Brand: Martin
Instrument Categories: Acoustic Steel String, Guitars
The Mahogany body Martin D-18 has been a benchmark guitar since its 1931 debut alongside the Rosewood bodied D-28. These two guitars have been reliably delivering solid tone on countless stages, homes and recordings for over 90 years.
Originally conceived for the Ditson company in 1917, the Dreadnought body used on these guitars represented a significant departure from guitar designs at the time. Most guitars were of the ‘Parlor’ size or slightly larger. The D-body provided a much fuller sound with more volume and projection, characteristics not fully appreciated until banjo players started migrating to guitar in the late 1920’s.
Construction of the Martin D-18 starts with the Dreadnought form. For the D-18, the top is Spruce – Sitka since early into WW2 – and the sides, back, body blocks, linings and neck are Mahogany. The bridge and unbound fingerboard are Rosewood, Indian Rosewood since the later 1960’s. Decoration is simple, with black body binding and one layer of purfling, no fingerboard or headstock binding, and a striped rosette of purfling. Tuning machines have varied, often being Grover Roto-Matic models as seen here.
Here we’re looking at a Martin D-18 built during the middle of 1973. It is in good playing condition, plays well and sounds great. It has had some work done over the years, including one crack repair to each of the top and back, plus a bridge and saddle replacement. Fret wear is light to moderate towards the low positions. The finish is original and has the look of a guitar that’s been played as intended over the years.
The original blue molded hardshell case is included.
- Model: D-18
- Year: 1973
- Finish Natural
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 324520, built during 1973 in Nazareth PA
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 28/11/2023
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 4.576lbs 2.08kg
- Scale Length: 25.4in 645mm
- Nut Width: 1.700in 43.19mm
