While most of the work we see coming out of Martin's Custom Shop tends to involve minor upgrades or additions to their stock Standard Series models, this 2017 Custom D-18 begins to move into different territory altogether for a sound and feel all its own. The list of extra design features and upgrades is hard to cover in the span of just a few sentences, with significant alterations made to the design, specifications, tonewoods, and cosmetics. For starters, this D-18 eschews the standard shape and scale length, instead using a Gibson short scale and slope shoulder design for a look and feel unlike most Martins. The standard Sitka spruce top has been upgraded to an Adirondack one, lending the guitar more bite and punch when driven with a heavy right hand, and the ebony fingerboard and bridge have been traded out for Indian rosewood. Then there's the finish - a gorgeous, glossy off-white for some classic Nashville country flair that sets off nicely against the tortoise pickguard, ivoroid binding, jumbo hexagon inlays, and black headstock veneer. It's a truly unique instrument that we love having on our wall.
This guitar arrived in our store excellent condition, with next to no cosmetic wear and a comfortable, medium set up that supports a wide range of playing styles. Included in the price is the original Martin hard-shell case, upgraded from the standard molded plastic to a Martin 500 Series with a cabernet interior.
Specifications
Top Wood: Adirondack spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Mahogany
Width at Nut: 1.69"
Bracing Pattern: Scalloped X-bracing
Scale Length: 24.88"
Frets to Body: 14
Fingerboard and Bridge Wood: Rosewood
Body Binding: Grained ivoroid with multi-layer purfling
Rosette: Multi-ring with ivoroid inlay
Headplate Material: Black veneer
Headstock Inlay / Logo: Martin logotype in gold leaf
Neck Binding: None
Neck Shape: Modified low oval
Fingerboard Side Dots: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets
Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-pearl hexagons at frets listed above
Pickguard: Tortoise
Tuners: Aged brass inline open-gear with cream buttons
Electronics: None
Case: Original Martin 500 Series hard-shell case