Martin D-18 (1948)

This 1948 Martin D-18 has just come in for consignment! It's a rock-solid, great-sounding guitar for a player -- with a couple minor issues that keep the price well below top-of-market. If you've read the hype about old Martins, and you've been waiting for one with the sonic characteristics that make people forget about new guitars, this D-18 would be an excellent foray into the vintage space. The voice is dry, woody, and wide open, with the penetrating snap that characterizes later 1940's dreadnoughts. It's an excellent bluegrass guitar, with plenty of power and cut for jams and playing into a microphone. Aside from the playwear on the soundboard and the numerous scratches and dings consistent with age that are visible in our photos, this D-18 has had a couple modifications. The braces have been scalloped; and the original tongue brace has been replaced by an abbreviated, trapezoidal brace. The neck has been reset, the nut & saddle replaced, new frets installed, and replacement Grover tuners installed as well. Price includes a contemporary Martin hard case. Shipping calculated at checkout.