Martin D-18 (1971)

Description

Even despite decades in production, every Martin D-18 is still a little different, and hearing the ways these classic instruments have broken in over the years certainly makes for a fun day at the office. This one, dating from 1971, has become the ultimate working musician's live axe, with a big, open sound that still retains plenty of the brightness and cutting power that these instruments are renowned for. As always, the D-18 features a spruce top with mahogany on the back, sides, and neck, and differences between this one and a modern one are fairly minor - rear bracing, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, a black pickguard, and Grover closed-gear tuners. Instead, the difference between this one and a new one lies in decades of use, something that simply can't be replicated in a factory.

This instrument shows playing and structural wear consistent with its age, with about the typical amount of scuffing, checking, and pick marks on all planes, including the neck and headstock. One four-inch top crack, which extends up from the lower bout, has been cleated and glued, and should not reopen provided proper care and humidification. There is evidence of bracing repair having been done to the interior of the guitar, including footprints from additional tone-bar style bracing that was added at an indeterminate point and has since been removed. A handful of aftermarket alterations have been made to the instrument, a replacement bridge (which does not match the grain of the fingerboard and is likely Brazilian rosewood), and a large John Pearse armrest, which has been affixed to the top. Accordingly, we consider it to be in good condition. It has been freshly set up and plays very well in all positions. Included in the price is a non-original Martin hard-shell case which is roughly period-correct.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*