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1959 Martin 00-18
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Serial #: 166405, stamped on neck block
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 Grover butterbean open back tuners; original tortoise pickguard, and end graft; original inlaid bridgepins; herringbone back binding and soundhole rosette.
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, 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. Offered in regular production until 1995, the guitar is now available on custom order only.
This lovely guitar from 1959 is fitted with the prewar style Grover open-back tuners, and is decorated with 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 6oz. and is effortless to hold on the lap or the strap, with a clear, open voice only decades of age can impart.
Well played and well kept, the guitar has 100% original hardware and finish, now aged to a deep amber. The instrument shows little in the way of buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear; the top shows moderate normal pick wear, mostly near the soundhole and the pickguard. A single hairline crack in the treble waist side has been soundly resealed.
Ideal for fingerstyle play, the guitar is notably sensitive to a pick as well. The voice is warm and balanced, and the neck profile is a gentle C, with just a hint of a light vee across the cheeks. Action is smooth and low over the clear straight Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, with freshly dressed original fretwork. 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. Call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge bronze strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter strings, according to preference.
Case: Deluxe arched plush lined fitted black hardshell case.
