Music

This is a killer-sounding and unusual specimen: a 1934 Martin D-18 that was retopped by Martin in the late ‘40s! Check out the included demo video.The serial number dates this played-in old D-18 to December 21, 1934, with a final inspection / clear date of March 15, 1935; the number was also written on the inside of the neck block (discovered during a recent neck reset). I had the guitar evaluated by Music City Vintage Guitars here in Nashville, and the assessment is that the guitar was likely sent back to Martin for repair between 1946-49. The original top was replaced with a wide-grain Sitka spruce top with rear-shifted, tapered bracing, and the celluloid pickguard and tuners also appear to be period-correct for the late ‘40s. There is considerable surface wear and checking as well as some older overspray, and the ebony bridge is a replacement.Luthier Judge Wolfe recently performed a neck reset, refret, bridge reglue, several back and side-crack repairs, two top crack repairs, and a back brace split/reglue. The result is a fantastic-playing and -sounding instrument that sounds like a hybrid of a ‘30s and ‘40s D-18 – perhaps best described as a powerful ‘40s D-18 with something extra going on, an additional gear or air or something that sets it apart from most other D-18s from that era. The nut width is 1 ¾”, since the neck (and back and sides) are of course from 1934, and the string spacing at the saddle is 2 5/16”.The book value on a typical ‘34 D-18 is $80-100k, although this is certainly not a typical one! Beau at Music City Vintage Guitars just appraised the guitar for $25k; asking $24k here. Comes in newer black hardshell case.

The Martin D-18 is a true icon in the world of acoustic guitars. First introduced in 1931, the D-18 has established itself as a mainstay in genres like folk, country, and bluegrass. With its solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, it delivers a balanced tone characterized by warm bass and clear treble. Musicians love its playability and rugged construction, making it reliable for both studio sessions and live performances.