Martin D-18 136062 (1954)
Vintage
This guitar's voice is wide-open and dry, and the low-end fullness is very impressive for a D-18 from this period. The high-end exhibits the bright, round presence we associate with a 50's Martin dreadnought, making it an excellent choice for a bluegrass player who performs in front of a microphone. There's as much midrange power as one could demand from a guitar on tap as well. The bluegrass application is a no-brainer, but this is a guitar with sweetness and charm as well when it's dissected in a recording environment.
When this guitar arrived at TME, we noted previously installed cleats under a pickguard crack and an old center seam separation. Our shop reset the neck, refretted the fingerboard, and installed a new bridge (the original bridge had been cut down and cracked in several places). The instrument now plays beautifully, with action at 3/32" (bass side) and 2/32" (treble side) under tension of medium gauge strings.
Priced with its original hard case.
In short: an excellent example of a 1950's D-18 for anyone interested in their first bona fide vintage Martin.
| Top | Sitka Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Bridge | Rosewood (Replaced) |
| Tuners | Original Kluson |
| Bracing | Non-scalloped |
| Construction | Hide Glue |
| Finish | Original Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Carve | Soft V |
| Nut Width | 1 11/16" |
| String Spacing | 2 1/8" |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Truss Rod | Non-adjustable |
| Inlays | MOP Dots |
| Headstock | C.F. Martin Decal |
| Serial # | 136062 |
| Case | Original Hardshell |
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.