16 months later and my feelings about the D18, there’s no doubt it’s a great guitar I’ve played it almost every day since it arrived, very little electric, But I can’t say I’m in love with it.
Sorry to hear that. I got my beautiful Martin MMV Dred about 8 years ago. Tried tons of strings. Had the setup checked by a luthier, new bone nut, bone bridge pins, Grover chrome machines,... It sounds great, stunning visually, and lives in the case.
My Taylor 314ce, 522ce 12 fret, and koa mini are on wall hangers or under my arm.
NOT a Martin hater, NOT trying to fire up all the Martin loyalists. Just saying my truth.
My point is, just because the Martin isn't fitting your dream of you with an acoustic, you could still be real close. You still have you and your dream, maybe a different guitar?
If I had not stumbled upon my first Taylor, the 314, I
really don't think I would be enjoying playing acoustic nearly as much as I do. It made that big of a difference to me.
If you don't spend tons of time above the octave, a 12 fretter can be very comfortable, sounds great too!!!
Give up, what? Not playin!!! Find out what's wrong, and fix it!!! That other stuff can take a hike, playin is important!!!