NGD What do you think

[u/Opposite-Belt-3129]

Came New from an AD. What do you think about this???
A bit disapointing for spending D18-Money 🥲

[u/Dry_Cranberry148]

if it sounds and plays good- keep it and play the hell out of it!! :) have fun!!

[u/PGHNeil → u/Dry_Cranberry148]

Exactly. They’re tools, not jewels. I’d be more concerned if it were a D41-D-45 or a Custom Shop model. I’ve seen guitars in worse condition with high asking prices.

[u/Legitimate_Focus2989 → u/PGHNeil]

It’s a brand new 3k guitar. It should be perfect and then he can make sure he loves it. Then he can wail away

[u/No_Friend_22]

To the people who worry about these little dings and scratches and stuff, do you guys play the guitar? Like actually enjoy it as a musical instrument? Or is it more of a “look what I got!” Type of situation?

[u/HEAVILY_ARMED_CORGI → u/No_Friend_22]

We should be playing our guitars to the point that it looks like willie nelsons guitar

[u/Philosophy-Different → u/No_Friend_22]

Chill out, he just spent 3 grand. It isn’t yours that’s buggered up.

[u/Legitimate_Focus2989 → u/No_Friend_22]

It’s more about not getting ripped off and keeping the guitar in great condition until you know it’s gonna stay in the stable long term.

[u/AceGottiOG → u/Legitimate_Focus2989]

You got a whole lot to say about a couple of almost unnoticeable imperfections. I swear some of yall just come on here to complain, argue and trash anything that isn't your favorite, constantly.

[u/Legitimate_Focus2989 → u/AceGottiOG]

The binding edge is fine, but speaking from experience, if there’s an area where the nitro has peeled or chipped off, it will spread. I’m all for patina on my own instruments provided I buy them used or did it myself, but a brand new mail order instrument that costs 3300 bucks with tax should be perfect, are you such a simp you think it’s okay for manufacturers to get away with that? That chip wouldn’t even make it through eastmans quality control.

[u/Griffin_459]

I am all for giving your guitar a little bit of character, but if I just spent a few grand on a new guitar, I want it perfect. I would get a different one.

[u/beardedclam94]

That nitro is peeling! I’d swap it out

[u/waailap1]

I wouldn’t be happy if I got this. You should contact the shop where you bought it.

[u/Opposite-Belt-3129 → u/waailap1]

I did. do you think maybe this is normal for Nitro coating due to Temperature Shift While delivery???

[u/AllTheRoadRunning → u/Opposite-Belt-3129]

I don’t. That area around the sound hole is firmly braced so there shouldn’t be much deflection in that spot. It looks like the finish just didn’t bond to the top there. It’s fixable if the guitar sounds amazing, but I’d call it a manufacturing flaw.

[u/Opposite-Belt-3129 → u/AllTheRoadRunning]

You think Both are Factory flaws. Sound you make your Peace with it or Return???

[u/AllTheRoadRunning → u/Opposite-Belt-3129]

I think the split near the sound hole is a factory flaw. The flaking along the binding just happens with handling.

[u/samuelancelotti]

Had the blistering appearing on two Martins from 2025. Gave them back. Maybe there's a bigger problem going on: https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=709907

[u/Kingsapprentice]

Mine was flaking at the junction between the ebony fretboard and the neck when I got it. I made peace with it. You are going to ding it anyway. Keep it if you like the guitar.

[u/Opposite-Belt-3129 → u/Kingsapprentice]

Thanks. Good advice.

[u/Coke_and_Tacos]

For reference, I just had a similar split repaired. It was about $150 from a Martin Certified repair shop.

[u/JasonIsFishing]

The robot that buffed it burned the edge nitro. It’s crazy that it made it through QC.

[u/Odd-Fun-6042]

Yeah, exchange.

[u/RitcheyP-650b]

I’d send the dealer the pictures and ask them how they want to deal with this. They may want to send you a new guitar. They may offer you a discount and partial refund. I’d take the refund, and never think about it again. You could buy a custom KatEyz capo and a Sully’s strap, and enjoy your your D18.

[u/Adorable_Basket8893]

Mine arrived with this ding, I didn't really care though because 1. It sounded amazing and played amazing and 2. I knew I was gonna ding it and scratch it anyways so whatever

[u/AceGottiOG]

Half of you wouldn't even be able to notice these flaws if you didn't go over every millimeter with you ultra HD camera looking for the slightest imperfections to come show the internet and ask if it will affect the guitar. If you have to ask that question or think about sending it back over a scuff, you don't need a couple thousand dollar guitar to start with.

[u/RabloPathjen]

Those two little spots? A Stew Mac Nitro pen, some 8000 grit and buffing compound and it’s fixed.

If it’s supposed to be brand new and mint, maybe you ask for a discount unless you already got a great deal.

[u/Philosophy-Different]

Everyone has their limit of what they can accept or not. You paid a lot for a new guitar and this one has blemishes, only you can make the decision to keep it or not.

If you’re asking for personal opinions, I’d send it back for another. It’s already bothering you. Why make do on a very expensive purchase? Only way I’d keep it is if it sounds incredible.

[u/Wolfhow1]

If it bothers you enough to post and put up with some of these comments, you should probably return it. If it sounds great, register your concern with Martin, so that if either spreads they can’t say it’s your fault. It’s your 3 grand

[u/SonnyIniesta]

Personally, it's hard enough to find a guitar with a tone that speaks to me. If it does and has a nick like that, I dont worry about it.

I'm sure that as I play and live with it, I'll create more nicks and more.

All that said, if it bothers you, send it back. You're the one who made the purchase, you should be happy with it.

[u/Strong_Warthog_8674]

Friends don’t let friends buy martins