Martin D-18 (1945)

We recently acquired this stellar 1945 Martin D-18 from whom we believe to be its second owner. The story goes that she purchased it at The Troubador, in Los Angeles, in the early 1960's, when the venue had a small music store in its lobby. She's owned it, and played it exclusively, since that time; and decided to part with it after retiring from her playing days and deciding to move overseas. Martins from 1945 can exhibit several transitional features: it's the first year their guitars were built with non-scalloped braces, some featured Red Spruce tops, and some featured Ebony neck reinforcements. This D-18 checks all those boxes (Red Spruce top, Ebony neck rod), is light as a feather, and sounds absolutely gigantic. Its sustain and warmth are enhanced by the ebony rod, yet it lacks nothing in the way of perennial D-18 flapticking snap. It's hugely responsive for a dreadnought -- and if you're thinking of entering the world of vintage Martins that haven't yet completely skyrocketed in price, this one gets our highest marks for tone and pedigree. The guitar is entirely crack-free; and it's only had one set of repairs, performed by luthier Julius Borges, formerly of Groton, MA. It's likely no one had ever worked on the guitar before Julius did (in the early 2000's as best we can tell). Borges reset the neck, refretted the fingerboard, installed a new nut, and replaced the bridge and bridgeplate, which the owner recalls had cracked and worn through. All the work is expert-level, and super-clean; and the setup appears as though it hasn't moved a millimeter since Julius's work was done. One cool feature to note, seen on some other 1945 Martins as well -- tortoise top binding and rosewood back binding! In short, this is a fabulous wartime D-18, with great playability, a clean structure, and a voice as enviable as they get. Priced with 1960's hardshell case.