Mahogany vs Rosewood - Dreadnought Edition D28 vs D18

Taking a listen to a couple of classic Martin Dreads; the D-18 and the D-28. Both guitars are 2020 production with Sitka Spruce tops, ebony fretboard and bridge, mahogany neck, 25.5" scale; but the D-18 has Mahogany back and sides and the D-28 has Rosewood back and sides.
What do you think? Can you hear a difference?

Recorded with Shure KSM32, Focusrite Saffire Pro 40, Logic Pro, no additional processing.

D18
Strumming 0:01 Flatpicking 3:01 Fingerpicking 6:03
D28
Strumming 1:33 Flatpicking 4:32 Fingerpicking 7:22

Channel Support/College Fund:

Ian’s Favorite Guitar Stuff:

[show]

Took me 40 years to get me D-28 last December, what a guitar

[StephenPoirier]

I’ve heard both in person and I own an HD28. Both are beautiful in their own right. Neither one is better than the other. It just depends on what sound you’re looking for. The real comparison is the D28 vs the HD28! I went to the music store expecting to buy a D28 but came home with the HD28. Huge difference in clarity and bass response!

[CaptainOfMyBurden]

To me the D-18 sounds fuller and sweeter. The D-28 sounds glassier and slightly more clear. I just got my D-18 last week. These videos helped make my decision. Thanks!

[mikeyankie]

One each is the correct answer... Thanks Ian.

[normc]

I have a D28 2001 and love it.
Fallen for a 00017 wiskey burst in january and also love it.
Now have to convince my wife a D18 still missing on the wall to complete my collection.

[bobsyeruncle]

your video uploads are the best by a country mile

[JohnnyRebKy]

D28 all day long for me. I love that lingering sustain that goes on forever and all the piano like overtones. They ring like a bell 🔔 👍🏻. When it comes to Mahogany I prefer a Gibson J45. Two total opposites. The D18 and D28 are to similar for me. I like the Martin for rosewood and Gibson for Mahogany. Just my own personal taste and nothing more 👍🏻. D18 D28 J45 are ALL great!

[davidmccright]

Never get tired of the finger picking tune you do. Love that song!

[daggad]

I have always wondered why the D18 with mahogny is said to be warmer ?
To my ears it is quite the other way around.
Rosewood for round warm sound.Mahogny for pure tones.
Both great guitars !

[ericecklund]

They're both Martin's and they both sound great. I have a D-18 GE and a CS-Bluegrass-2016 (kind of a HD-28 variant). Excellent video as always, Ian!

[endoffate]

0:23 1:56 In this video, the D28 is warmer.

[emypena]

I like that Mahogany with full mid tones

[buddybeetle]

Excellent comparison and lovely playing. Thank you.

[joibjalla]

I seem to like mahogany back and sides guitars. So, in this video, I liked the D18 more.

[McCambira]

Man, I have a D-28 and I'm passionate about his sound projection and also about the beautiful tone that only the D-28s have as a striking and peculiar characteristic. I love Martin's guitars, especially the D-28. Congratulations on the review!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[jimdaniels]

Perfect! You actually play up the neck, thanks. D28 all the way - retains it's characteristic tone and volume all the way up the fingerboard. Good job Ian.

[michael]

These are great videos.Thanks for the comparison.

[dankaufman]

They’re both so dang good. Never thought I’d want a dread but now I’m jonesing for one. Either one.

[cardmonty]

They both sound great. To me the Hog sounds more to my liking - it doesn’t sound as “tight” or focused as the Rosewood.

[jasonusaf]

D-18…more bite, airier and bright. D-28…more round, robust with overtones…darker sounding.

I own both. Problem solved