Circa D-18 (USED, 2013)

Circa Guitars are built just a couple hours north of us in Portland, Maine, by luthier John Slobod. They've gained a reputation for first-class modern worksmanship and vintage-inspired tone -- a combination that's the envy of nearly everyone working in the 1930's-Martin-inspired landscape. This D-18 is about as straight-forward and austere as a Circa gets. It was built for display at the 2013 International Bluegrass Music Association conference, where it was snapped up right away. It's a dynamite flatpicking guitar: loud, open, woody, and clear, with more than enough warmth to fill out a 5-piece bluegrass band's rhythm section. As luthier-grade D-18s go, it's hard to imagine one This guitar remains in very good overall used condition. Although it's been played, it's been expertly maintained and perfectly humidified. There's a small finish blemish on the bass side of the fingerboard at the 12th fret (please see photos). There are also some very light scratches on the pickguard, consistent with regular usage. Aside from those items, the guitar is clean and shows no structural issues. Our shop has inspected it and given it a fresh setup. Priced with Ameritage hard case.