuners with the butterbean buttons are classic and function perfectly.
The mahogany on the back and sides of Super D18 we reviewed was stunning, highlighting the grain and flame of the wood underneath the finish. Although the body is obviously bigger it doesn’ t feel oversized while it rests on your lap to play it.
Sonically the Super D18 is first off, much louder
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