I'm really bummed. Had to take my D-18 to a luthier on Friday because the binding is coming away from the body. Now, I bought this used and actually noticed a small amount of glue residue sticking out at the binding right at the waist on the low E side. I kind of assumed that maybe a repair had been done, but the guitar sounded so good and the price was right so I bought it anyway.Â
On Thursday evening after practice I noticed an indent at the side under the binding. The following morning I looked at it in better light and saw the binding was coming off. I might have been able to just glue it back on myself, but I wanted it done right since I didn't know what the best kind of glue is to use on something like that. So to the luthier it went to get fixed up the right way.Â
This guitar is in a humidified cabinet and it's my favorite guitar so I play it almost every day. Sure hope this doesn't turn out to be a chronic problem with this guitar. I've never had it happen to any other guitar that we have. Now I'm wishing I'd just bought a new D-18 instead of a used one. 😕 Â
@Susan Wagner this is talked abought a lot over at the UMGF forum. Seems that Martin had changed the glue for there binding so it was a issue on some years. You might want to check out some of there post a lot of well informed people over there.
@yiwork  Thanks for that, and I will go check out that forum. I really had no idea about the glue problem for some years. I think this was made in 2014.
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Not the first time i have herd bad reports about Millennial Martins 🤔 🤔 Â
@Susan Wagner I hope it turns out ok. I had a broken headstock on my Gibson SG and the repair was very good. You can' even see it.
Oh Sue that is sad. They’ll fix it up hopefully. I’m still waiting for what they’re gonna do about Goldie. I just bought an Orangewood Dana mini for the grand child for Christmas. $100 I was looking a dirt cheap mini. I’ve been working with her on ukuleles since she was an infant. Either she’ll take to it and learn or I’ll have yet another cheap ass guitar lol
I hope your guitar gets well soon!
So, I checked out the UMGF site (Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum) and just like Yiwork said there is a lot of discussion about this happening on certain Martin guitars from certain manufacturing years. Seems like this could be an ongoing problem.Â
This time I took it to our local luthier, but next time I might just attempt to re-glue it myself. Someone on the forum suggested using StewMac #20 superglue and it would probably be a lot cheaper than taking it to the luthier every time it happens. At some point I may have to have the entire binding replaced. Dang.Â
Gluboost.Â
@rg Yes, they are. Does that make a difference in the binding glue?Â
@shysue Not sure,
i just get nervous when I am looking at mahogany guitars because I dont take care of mine like I should. I have heard great things about the D18 though.
I think that Martin knows that there is a problem, and it's a shame that there not taking care of it. Even if your not the first owner. We are'nt talking low cost guitars the problem is happening on there most expensive guitars also.
I think that Martin knows that there is a problem, and it's a shame that there not taking care of it. Even if your not the first owner. We are'nt talking low cost guitars the problem is happening on there most expensive guitars also.
I agree, it is a shame. Love the tone and playability of this D-18 but I don't want to be worrying about the binding coming loose. This is the best guitar I have.Â
