Similar-toned & priced alternatives to D-18/D-28 from other makers?

[noisepolluter]

Is it pretty much Martin all the way for a warm mid-focused sound? (excluding J-45 etc which is already covered)

Pretty sure all the other makes I've tried have been more "modern" sounding but I'm finding myself less and less into that.

[Gagaryn]

Give a Guild a try. I've not played a modern one but I had an early eighties one and it was very warm and rounded sounding.

[Lewy]

For dreads I really can't think of anyone who competes with Martin at their Standard range price points. Once the special models get you up into Collings/Bourgoise/H&D territory there's more meaningful competition but not in the £1200 - £1800 range imo

Not for the classic dread sounds anyway.

[noisepolluter]

For dreads I really can't think of anyone who competes with Martin at their Standard range price points. Once the special models get you up into Collings/Bourgoise/H&D territory there's more meaningful competition but not in the £1200 - £1800 range imo

Not for the classic dread sounds anyway.

Your prediction that I will 'go bluegrass' is showing disturbing signs of manifesting itself. Just remains to be seen whether I will fall into the hog or rosewood camp - I guess individual variation between guitars will have a definite influence. I do like my airy mids (and the odd bit of fingerstyle), less fussed about a banjo-killing solid bass response. That would seem to indicate a D-18?

[Lewy]

I think you definitely get more single note mid-range punch with a mahogany dread. Rosewood is more scooped sounding.

Have you tried one of the new spec D-18's yet? I must get round to it soon.

[noisepolluter]

I think you definitely get more single note mid-range punch with a mahogany dread. Rosewood is more scooped sounding.

Have you tried one of the new spec D-18's yet? I must get round to it soon.

Only ever tried D-28's and Mick's awesome D-35. Have been reading about the D-18 with keen interest though, I must admit.

[AndrewG]

Recording King, Blueridge, and the new Sigma models look and sound promising. A lot less money too. http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=233

[tonyteech02]

Have you checked Wunjos site - they claim to have more cost effective rivals to the Martin in their range I picked up a nice D15 for a reasonable price from Coda on a secondhand deal