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1954 Martin 00-18
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Serial #: 140623, stamped on neck block
Body Width: 14 3/8" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Scale Length: 24.9"
Materials: Solid bookmatched figured Honduras mahogany back, sides and neck; solid bookmatched quartersawn spruce top; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, bridge, headplate and heelcap; solid bone nut; compensated bone saddle; original open back tuners; original tortoise pickguard, and end graft; original black bridgepins.
Notes: The Style 18 is one of C.F. Martin's oldest designs, dating to at least 1857, and remained the firm's most popular motif throughout the 20th Century. The 'Grand Concert' 00 body size originated in 1873 with a Style 28 guitar, and by 1898 the first 00-18 model made its debut. Redesigned in 1934 to it's current 14 fret configuration, the 00-18 was one of Martin's all-time best selling models. Discontinued in 1995, the model has only recently returned to regular production.
This lovely guitar from 1954 is fitted with the prewar style oval button open-back tuners, and shows the colorful tortoiseshell binding and pickguard, both discontinued in the mid-'60s. Featherweight in construction, this elegant guitar tips the scales at a phenomenal 3lb 9oz. and is effortless to hold on the lap or the strap, with a clear, open voice only decades of age can impart.
The body and neck are crafted of close grained Honduras mahogany, and the bookmatched spruce top is supported with tall thin braces and aged to a deep pumpkin tone. The soundboard and neck show no cracks, with some pick and buckle wear professionally touched up with vintage style lacquer, and a tiny splint added to the lower treble side, about half the size of a matchstick.
Ideal for fingerstyle play, the guitar is notably sensitive to a pick as well, with a voice that is brilliantly vibrant and highly responsive. The neck profile is a gentle light vee, with smooth, low action is over the clear straight Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, with a fine high bone saddle, fresh neck set, and a high precision setup.
A favorite of performers from Nanci Griffith to Dave Alvin and Tim O'Brien, this compact classic offers Golden Era tone at a working player's price. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge bronze strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference.
Case: Period black plush lined hardshell case.
