Product Description

A fine example of an iconic pre-war Martin! By this moment of production many of the 18 style appointments we see through to this day were in place. Rosewood body binding, 1/9/1 sound hole rosette, reducing dot fretboard inlays, and an ebony belly bridge are all present on this 0-18. The back purfling is an austere line of rosewood with a rosewood heel cap to match the body binding. The style 18 is absent of the headstock volute seen on the 28 and higher models and has brass strip tuners with ivoroid buttons. A few years later the addition of the CF Martin logo on the face of the headstock would tie the look of the 18 together into its current form. The neck shape is the classic Martin "V" profile with the wider nut width so loved by fingerstyle guitarists.

The instrument is in good shape for a piece that is closing in on its 100th birthday, with a few well executed repairs. The belly bridge is a recent replacement with a drop in saddle, as opposed to the slotted original, and the bridge plate has been reinforced with an extra strip of maple glued to the original. The center seam has been reglued and there is another small repaired top crack near the edge of the bass side lower bout. The treble side lower bout has an area with a few cracks that were repaired, with the original finish being sanded through, and reinforced on the interior with a strip of black cloth. The body and neck have been over sprayed, and the finish filled in a chip on the bass side lower bout. The guitar shows dings, minor dents, scratches and pick wear over its surface. The finish shows lacquer checking, and there is some adhesive residue on the back of the headstock over the stamped Martin logo.

The guitar sounds excellent and plays wonderfully. It's a big, warm, open tone that is clear and crisp. The guitar builds volume easily considering its small single 0 size. It's dynamic like most Martins of this ilk, in that it has a tender intimate tone played fingerstyle, but does open and sing well when pushed with a pick. It has nice warm mahogany overtones. The bar frets are somewhat low, although well dressed, and the nut is an ebony replacement. The neck and fingerboard are easy to navigate.

This 0-18 is serial number 42821 and it weighs 2lbs 14oz. The neck measures .850 at the first fret and .960 at the ninth fret. It's a well setup example of a 12-fret Martin, a true fingerstyle dream guitar at a good value considering the light finish touchup. Ships in a modern Guardian black tolex case with dark green interior.

Product Specifications

• 0 Body Concert Size
• 13 1/2" Lower Bout
• 12 Frets Clear of the Body
• Mahogany Body
• Spruce Top
• Mahogany Neck
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Ebony Belly Bridge
• Dot Fingerboard Inlays
• 22 Frets
• Brazilian Rosewood Headplate
• Slotted Headstock

Product Details