Martin D-18 • 1962 • Best Tone • Great Action • OHC

Martin D-18 • 1962 • Best Tone • Great Action • OHC

Martin records indicate 727 D-18s were shipped in 1962.
This guitar is the product of the old 19th century North Street facility.
At a 1962 list price of $210 (plus case) it represented a serious professional level investment.

This D-18 has appointments typical of 1962, before Martin's move to the modern facility led to a number of changes to the instrument through the decade that are thought to diminish its vintage character.
The pickguard and binding are the traditional tortoise celluloid, the original bridge is the old long-saddle design, the bridgeplate still the small maple piece used before 1968.
The tuners were changed to gold Grovers in the 70's, they work so I left them alone.
The headstock's "rounded" corners are characteristic of this period, the result of Martin's shaping templates having become worn from extensive use.

This guitar sings with a powerful clear sound, an excellent playing instrument for just about any flat-top application.
Numerous repaired cracks on top and sides, see pix.
This is grandpa's player, it was played and used, it traveled and had a storied life.
It wasn't under the bed for 60 years, it has stories to tell from trips all over the country in the 70's.
Numerous honestly acquired scratches and knicks from dedicated playing and traveling, see pix.
There are repaired cracks and a few unrepaired small cracks, see pix.

Original perfectly polished frets, thanks Dave Petillo.
Reset bridge, original neckset.
C Neck profile illustrated in pix.
Some minor finger gouges on first few frets, see pix.

If you can come here and play this guitar, you'll leave with it.
There are none for sale anywhere anywhere near this pricepoint, these are killer guitars that play easily and project beautifully, they've become iconic and scarce in the marketplace.

Overall length: 41 in. (104.1 cm.)
Lower bout: 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.)
Depth: 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) taken at the end block.
Scale length: 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.).
Nut width: 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
Case: Original 1962 Martin green lined case