Martin D-18 (1956)

This 1956 Martin D-18 is just into the shop on trade; and it's the kind of rare vintage Martin that will please players and collectors alike. It's in very nice original condition, beautifully set up, and gorgeously clear & woody sounding. A 1950's D-18 is a great entry point into the world of vintage guitars for a bluegrass flatpicker: they provide the seasoned, dry sound no new guitar is capable of producing and still reside in the price point of most modern boutique-level flattops. Their crisp, balanced sound is ideally suited to fiddle tunes and leads in a band context where a single-mic approach is employed. This guitar is a lightweight, excellent sounding example of the model that will surely accrue value over the long term. As mentioned previously, this guitar is in very nice original condition, with all its 1956 factory parts present and intact. There's no evidence of previous repair work (it doesn't look like the neck has ever been reset). There are no cracks, but the guitar has certainly been played and does sport a smattering of dings, pick scrapes, and play wear down to the bare wood on the top (between the pickguard and bridge). Please also note the finish wear on the back of the headstock pictured in our photo gallery. A strap button has been added to the neck heel. The guitar is priced with a non-original hardshell case. Expedited shipping only at online checkout; please call us for Ground options and an in-hand description!