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1948 Martin 000-18
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Serial #: 98348, stamped on neck block
Nut Width: 1 11/16" Scale length: 24.9"
Materials: Solid bookmatched Honduran mahogany back and sides; Brazilian rosewood headplate; solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; solid one-piece Honduras mahogany neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; solid bone nut; Brazilian rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle; small maple bridgeplate; original open back tuners; original swirl tortoise pickguard.
Notes: The Style 18 is one of C.F. Martin's most venerable designs, dating to at least the 1850s. The 000-18 model made its debut in 1906 as a 12 fret guitar, and was redesigned in 1931 to it's current 14 fret configuration, with its 'Orchestra' style body. Example from the immediate postwar era are highly desirable for their light weight, player comfort and superior tonal balance. This handsome instrument has a number of the most desirable features of classic era Martins: the small maple bridgeplate, dark tortoise pickguard, and a soundboard whose grain and color are strongly suggestive of Adirondack spruce.
A wonderful Island guitar, this instrument bears the label of Bergstrom Music of Honolulu, which served Oahu since 1898. Tipping the scales at an phenomenal 3lb 8oz, the guitar is remarkably lightweight and deeply vibrant; open and responsive in a manner only decades of age can impart. The back and sides are crafted of ribboned Honduras mahogany, and the translucent brown tortoise pickguard is original, as are the open-back tuners, one of whose buttons have been solidly re-glued.
Nicely kept, the instrument shows only moderate normal playwear for an instrument of its vintage. The body shows a small patch of pickwear above the guard, some random lacquer nicks, and a short finish crack on the bass shoulder that does not extend through the wood. The voice is even and balanced across the range, and the neck profile is a traditional full C, solid and comfy in the palm. Action is smooth and low over a clear straight Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, fine high bone saddle, and freshly dressed pro fretwork.
One of the finest of Martin's Orchestra style instruments, and graced with tonewood we're not likely to see again, this remarkable guitar represents an outstanding opportunity for the contemporary player. No ka oi!
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge bronze strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference.
Case: Deluxe arched black hardshell case with crushed velour lining.
