Martin D-18 (1943)

Built with an ebony rod in its neck due to wartime steel shortages, this D-18 resonates from end to end and projects with that incredible combination of softness and clarity that's unique to instruments from this period.

This is the second time we've had the pleasure of hosting this 1943 Martin D-18 -- one of the lightest we've ever encountered. Like "The D-18 Song" says, it was made way back in '43; it's rich and clean, crisp and full; it stays in tune and it sure won't treat you mean. Built with an ebony rod in its neck due to wartime steel shortages, this D-18 resonates from end to end and projects with that incredible combination of softness and clarity that's unique to instruments from this period. The voice is intensely warm, yet still perfectly defined. It's a world-class bluegrass flatpicking guitar, though honestly -- there's nothing this guitar wouldn't sound good doing.

84125 has seen the expected repair work over the years: a clean neck reset and clean refret have been performed, and a new bridge has been installed. The original tuners have been replaced some time ago (originals do not accompany the guitar). A small area of play wear down to the bare wood near the treble side of the fingerboard extension has been touched up by hand as well. A strap button has been added to the neck heel. The setup is what we'd call flatpicking action: an almost immeasurable hair over 3/32" on the bass side and 2/32" on the treble side, with a straight neck. The saddle height is low -- not sufficient to lower the action further, but the playability is well within the realm of normalcy as it sits. The guitar is priced with a modern tweed hardshell case. Payment requested by wire transfer or check. Interested buyers are welcome to contact us for an in-hand description!