1958 Martin D-18
Martin’s 50’s D-18s are known for their dry and forward midrange, fundamental clarity, and excellent string to string balance, and this 1958 example is all that and then some. It adds in a touch of darkness and a bit more of an open bass end than the average, which ups what this D-18 offers to solo players. It’s a strong flat-picker and an excellent strummer.
Crack-free top and no bracing repairs, original bridge and bridge plate remain in excellent un-modified condition, original finish, tuners, and nut. One repaired back crack, and a few repaired side cracks that are relatively minor and quite typical of vintage D-18s. The neck has been reset and refretted in the past and the angle and playability remain excellent. In our shop the guitar received a new bone saddle and a full set up up with 12-54 strings. The action is set at a low 4-6 64ths.
This guitar has been fairly well used and shows an average amount of playwear to its finish. There is sealed pick wear below the pickguard, some light to moderate belt buckle wear on the back, and areas of the back of the neck where the finish is worn through. Light scratching, dings, dents and scratches as are visible in the provided photos. Small areas of damaged finish on the heel of the neck likely happened during the neck reset process. Made in USA stamp on the back of the headstock, indicating that this guitar was shipped to Canada in 1958. Strap button in the neck heel.
The neck is carved with Martin’s standard compact feel of that era. Lowish C profile in the first position which becomes more of a softer V up the neck. Nut width is 1.68”, or just a hair shy of 1-11/16”. 25.4” scale, 2-1/8” string spread at the bridge.
With 70’s hardshell case
Crack-free top and no bracing repairs, original bridge and bridge plate remain in excellent un-modified condition, original finish, tuners, and nut. One repaired back crack, and a few repaired side cracks that are relatively minor and quite typical of vintage D-18s. The neck has been reset and refretted in the past and the angle and playability remain excellent. In our shop the guitar received a new bone saddle and a full set up up with 12-54 strings. The action is set at a low 4-6 64ths.
This guitar has been fairly well used and shows an average amount of playwear to its finish. There is sealed pick wear below the pickguard, some light to moderate belt buckle wear on the back, and areas of the back of the neck where the finish is worn through. Light scratching, dings, dents and scratches as are visible in the provided photos. Small areas of damaged finish on the heel of the neck likely happened during the neck reset process. Made in USA stamp on the back of the headstock, indicating that this guitar was shipped to Canada in 1958. Strap button in the neck heel.
The neck is carved with Martin’s standard compact feel of that era. Lowish C profile in the first position which becomes more of a softer V up the neck. Nut width is 1.68”, or just a hair shy of 1-11/16”. 25.4” scale, 2-1/8” string spread at the bridge.
With 70’s hardshell case