This 1939 Martin 00-18 has just arrived for consignment! We seem to have become a magnet for these pre-war 14-fret Martin 00 models lately ~ and we have absolutely no complaints! These guitars offer astonishing power and depth of tone relative to the size of their bodies; and this guitar is once of the nicest we've ever heard. Our consigning owner acquired the guitar from George Gruhn in 2007; and George had purchased it from the original owner's family. This guitar, serial number 72975, was made in the middle of 1939 and features a rear-shifted X brace and 1 11/16" nut width. It plays with silky ease and produces a warm, resonant response all over its fingerboard. The voice is bright and rich all at once, with the clarity, power, and brilliant sustain that have become the benchmarks of the vintage-Martin sound. Truly, and this bears repeating, a great-sounding guitar.
We hardly had to change a string on this 00-18 when it arrived at the shop. Repairs performed by Gruhn in 2007 include: neck reset, new bridge installation, re-fret, and new saddle installation. The original bridge plate was mildly worn, but it's been fixed and remains in great shape. A small pickguard crack was glued, and also remains stable and immobile. The rest of the guitar's structure is great-looking, and in beautiful, original condition. It's priced with a 1940's hardshell case, which has been re-lined. Anyone looking for a marquee example of a 1930's Martin 00 would be well served by this guitar, which we think has attractive value for players and collectors alike.
