This is a great sounding '53 D-18, whose crispness of tone and liveliness of response certainly suggest it has a Red Spruce top.

Why We Love This

This exceptional example of what's come to be known as a "mystery top" 1953 D-18 has just come into the shop for consignment! It's super clean, and in excellent overall condition for a vintage guitar. The bridge has been replaced (the new one looks good, as replica bridges go), and two back cracks have been glued and cleated internally. It's had a neck reset at some point in the past; and it plays easily, with ample saddle height should the next owner desire lower action (though we don't imagine that will be the case).

It bears repeating that this is a great sounding '53 D-18, whose crispness of tone and liveliness of response certainly suggest this guitar has a Red Spruce top. It's a very, very loud guitar, ideally suited to a bluegrass flatpicker. Simply put, if you've been waiting for a great '53 D-18 to surface, consider the dinner bell rung. Priced with non-original hard case.