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1944 Martin D-18
1944 was an interesting year for Martin guitars. Due to the War Effort, the steel T-bars used to strengthen necks had been replaced with ebony, headstock bushings were omitted, and tuning machines were made with less metal. The net effect of such a significant reduction in metal components was a markedly lighter guitar neck - and the tonal consequence of this weight loss can’t be understated. A light neck reduces sustain and fundamental presence, but adds darkness, overtones, and warmth. For a flatpicker who wants a focused and powerful guitar with a clean fundamental and no overtones, a Dreadnought without steel in the neck is likely a no-go. But for a player with a lighter right hand attack who wants to stray from a bluegrass tonal blueprint into a more touch-sensitive and overtone-rich soundscape, this guitar might just be unbeatable.
A crack-free guitar that’s had its neck cleanly reset, refretted, and a TJ-made period correct bridge installed (bridge and frets done here at Folkway a few years ago), this D-18 plays perfectly, cleanly, and easily, with light strings and an action of 5-6 64ths.
Although the guitar presents quite completely and believably as original, we suspect the top has had some finish repair in its very distant past, and possibly by Martin, given how old and ‘right’ it all looks. Our time-machine isn’t quite perfected yet, so we can’t offer any actual proof and black-lighting shows nothing out of the ordinary. We can tell you conclusively that the original pickguard has never been removed, there was no funny business under the bridge’s footprint when we replaced the bridge, and the interior of the guitar (braces, bridgeplate, etc), is 100% untouched and original. This is a crack-free instrument that’s in perfect structural condition.
The neck’s finish is original, with light overspray on the headstock to help the typically crumbly lacquer stay put. Wartime Kluson tuners, original nut, ebony fingerboard. There was once a tailpiece installed on the guitar, the evidence of which has been quite tidily repaired and well hidden. Ebony replacement bridge with mid 40’s profile, gently aged, and fitted with unslotted Antique Acoustic pins and glued-in bone through-style saddle.
1-11/16” nut width, 25.4” scale, 2-1/8” string spread at the bridge. C/Soft V neck carve with a 1st fret depth of .804’ and a 12th fret depth of .989”
With hardshell case
