Martin 00-18 (1951)

If you're searching for a 14-fret, vintage Martin 00, but you'd rather stay away from the quickly-escalating prices of 1930's models, this sweet-sounding 1951 00-18 should be ringing all your bells. It was a one-owner guitar before coming to market recently; and it was clearly babied by its original caretaker (who kept it in a temperate environment). Best of all is its tone. This is a warm, clear-sounding guitar that's very responsive and open. It's got a beautiful intimacy for small-group playing, and would certainly record like a dream. Condition: exceptionally clean, on the scale of vintage guitars at large. The bridge has been replaced; the neck has been reset; and the fingerboard has been refretted. But the body of the guitar is beautifully preserved, with only the expected pick scratches and small dings that 70 years of use will bring (please see our closeup photos). There's one superficial pickguard crack under the high E string, which is stable and requires no work at this time. Excellent playability, and an equally excellent (likely) original hardshell case. Please call us if you'd like an in-hand description! Expedited shipping only at online checkout.