Martin 0-18 (1953)
Vintage
We have always had a great fondness for the Martin 0-18. Hearing this one, I am reminded how much we enjoy these guitars (and of why TME's founder successfully lobbied Collings to bring the model back to life, before Martin eventually followed suit). Beautifully balanced, clear, characterful, and in the case of this 69-year-old example, great sounding: dry, warm, with an easy, lively resonance under a light or medium attack. If you have been sleeping on small-bodied vintage acoustics, here is a friendly wake-up call.
This guitar comes to us from a local, professional musician whose family has owned the instrument since the 1960s. There are several repaired top, side cracks. We believe the finish to be original, though it looks to have been buffed, and shows wear to the top and back, especially at the treble side of the soundhole. With its freshly reset neck, the guitar sets up well and plays very comfortably. Collectors seeking pristine boxes may look elsewhere, but for players, this one's a gem.
Priced with hardshell case.
- Mahogany back & sides
- Red spruce top
- Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
- Through saddle
- 1 11/16" nut width
- 24.9" scale length
- 2 1/4" string spacing
- Hard case
- Serial number 134021
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.