1979 Martin EM-18
$2495 USD
($3667.65 CAD)
For more details contact us at info@folkwaymusic.com or 855-772-0424.
Martin acoustic production peaked in the early 1970s but then fell to all-time lows in the early and mid 1980s. In 1982, for example, Martin made fewer D-18s than they had since 1935. Smaller guitars were produced in one or two digit totals. This, at a company who produced guitars in the tens of thousands just a decade earlier. In 1982, Martin built 3150 instruments in total; by contrast, in 1972 they built about 20,000.
The Martin EM-18 was one of the company’s handful of solidbody electric guitar models introduced in the late 1970s specifically to appeal to a new market of guitar buyers. The Martin solid body electrics were built from 1979 through 1983, and the total production of the 6 models offered (including bases) was roughly 3100 instruments.
The EM-18 was clearly inspired by the B.C. Rich Eagles that had been well received by guitarists in the late 1970s. Like the B.C. Rich, the Martin features a cutting-board style multi-piece laminate body with integral through-body neck design, DiMarzio pickups wired to allow various tone options, an adjustable bridge, brass nut, and plenty of weight – which amounted to the huge sustain guitarists of those days were after. Admittedly, it’s a great sounding rock guitar.
This example is in excellent condition and works perfectly. It’s been set-up in our shop and is a blast to play. The DiMarzio pickups are hot and fat, reading 8.7k and 8.4k. The neck has a comfortably fat and round feel, with a Fender-y 1-5/8” nut width, C carve, and decidedly Gibson .870” first fret depth. It weighs in at 9-3/4 lbs. The guitar is entirely original, with pots that date to 1978, original finish throughout, and an original hardshell case.
The Martin EM-18 was one of the company’s handful of solidbody electric guitar models introduced in the late 1970s specifically to appeal to a new market of guitar buyers. The Martin solid body electrics were built from 1979 through 1983, and the total production of the 6 models offered (including bases) was roughly 3100 instruments.
The EM-18 was clearly inspired by the B.C. Rich Eagles that had been well received by guitarists in the late 1970s. Like the B.C. Rich, the Martin features a cutting-board style multi-piece laminate body with integral through-body neck design, DiMarzio pickups wired to allow various tone options, an adjustable bridge, brass nut, and plenty of weight – which amounted to the huge sustain guitarists of those days were after. Admittedly, it’s a great sounding rock guitar.
This example is in excellent condition and works perfectly. It’s been set-up in our shop and is a blast to play. The DiMarzio pickups are hot and fat, reading 8.7k and 8.4k. The neck has a comfortably fat and round feel, with a Fender-y 1-5/8” nut width, C carve, and decidedly Gibson .870” first fret depth. It weighs in at 9-3/4 lbs. The guitar is entirely original, with pots that date to 1978, original finish throughout, and an original hardshell case.