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2016 Martin 00-18 Authentic 1931 VTS
With fewer than 200 original examples made back in 1931, the 12 fret, belly-bridge and pickguard equipped 00-18 is an exceptionally rare vintage model. The same is now entirely true of Martin's 00-18 Authentic 1931, as factory records show that only 169 of this recreation were built!
At the heart of the 00-18 Authentic 1931 is the guitar's VTS red spruce top, light scalloped bracing, tiny maple bridge plate, and hide-glue construction. Looking inside with a mirror, the guitar is virtually indistinguishable from an original early 1930's 00, minus the dust-bunnies! It's really quite remarkably made. The back braces are carved low and small, and the cloth side reinforcements look the part as well.
The guitar's 'Authentic' treatment extends to the accurate trimmings as well, from the wooden rosette, purflings and bindings, and finished-over bevelled-edge pickguard, to the finished-in ebony nut, C.F. Martin & Co. stamp on headstock back side, and brass-plate Waverly-style reproduction tuners. The neck carve is quite accurate to the era, with a rounded feel and moderate depth, and the headstock shape and slotting is dead-on.
Thirties profile belly bridge with bone through saddle, unslotted early 1930's 'ice cream cone' style pins and matching endpin, and 1.5mm ivoroid side dots. Even the neck finish along the edge of the fingerboard is scraped away past the body joint. They really didn't miss a trick.
Needless to say, the 00-18 is an exceptionally good sounding guitar. Its 00 size is, for many, the ultimate compromise between big and small, and the guitar offers something to players of every style. It has both warmth and articulation; clarity, overtones, presence in the mid range, support in the lower register, and trebles that spring out. It's responsive and sensitive, and a wonderful fingerstyle instrument. If you opt for a heavy flatpick you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous fundamental, power, and definition in addition to everything already mentioned. Yes, we're fans of this guitar.
Martin broke from tradition in two specification choices for this 00-18 Authentic to satisfy modern guitar players: You’ll find T frets rather than bar frets, and the saddle is angled with modern compensation.
This example is in near-new condition. It has had a strap button added to the neck heel but is otherwise unmodified. The frets are nearly unworn, and the finish shows only the most minor blemishes if you inspect it closely.
Soft V neck carve with 1-7/8” nut width and .852” depth at the 1st fret. 24.9” scale, 2-3/8” string spread at the saddle. Set up with 12-53 strings and an action of 5-5.5 64ths.
Accompanied by a deluxe Harptone fitted hardshell case and 1930's Authentic repro price tag, this is a lovely package.
