Martin D-18 (1953)
Vintage
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.
| Top | Spruce |
| Back & Sides | Mahogany |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian RW |
| Bridge | Rosewood |
| Nut & Saddle | Original nut & new saddle |
| Tuners | Original Kluson |
| Bracing | Non-scalloped |
| Construction | Hide Glue |
| Finish | Original lacquer |
| Carve | Modified V |
| Nut Width | 1 11/16" |
| String Spacing | 2 1/8" |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Inlays | Dots |
| Headstock | C.F. Martin Decal |
| Serial # | 129937 |
| Case | Non-original hardshell |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.