This powerhouse 1936 D-18 will certainly scratch the itch for anyone wondering why forward-X Martin dreadnoughts are sarcastically compared to thing like cannons, grand pianos, and other large & loud things. This guitar is indeed large & loud ~ as open as a guitar can be, thanks to many decades of use in honky tonks and bars where its original owner performed passionately. The scarring behind the bridge is the result of an old soundboard contact pickup, which was removed and took some finish with it. The repairs to that area of the guitar's top were done by the owner himself; and while they may not be artful by today's measure, we've left them alone since they're stable (and a part of this D-18's legacy). There's also an impact wound on the upper bout (treble side) which has been similarly stable for a very long time. An old neck reset left some superficial cracks on the heel ~ and these also fall into the aforementioned category of stability over inelegance. The neck angle is good, and the action sits at 3/32" bass side, 2.5/32" treble side under tension of medium strings. Saddle height is proper, and the action could be lowered if the next owner chose to do so. The guitar has recently been refretted. All other structural components are original, and all internal parts, including braces and bridge plate, are original and in excellent condition. 

Let's say it again: this is a large-sounding (kudos to Lyle Lovett for the expression) and loud guitar. Like you'd expect from a pre-war D-18, the voice is crisp and clean, with a woodiness perfect for, well, pretty much any kind of music we can imagine. Dig in with a flatpick all you want: you won't overdrive this guitar by a long shot. It can be mellow and sweet as well, and retains great clarity no matter how it's played. And for more on that, let's let Jordan Tice show what it can do ~ a video demo follows below.

This guitar has not been offered for retail sale before; and it was stored by the original owner's family in a nondescript black hardshell case. We have Calton Cases and Collings vintage-style hardshell cases available should the next owner desire an upgrade befitting such a lovely old D-18.

On consignment. Payment is requested by check or bank transfer.