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2018 Martin D-18 Authentic 1939

Martin’s D-18 Authentic 1939 is a faithful recreation of the company’s first rear-braced narrow nut mahogany dreadnought. Like all of the Authentics, the D-18 Authentic 1939 features hide-glue construction, T-bar neck support, and a scalloped-braced red spruce top with under-the-finish pickguard. The neck has a 30s carve, with a deep and round profile and graceful heel shape. An old-style logo, angle-bottomed nut, and Waverly tuners dress up the headstock, while the body features 30s Style 18 purflings and rosette, and a 30s style ebony belly bridge with glued-in saddle. It’s a simply appointed, but very classy guitar.

An exceptional sounding mahogany dreadnought, the D-18 Authentic 1939 offers plenty of volume and power, a wide open and expansive bass register, and trebles that are robust and full. It’s a shop favorite and a stellar flatpicker, with a bit more warmth and darkness than most other mahogany Dreads. Played lightly, the guitar opens up in a beguiling way, offering of a mix gorgeous overtones and fundamental presence that most any kind of player would love.

The neck has a round carve with a 1st fret depth of .850” and a nutwidth of 1-11/16”. The neck depth at the 9th fret is .980”, the scale is 25.4”, and string spread at the bridge is 2-1/8”.

In excellent condition, this D-18A presents beautifully but will show a few small dings on the headstock and the odd tiny ding on the body if you look closely. The first few frets show light wear in the trebles. A K&K pickup and a strap button in the heel have been professionally installed. Set-up in shop.

With original hardshell case
2018 Martin D-18 Authentic 1939

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Folkway Music in Guelph, Ontario Canada

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We've spent thirty years building relationships with musicians, collectors, and fellow dealers across Canada and the US. Every guitar we sell has been inspected, played, and approved by hands that know the difference.

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