By the late 1920s Martin truly had come upon the apex of steel string, 12-fret guitar design. Martin’s 12 fret models built from about 1927 into the early 1930s (when the switch to 14 fret necks occurred) are among the best sounding examples that can be had and are widely favoured for their comfortably rounded neck carves, as well. In short, if you’re after the best 12 fret Martin, looking at one from this small window of time is likely sage advice.

That said, it comes as no surprise that this particular 0-18 is a remarkably amazing guitar with volume and tone that belie its smaller size. It’s a guitar that turns heads here at the shop, which should be enough of a clue as to how good it sounds. Something of guitar shaped piano, this 0-18 offers a beguiling openness, exceptional balance and presence with a perfect complement of overtone development and sub-bass shudder.

Purchased from the family of its original owner, this guitar arrived to Folkway in need of all the usual old-Martin repair needs. The neck has now been reset, the bar frets and saddle replaced, compensation has been added to the saddle slot, a few back brace ends have been cleanly glued, and a couple hair-line cracks along the fingerboard extension have been glued and properly reinforced. There are two very minor reglued back cracks and a few nicely repaired minor side cracks. All of the repair work was done by Folkway’s Mark Stutman.

The guitar is structurally excellent and has a perfect top but does have some playwear to its top and shows an assortment of the usual small dings and scratches on its body and neck.

Set up with 12-53 strings and 4-6 64ths action, this 0-18 is ready for fingerstyle or controlled flat-picking. The barfrets average .045” in height and are smoothly crowned for an unparalleled light-touch feel.

With new deluxe fitted hardshell case