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Please note:
These are some of the more notable instruments
that have recently been sold by Folkway Music.
None of these instruments are for sale.
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1943 Martin D-18
Serial # 84943. This featherweight and close to crack free Wartime D-18 is a powerful and expressive flatpicker, with just enough of that smoky resonance to tastefully balance its pure, dry, and focused tone. This is one heck of a Martin. Rear-shifted scalloped bracing, original bridge and bridgeplate, no internal repairs of any kind, typical war-time neck with ebony reinforcement, very soft V profile, and 1-21/32” nut. New nickel-plated and aged Waverly tuners, new saddle, pins, and set-up by our shop. Older refinish (for no apparent reason) makes this one more affordable. The top, back, and sides measure the correct thicknesses – which would suggest an overspray rather than a refinish, however the color of the mahogany is a little more red than normal, and there is finish under the original pickguard. Headstock has been semi-professionally refinished to correct the damage left by Grover tuners. With no cracks or repairs, it’s tough to figure out a reason for the finish work. So be it. Regardless, it’s an incredible sounding guitar with excellent playability.
With newer Martin Hardshell case
SOLD
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1972 Martin D-12-35
Serial # 298632. Crack free, completely original, and in perfect condition. Never repaired or neck-setted; the set-up we gave it was likely its first ever. The guitar plays well with comfortable action of 5 to 7 64ths and still shows a bit of saddle above the bridge for further minor adjustment. Original frets are close to unworn, original open-gear tuning machines work well, and there is no playwear anywhere on the guitar. The pickguard is just beginning to lift, and there is a small tight crack at the inside margin that’s not yet been repaired. In astonishing condition, especially for a guitar two years short of its 40th birthday!
With original blue plastic case
SOLD
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1942 Martin 0-15
Serial # 81222. The pick of the litter when it comes to small-body Mahogany tone, this 0-15 has an alluring sonic range with expressive and warm basses and big, meaty trebles. It’s strong, lively, and powerful; with open mids and the wonderful combination of volume and subtlety. Sounds pretty good already, huh? Well it’s also one of the finest looking 0-15’s we’ve come across. It’s absolutely original – saddle, pins, tuners, nuts… everything; it is entirely crack-free and unrepaired (no pickguard crack, no neck set); and it plays well with 5 to 7 64ths action. Add to that the ultra-cool tortoise celluloid headstock overlay, original Waverly three-on-a-plate tuning machines, and original case and you’ve got an instrument that’s at the top of its pile. Set up in shop, the only small flaw we can note is that the saddle is pretty much as low as it should go. Close to no fret wear, bridge pins are unworn. All mahogany construction, scalloped bracing, 24.9” scale round-profile neck with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, ebony nut, and 1-21/32” nut width. This guitar proves that even the Martin models that were at the bottom of the pricelist back in the 1940’s are worth getting very excited about.
With original case.
SOLD
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2000 Martin 000-28H Lefty
Serial # 762246. As a lefty, it’s hard not to fall for an attractive herringbone 000 when one shows up. But when they sound as good as this guitar does, it’s near impossible! This ten year old guitar has had a chance to play-in and open up beautifully – it’s got power, and fullness, strong trebles, and warm overtones, and it’s great fingerpicked or flatpicked. Scalloped braces, a high-quality Sitka spruce top, and a compensated bone saddle must certainly help the tonal cause. And thanks to a recent in-shop set-up this one plays just right, too. No cracks or repairs, no finish wear, very little fretwear. 1-11/16” nut, round profile neck, 24.9” scale.
With Geib-style Martin hardshell case
SOLD
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2005 Martin D-18 Authentic
Serial # 1115656. This is the proof in the proverbial pudding that C.F. Martin & Co. still really can build great guitars. The “Authentic” line is Martin’s ode to its former self, and the instruments are the closest things to 1930’s Martins the company has built since… well, since the 1930’s. Hide glue construction, 1930’s blueprints and brace carving, Red Spruce tops, fossil ivory nuts and saddles, lacquered over celluloid pickguards… the list goes on and on. And while there are certain things about the guitars that aren’t exactly the same as they were back in 1937, we’re happy to excuse them. This D-18 Authentic is a darn nice guitar. It’s cleanly built, it’s lightly built, and it looks great. The sound is tremendous – much like what I’d suspect a new D-18 would have sounded like in the mid 1930’s – and I can only imagine what the years will do to this already powerful guitar. In nearly new condition, the guitar’s only flaws are some light pickwear (or wear of some kind) on the top’s upper treble bout (see detail photo), and a stap button in the heel It’s nicely set up and plays perfectly. Expect a neck of significant size though: the nut measures 1-3/4” and the neck carve is thick and round.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1939 Martin D-28
Serial # 72672. This is the biggest sounding D-28 we’ve ever played. Period. It’s a mid ’39 guitar with rearward bracing and a big neck. And it’s ridiculously clean too (and that’s likely an understatement). 100% original (bridge pins, tuners, finish, everything), never neck-setted, perfect flat-picking set up with medium strings, full-height bridge, and a somewhat low saddle. The nut has never been out, tuners look new, original frets are unworn, and the bridge-pins are still sitting high just the way Martin left them. Most 10 year old D-28’s look older than this guitar.
The guitar has just come through our repair shop. We’ve glued a crack through the bridge-pin holes, glued and cleated a tight back crack, and glued and touched-up a hairline crack along the inside edge of the volute (bass side). The repairs are all close to invisible. There is no overspray, but we did drop-fill the back and headstock cracks with lacquer. Apart from some minor thumb wear on the edge of the neck and behind the nut, the finish is immaculate. There is a long crack through the fingerboard, from the soundhole to the 8th fret, that appears to have been previously repaired. If a clean pre-war herringbone is what you’ve been looking for, this one is worthy of strong consideration. It's not cheap, but it is a tremendous sounding instrument in astonishing condition.
With period chipboard case
On consignment
SOLD
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1947 Martin D-18
Serial # 103297. A later 40’s mahogany dreadnaught with a broken-in but solid tone; powerful but understated, with colorful overtones. A great sounding post-war Martin, and one perfectly suited for those who favor tone and playability over perfect condition. Older neck reset and refret, top and side cracks (one of each) likely repaired by the same hands. A decade ago we repaired an unfortunate hole in the bottom treble side of the guitar (see 3 detail photos, below), and more recently our shop replaced a slightly oversized bridge with a correct footprint Brazilian vintage look-alike. There is a very small area of finish touchup in front of the bridge that’s just barely visible in the front detail photo provided. A small additional plate added to the front edge of the original maple bridge plate to allow the installation of a now-removed K+K pickup. The little plate is harmless, so we left it in place in case the next owner would like to install a similar pickup. The endblock has been fitted with a ½” ebony strap button as well. Original tuners, nut, and finish – except over the side repair. Bone saddle, ebony bridgepins, strap-button added to the heel. Currently set up with 5 to 7 64th action and medium strings. Typical late 40’s neck carve is fairly round and compact in the first position with a nut width of 1-21/32” and becomes more of a soft V up the neck.
With hardshell case
On consignment
SOLD
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1950 Martin 000-21
Serial # 117724. C.F. Martin built 97 000-21's in 1950. Comparing that to the number D-28's the company built that year (475) will give you some
indication of exactly how uncommon these instruments are. Today, the rosewood 000 is a fairly common guitar, but not so in the middle of the last
century when Dreadnaught production outnumbered 000's by a margin of about 10 to 1. Given this, we're a little bit extra pleased to offer you this
fine example of a 1950 000-21. With no cracks, scrapes or bruises, this instrument is in excellent condition. Some finish has been worn off the
back of the neck in the first position, and an index-finger sized spot of wear shows on the pickguard just below the soundhole. Clearly a one-owner
instrument for most of its life, this guitar has lived a pampered life and is in remarkably good shape for an instrument of nearly 60 years. The
bridge is an attractive replica, and the neck has been professionally reset. The frets appear to be original, but we suspect they have been replaced -
there is very little grooving on the frets in the first position, which is incongruous with the finish wear on the back of the neck. Original first
issue closed back Kluson tuners are in perfect order, original ivory nut, beautifully aged original lacquer finish. Richly hued quartersawn
Brazilian rosewood back and sides (check out those sawmarks!), and even grained Sitka spruce top. This guitar oozes tone, and it is one of the
finest post-war fingerstyle Martins we've had the pleasure of encountering. The guitar lacks nothing. It has the volume, harmonic resonance, balance,
and openness we all hope to find in a vintage instrument. Set up with light gauge strings and 5 - 7 action with a low saddle. 1-11/16" nut.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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2007 Martin 000-42 Marquis
Serial # 1236981. A “Golden Era” Martin, but made more affordable through the use of Indian rosewood rather than Brazilian. Adirondack spruce and Honduran mahogany, 1930’s style X bracing, grained ivoroid bindings, through-saddle bridge, fossil ivory saddle and angled bottom nut, vintage style tuners; 1930’s shaped headstock, volute, and logo; gloss lacquer finish. Oh, and all that pearl! Style 42 pearl trimmed top, rosette and fingerboard inlays. A dashing guitar, with a very definite vintage bent in looks, feel, and – most importantly – tone. Responsive to a light touch; big and dark basses, with trebles nicely in balance. Very comfortable 30’s V neck profile, 1-3/4” nut, 2-5/16” string spread at the bridge… this is a fingerstyle guitarist’s dream! In immaculate condition with just about no trace of wear. Set-up in shop.
With original hardshell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1959 Martin 00-28G
Serial # 165780. Although not known for concert volume or power, Martin classical guitars are prized for their soft and intimate tone, easy playability, and – particularly in the case of this guitar – their stunning tonewoods and fit and finish. Spectacular Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, built and appointed in typical 28 style. 25.4” scale neck, 1-31/32” wide ivory nut, original Waverly tuners. No cracks, no repairs. The finish shows typical 50 year old guitar sort of wear, but there’s nothing terribly extensive save for some case-rash on the upper bass side. Lovingly set up in our shop, the guitar plays nicely with low action. Calm, smooth and mellow; this is a perfect late-evening guitar for any Martin enthusiast.
With original hardshell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1967 Martin D-18
Serial # 218378. A strong-voiced attractive guitar in wonderful condition. With looks that belie its age, this D-18 is sure to impress. Were it not for a near-invisible 2” side crack repair and a shaved bridge this might have otherwise won the “Cleanest D-18 in memory” award. Even such, it’s one amazing guitar. Cleanly repaired pickguard crack, original everything, nice action and set up. Neck angle is fine given the lowered bridge, and there’s even still saddle left above the bridge for further adjustment. Frets are beginning to show their age but still play buzz-free and there is light playwear around the sound hole. A transitional model, this guitar features a tortoise pickguard and black binding, small maple bridgeplate, drop-in style bridge, and Grover Pat. Pend Rotomatics. A quick and witty guitar, this D-18 has a wide dynamic rage with nice sustain and strong attack. It plays fast due to the way it sounds as much as due to its set up.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1935 Martin 0-17
Serial # 61509. A small guitar with a huge voice, this 0-17 will surprise you at first strum. Expressive, warm and full, with great overtones and big volume, this instrument offers everything we listen for in a small mahogany box. It’s in very fine shape too, with no cracks or repairs other than a professional neck reset, refret, and small bridge plate patch. The original bridge has been shaved down a little bit, but it’s thick enough and well-glued. Original finish throughout, nice metal-button Grover tuners, original bridge pins. Soft V mid 30’s neck carve (the best kind) with 1-3/4” nut; bridge string spacing is 2-5/16” for a perfect fingerstyle right-hand feel. Set up with comfortable fingerstyle action.
With original case
SOLD
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1956 Martin 000-18
Serial # 149024. This mid-1950's 000-18 is a very fine instrument in all three major categories: tone, playability, and looks. No cracks and no real
wear - just a few dings here and there as are evident in the photos provided. This one had its neck reset and refretted by our hands a few
years back; it's completely original, except for the bone saddle and frets, and it's ready to play. A two owner instrument, this 000-18 has obviously
been very well cared for throughout its life, and shows its thanks with a beautifully developed voice. We've set the guitar up with fingerstyle action
and light gauge strings. Sitka top, Mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood board and full height bridge. Original tuners, ivory nut, and
bridge/end pins. 24.9" scale length, 1-11/16" nut width. A lovely package, with its original hard-shell case, strap, and some case goodies.
On Consignment
SOLD
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1953 Martin D-28
Serial # 129300. A local one-owner D-28, in very fine condition, and 100% original. Late 1952 and 1953 saw instruments built with Red Spruce tops, making guitars like these among the most desirable post-war Martins. And for a reason, too; this guitar is sounds huge! The combination of non-scalloped braces, Brazilian rosewood, Red spruce, and early 1950’s craftsmanship creates one of the straight-ahead loudest D-28’s we’ve ever encountered. Many flatpickers actually prefer the balance afforded by the post-war design over the earlier scalloped braced versions . This is a powerful machine. No top or back cracks, one minor and well repaired side crack; no repaired braces, never neck-setted or refretted, no finish touch-ups of any kind. The bridge was bolted down when it arrived at Folkway, but has since been reglued properly (yes, with hide glue), and bolt holes filled with ebony. We left the small holes in the bridgeplate alone. The bridge is full-thickness, and the action is set at factory standard 5 to 7 64ths with about 1/16th of height left in the saddle. Original frets show minor wear in the first position but are pretty much untouched beyond the 3rd fret, no fret dressing was necessary, the guitar is set up well and plays easily and accurately. The original bridgepins look almost new, as does the original endpin. Apart from the one side crack, the filled screw-holes in the bridge, a couple of cigarette burns on the headstock face and one on the back-binding, there’s really nothing to fault here. This one is just about as fine as they come, with the playability and the tone to match.
With 1970’s Blue Martin Hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1965 Martin D-18
Serial # 2011025. With no cracks to speak of, perfectly quartered mahogany back and sides, a great feeling fast mid 60’s neck and low action, this D-18 is a great player. Some heavy pickwear and non-original tuners help to keep the price down, but don’t hurt tone at all. Older neck set is fine but some minor scarring was left along the fingerboard’s edge. Full height original bridge, tortoiseshell celluloid accents, and late 1960’s Kluson double-line tuners have replaced Grovers. Original frets are nicely dressed and play well up the neck; the guitar has a Folkway set up with 5 to 7 action. Sweet and even-toned, this D-18 is a perfect strummer and great choice for vocal accompaniment.
With newer deluxe hard shell case
On consignment
SOLD
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1958 Martin 00-18G
Serial # 164834. Bought new in 1958 by a family member of mine, this guitar was recently unearthed during a clean out of their basement storage bin where it has lived for some 30 plus years. Just prior to tossing it in the garbage they had the good sense to call and ask if there was any point to fixing it. The bridge was off and the guitar was filthy, but the awful chipboard case managed to keep it all safe and sound. With a simple bridge glue, a little virtuoso cleaner, and some minor set up the Martin was up and running once again. The guitar is in nearly-new condition, with only crazed finish to show for its years. It’s a lovely sounding guitar, very warm and intimate – Martin classicals tend towards the quiet and mellow – and it’s perfectly set up.
With original chipboard case
On consignment
SOLD
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1946 Martin D-28
Serial # 96200. A player’s dream instrument, this late model Herringbone D-28 is a huge sounding guitar worthy of any flatpicker. A pro-refinish and headstock repair bring the price closer to earth, but this one is nearly crack-free and in otherwise excellent shape. All braces are original and unrepaired, X and tone bars have been professionally scalloped, original maple bridge plate, original bridge, pickguard, and tuners. No back and side cracks, top has a well-repaired center seam and minor repaired cracks along the margins of the fingerboard and pickguard. Pro neck set, refret, and set up with ivory nut and saddle. Full height saddle, perfect action and bluegrass set-up. Headstock repair is 100% solid and not terribly noticeable. Perfectly quartered Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, and a gorgeous Sitka top, Herringbone purfling and ivoroid bindings; zig-zag back strip. Fairly round neck profile with a nut width just shy of 1-11/16ths. With a price tag significantly less than half that of a guitar with original finish; but with bigger, bolder, deeper, and punchier tone than most, this instrument offers huge value to the musician who places tone and playability higher on the list than condition. It’s a knock out, and will blow away most of the other guitars at the jam.
With newer hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1936 Martin 000-18
Serial # 63271. In our ongoing commitment to bring you the very best in vintage acoustics we present here a beautiful 1936 Martin 000-18 in excellent and original condition. Completely unaltered during its 70+ year life but for one bridge pin, a bone saddle and its frets, this instrument offers up the best in vintage tone, looks, and feel. Red spruce top, Honduran Mahogany back and sides, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, bridge, and headstock overlay. Tortoiseshell celluloid bindings and pickguard, ivory nut, Grover tuners, and completely original lacquer finish. Original full thickness bridge and maple bridge plate, finely scalloped braces, and X positioning close to the soundhole. Nut width of 1-3/4", and standard 000 scale length of 24.9". This instrument's neck had been professionally reset before making its way to Folkway; the work was cleanly done and the angle is fine. The frets and bone saddle have been replaced by us and we have set the action for fingerstyle playing with the strings resting comfortably at 4.5 to 7 64ths above the 12th fret and strung with light-gauge Martins. With the exception of a repair at the pickguard margin, the instrument is free of cracks and loose or damaged components; the finish on the back of the headstock is locally damaged. A finely built instrument, and like many of the best instruments built by Martin in the years preceding the Second World War, it has withstood the test of time very well. Its tone is on par with the best Golden Era mahogany Martins, and will be prized by its next owner. Powerful, dry, articulate, resonant, woody, mature, balanced, open - all are words that aptly describe this instrument's voice. The treble notes jump out of the guitar with a spherical bigness that will make you want to play single notes on the high E string for two hours. But one strum on the bass strings will remind you of the instrument's size, power, and readiness to spring out of the gates and perform. You just have to play it.
This guitar is sold with its original Martin Style C hard shell case, as pictured.
On Consignment
SOLD
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1919 Martin 00-28K
Serial # 14021. Built for the Southern California Music Company, one of Martin's Largest retailers, the 00-28K pictured here was one of the first Martin guitars specifically designed for steel strings. Hawaiian music was all the rage in the late 'teens, and the west coast was the hot-bed of all things Hawaiian. The SoCal Music Co., already a well established Martin distributor, requested instruments built entirely of Hawaiian Koa wood and strung with steel strings to capitalize on this growing trend. The very first of these new instruments, from 1916, were labeled Manuel Nunes, under the pretence that this Hawaiian builder's name would be more highly regarded by Hawaiian musicians than that of C.F. Martin. Shortly though, the C. F. Martin & Co. stamp would replace the M. Nunes decal, and a couple years later - in mid 1918 - the SoCal guitars would get Martin serial numbers, along with standardized Martin style designations.
With the exception of the 000-28K, of which only two are known to have been built, the 00-28K is the largest, most ornate, and rarest of these first steel strings. Records show only 34 were built between 1919 and 1921. The instrument features standard style 28 appointments, including herringbone top trim, zig-zag back strip, 5-9-5 rosette, pyramid bridge, genuine Ivory bindings, end-graft, nut, and saddle, ebony bar-fretted fingerboard with snowflake inlays and engraved nickel-sliver tuning machines. The back of the headstock is stamped "Southern California Music Company Los Angeles" and the back graft is stamped with C. F. Martin's logo. A paper label inside the instrument reads "Rolando [brand] Koa Wood Guitar, Made Expressly for Hawaiian Steel Style of Playing". The guitar is fan braced like all of Martin's first steel strings (including the first Ditson Dreadnaughts). Apparently the X bracing Martin used on its gut sting guitars must have been thought of as not strong enough for steel string tensions. Funny that. The instrument is in excellent and original condition, with only a glued top seam separation and reglued bridge striking against it. The neck was professionally reset some time ago, and the instrument is today very playable. With an eighth of an inch of saddle above the bridge, the action measures 7 to 9 64ths and can be lowered further. It is strung with 11-52 strings. The nut measures a hair less than 1-7/8" and the scale length is 24.9". The tone is loud and quick, with a Koa sparkle and plenty of woody overtones. Quite unlike a ladder-braced guitar, but still different than an X-braced Martin. Sold with a non-original hard shell case.
SOLD
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1931 Martin 00-40H
Serial # 48692. Some 250 00-40H instruments were built in total between the years 1928 and 1939. The model was the most expensive Hawaiian guitar in the Martin catalog, and the only Hawaiian style guitar to boast pearl trim. Like most, this 00-40H has been converted to Spanish style, and is today a lovely fingerstyle instrument with a warm, strong, and well defined strong voice. Figured Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, tightly grained Red Spruce top with scalloped bracing, bordered in pearl and bound in ivoroid; Style 45 rosette and backstrip, Style 42 fingerboard inlays. Slotted headstock with C.F. Martin stamp on rear, along with the Made in USA stamp applied to export guitars. 12 fret soft-V neck, short scale length, and a 1-7/8” nut.
In the conversion to Spanish the guitar’s fingerboard has been professionally replaced and the original Sea Snail shell inlays were re-used. The work is well done, but the use of T-frets rather than bar frets is a dead giveaway! Replacement ebony bridge is slightly oversized and has seen a few saddle-slot modifications over the years; most recently by us. Original tuners and nut; new 30’s reproduction bridge pins, no end-pin as the hole has been widened to accommodate an end-pin jack. Some top cracks are long ago repaired and there is localized finish touch-up associated with the pair of these between the bridge and bottom edge of the top. A couple of well repaired cracks on the treble side Brazilian; no cracks in the back or bass side. A one inch section of backstrip has been repaired (see photo). Original finish is intact, but does show some damage to a good part of the back. The top finish has lots of character marks, but nothing specifically noteworthy to report on. Neck angle is good (perhaps a little too good); the guitar’s action measures a hair higher than 4 to 5 64ths at the 12th fret. Thanks to good frets, the instrument is remarkably buzz-free with this low action under a moderate attack. Despite the somewhat long list of modifications, the guitar is quite a fine instrument. Its bridgeplate and braces are all intact and in fine condition and its top is not bellied or bowed. A very comfortable guitar to play with a rich and darkly hued pallet of tone.
With non-original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1913 Martin 0-28
Serial # 11760, underside of top signed by Frank Henry Martin and dated 10/8/13.
Guitars like this 1913 0-28 don't show up often. For starters, it was built during a time when the C.F. Martin company was building only about 200 instruments per year; this instrument is one of 13 0-28's built in '13. Second, it's a particularly late guitar to be fitted with ivory friction pegs. And finally, it is a museum-quality example with perfect action and playability. Rare, yes. Beautiful, yes. Desireable, yes.
0 size body of quartersawn Brazilian rosewood and Adirondack Red Spruce; light scalloped bracing, Style 28 trim with ivory bindings, fine herringbone purflings, 5-9-5 rosette of ivory an wooden rings, zig-zag backstrip, ivory end graft. Ebony pyramid bridge with original full height ivory saddle and original horn and abalone pins; original ivory nut, friction pegs, and horn strap-buttons on the headstock and tail. One piece mahogany V-profile neck, stamped C.F. Martin & Co. on the rear of the headstock; ebony fingerboard with slotted diamond inlays at frets 5, 7, and 9; original full-height bar frets, ivory side-dot position markers, and ivory heel cap. Original rubbed shellac finish is unworn and perfect on all surfaces. A 1" top crack located at the bass-side waist was glued in our shop, and a crack at the treble margin of the fingerboard extension was glued and cleated as well. The guitar has never witnessed any other repairs or had any parts replaced. 1-13/16" nut width, 24.9" scale length. Strung with nylon strings the guitar sounds quite lovely; it can be strung with silk and steel strings if you prefer, however a new lower saddle would be required. The action currently reads perfectly at 2.5 to 3.5 mm at the 12th fret with hard-tension nylon strings.
With new deluxe TKL hard shell case
SOLD
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1944 Martin 000-18
Serial # 87924. Scalloped bracing, red spruce, and super-light wartime construction once again prove their worth with this particularly lovely triple-O. Many players favor guitars without steel neck support, and a few seconds with this 000-18 really shows why. The instrument actually vibrates more than the majority of 000's out there. This characteristic might be attributable to the lower acoustic damping properties of the guitar's ebony neck reinforcement versus the steel T-bar neck support Martin employed in their necks built prior to and after WWII. It's an interesting thing to observe and appreciate. The guitar tips the scales at a feathery 3.25 pounds, and feels even lighter than that thanks to the light neck and headstock. There is a great deal of openness and bass response in this instrument's voice; and even the treble notes have a certain bassy warmth and fullness to them. It's quite something to play, and a very difficult guitar to put down.
Mahogany back and sides, Adirondack Red spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and original bridge. Original ebony nut, stamped tuners, endpin, and finish. The top has three cracks, all repaired long ago: one at the pickguard's edge, and the other two on the lower treble bout. There are no back cracks, and a few small crack lines on the sides were also repaired a good while back. No internal repairs or modifications, full height bridge. This one came to us having once had a neck reset but in need of another. There was a small finish touch up on the sides adjacent to the heel which we cleaned up when the neck was off. The guitar now has new frets and a replacement bone saddle, and a slinky fingerstyle set up compliments of our repair department. It plays beautifully with low action. Compact feeling neck with a soft-V profile and a nut width of 1-11/16"; 24.9" scale length.
With period chipboard case, possibly original
SOLD
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c. 1875 Martin 5-26 Terz
When was the last time you saw a Martin 5-26? If you’re like most us the answer is never, as only 2 of these are known to exist! This one is just about as perfect as you could hope a 125 year old guitar could be. It came through our repair shop for a vintage-replica saddle, some fretwork, and setup. Tuned to a third up, this guitar really does hold it’s own. It’s amazing how full and rich such a tiny guitar can sound; at about 11” wide, it is not much bigger than a Baritone uke! Complete with its original hard case, this time-capsule is presented for reference only and is not offered for sale. Enjoy the photos.
NOT FOR SALE
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1953 Martin D-18
Serial # 129624. If you're into playing fiddle tunes on vintage Martin Dreadnaughts you'll dig this D-18. Its clear, balanced, and loud voice is perfectly suited for flatpicking, and with plenty of headroom those big G
chords swell like an ocean in a hurricane! Sitka spruce top, quartered mahogany back and sides, original everything save for the endpin, and in quite lovely condition. This one has not ever had its neck reset and its
bridge is full height; but the action still reads a perfect 5 to 7 64ths. Sure, stranger things have happened, but in vintage Martins it's pretty uncommon to find one that can play right without a neck reset. A couple of
short, nicely repaired hairline side cracks and a repaired pickguard crack are the only minor faults we can find on this guitar; there are no issues or weird repairs, the finish is nice, and its frets and tuners are factory
original. A strap button and an endpin jack have been installed, however there is currently no pickup in this guitar. 50's roundish neck profile with a hint of V, 1-21/32" nutwidth. A particularly fine early 50's Dreadnaught.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1922 Martin 2-17
Serial # 17032. The 2-17, introduced in 1922, was the very first production
Spanish-style steel string Martin guitar. This instrument is a first-model
year example, having being built in the spring of '22, and is therefore one
of the earliest true steel string Martin guitars you'll find. The company
built a total of 344 2-17's in 1922, and our suspicion is that this is among
the first 100 or 150 of these. It is quite an experience to hold on of the
first steel string Martin guitars, even if it is just a little 2-17.
The X-braced top features two tone bars as opposed to the single tone bar
design of earlier models (even much bigger earlier instruments had only a
single tone bar). The Mahogany body is bound in rosewood on the top and
back, and the top's edge has fine maple and ebony purfling strips as well.
The rosette is the 1-9-1 pattern you'd normally associate with Style 18, but
was used on the earliest 2-17's in 1922 prior to the switch to the simple
rosette we normally see on the Style 17. A simple rosewood bridge, black
bakelite pins, bar-fretted rosewood fingerboard, brass tuning machines, and
thin lacquer finish give the guitar a utilitarian look. The nut is a
replacement made in our shop of buffalo horn; and the bridge saddle is an
original Ivory Martin saddle we salvaged from another instrument. The
bridge saddle slot was filled and recut in our shop for proper intonation.
The neck has already been reset, but the joint has let go a little bit and
there is a small gap between the heel of the neck and the sides (see photo).
I guess they should have gotten that job done by us. In any case, the
action is high-ish as a result, and we feel the neck should be reset again
to correct this issue. The saddle is currently full height, and it should
be a very straight-forward neck-set to get this instrument back up to
optimal. It is otherwise in perfect and remarkable condition, with no other
repairs or issues. It's a powerhouse of a little guitar, with a very quick
attack and surprising bigness and warmth.
With hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1953 Martin D-28
A dream guitar for so many of us, this '53 D-28 features a Red Spruce top,
and some of the most perfect Brazilian Rosewood you'll ever see! Oh, and
it's in ridiculously fine condition. We've just completed a neck set,
bridge glue, pickguard crack repair, and set up; and before we sent it on
its way we took these photos for posterity's sake. Enjoy.
Sorry, this one is not for sale.
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1958 Martin D-21
Serial # 162500. Now this is what a 50's Rosewood dreadnaught should sound like! This D-21 has the raw power, deep bass and big trebles that are the hallmark of a good bluegrass box. Recently neck-setted here at Folkway, the instrument plays as well as it should, too. Gorgeously hued and quartersawn Brazilian rosewood back and sides, aged Sitka top, tortoiseshell celluloid bindings and pickguard, Brazilian rosewood bridge and fingerboard. No top or back cracks, and only a pair of very small and very well-repaired cracks on the treble side to call your attention to. Original frets have been dressed, original ivory nut, tuners, and bridge-pins. New saddle and a new ½" ebony endpin where a pickup jack was previously installed. The G string tuner is not original, but it is an exact 50's match. The only thing that would give it away is the non-original footprint you'll find underneath it. No holes were drilled or enlarged, and all 6 tuner bushings are factory stock. I can't imagine that any other vintage shop would disclose something so mundane and well hidden. No internal repairs and original finish throughout. Typical 50's soft V neck, with a nutwidth that's a hair shy of 1-11/16. A very fine choice for anyone looking for big vintage D-28 tone for a lot less money.
With original chipboard case
SOLD
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1959 Martin 0-18
Serial # 169137. A feisty little guitar, this 0-18 packs a lot of punch in a small package. Big, bold trebles and punctuated bass notes, with a good amount of vintage woodiness and strong volume. Completely original, and in excellent condition; this guitar has had a professional neck reset and a minor pickguard crack repaired. Lovely 50 year old patina to the original finish; no signs of abuse or excessive wear. Original frets show only minor wear and have lots of life left. Nicely set-up in shop, too. Brazilian rosewood board and full-height bridge, original ivory nut and saddle, Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides. Grover Sta-Tite tuners hold tune, but do have the play that they are famous for.
With newer hard shell case
SOLD
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1962 Martin D-28
Serial # 182993. A lovely, virtually crack free Brazilian rosewood D-28 with the tone and feel you'd expect from a 46 year old Martin Dreadnaught.
Gorgeous deeply hued rosewood back and sides mated to a tightly grained Sitka top, with no cracks other than one at the pickguard's edge. Original
finish throughout, with pickwear north of the pickguard and small areas on the sides and on the headstock that show minor damage from a reaction to
sweat or vinyl. Older neck-reset and refret, and new full-height replica bridge compliments of our shop. Original tuners, ivory nut, bridge pins.
End-pin jack installed, but there is no pickup currently installed in the guitar. Original bridgeplate, and no internal repairs other than a couple
of re-glued back brace ends. Comfortable 60's soft V neck profile, 1-21/32" wide nut. Set up with mediums and standard 5 to 7 64ths action. A perfect
flatpicker.
With original hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1961 Martin 00-18
Serial # 175916. It's near impossible to imagine that this guitar is really 48 years old. We've offered some exceptionally fine Martin guitars over the years, but few can rival this 00-18. A genuine "Near-Mint" guitar, you'll find no scratches, cracks, or blemishes of any kind on this instrument. The guitar's biggest scars are a few minor dings along the edges of its headstock! We're talking about unworn original bridgepins and frets, a top that's not darkened much from the years, no scratch marks on the pickguard, and as-new tuning machine gears. We've lowered the original ivory saddle in setting up the guitar; the action sits at 4 to 7 64ths, and the bridge is full height. There's really not much saddle left for lowering the action further, but no one will complain about this string height. Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood bridge and fingerboard, Grover tuners, tortoise celluloid pickguard and bindings. Considering how little this guitar has been played, it has a wonderfully mature voice, an interesting suite of overtones, and a dry snap in the mids.
With newer hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
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1966 Martin D-18
Serial #215732. We're so sure that this is the most perfect 1966 D-18 on earth that we'll send you a Folkway T-shirt if you have a cleaner one! OK, well we don't actually have Folkway T-shirts, but we really think this guitar tops them all. Right down to the neck reset and fretwork done here. Mint condition, perfect playability, excellent tone. Not too much more to say! Small maple bridge plate, T-rod neck reinforcement, black bindings, tortoise pickguard, Brazilian rosewood bridge and new bone saddle, original bridge pins, tuners, nut, and endpin. It even has its original hang tags! No cracks, scuffs, dings, or wear. If you're looking for an AS-NEW forty two year old Martin guitar, you've found it.
With 70's Martin hard shell case
SOLD
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1954 Martin 00-17
Serial #137081. An unused 50+ year old Martin guitar? Sure looks that way! This 00-17 really shows no signs of wear. None. It's an amazing guitar, in
perfect and completely original condition. With the exception of a lowered original saddle this guitar is pretty much the same as the day it left the
factory, sometime in the middle of 1954. No cracks, no finish wear (ok, so there are a few tiny little marks here and there, but really.), the bridge
pins are not even worn! We love this kind of guitar around here - wish they all were like this, except for those really beat one-owner guitars! The
action is on the highish side, reading 5 to 8 64ths at the 12th fret, but its never had a neck reset and the bridge has not been shaved; it's
completely playable but cannot be lowered further. Check out the photos and give us a call. This one is something special.
With newer hard shell case
SOLD
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1963 Martin 000-18
Serial # 188354. With its combination of mahogany back and sides, spruce top, 000-size compact body, and short 24.9" scale, the 000-18 has always been the go-to guitar for many of your favorite fingerstyle guitarists.
This 1963 model is a lovely sounding guitar with excellent playability thanks to a recent neck-set and refret. Apart from the frets and new bone saddle, the instrument is completely stock and in good shape. The original
full-height Brazilian rosewood bridge and pickguard were both reglued by the same Seattle-based luthier who set the neck on the guitar. A tightly repaired top crack on the upper bass bout and a repaired pickguard crack
help keep the price low. Nicely darkened original lacquer finish, some wear on the back of the neck, no belt rash other wear spots. Soft-V neck carve, 1-11/16" nut.
With newer deluxe TKL hard case
SOLD
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1933 Martin 0-17 LEFTY
Serial # 52791. One of a very small handful of pre-war factory left handed Martin guitars, and likely the only one with shaded lacquer finish on all surfaces (shaded is Martinspeek for sunburst). This guitar is built and braced left handed, unlike most vintage lefty flat-tops built by other companies; and is fitted with original full-height lefty bridge, pickguard, side dots, and ebony nut. Built in early 1933, this instrument features the all-gold first incarnation of Martin's headstock logo, C.F. Martin stamp on the headstock rear, and bar frets. It is completely original except for the new fossil ivory saddle and vintage-reproduction bridge pins. It has had a "California" neck set sometime in it's not too distant past, and has had a pair of side cracks repaired more recently in our repair shop. No top cracks, three very minor back cracks associated with the neck-angle repair, and original finish throughout. Comfortable Golden Era soft V neck profile with 1-3/4" nutwidth. 24.9" scale length; action of 5 to 7 64ths. Exceptionlly fine all-mahogany tone; snappy and crisp, dry and open. A wonderful fingerstyle guitar, and a truly unique instrument for one very lucky left-handed guitarist. This instrument is featured on page 388 of John Engel's two volume "Uncommon Sound".
With original case.
SOLD
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1954 Martin 00-18
Serial #137774. You'll surely have the nicest 00-18 on the block - or in the state, more likely - if take this one home with you. No cracks,
gorgeous original finish, no pick wear or buckle rash, and factory original except for the saddle. We reset the neck and refretted this guitar back in
2004, and it's not moved a micron since. A beautiful example of a mid 50's 00-18, this guitar sounds, plays, and feels as good as it looks. Lots of
round and fat mids, succinct-but-open basses, and balanced trebles; ragtime and blues pickers will love this guitar for its warmth and character.
You'll be hard pressed to find a better one.
With deluxe TKL hard shell case
SOLD
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1959 Martin D-28
Serial # 170533. This one is a well used and all original one-owner D-28
that's just about fifty years old now. It was brought to us by the same
fellow whose name is penciled on the original 1960 bill of sale accompanying
the guitar, and we think that's pretty darn cool. It has just emerged from
our repair department after having its neck reset and refretted, a pickguard
crack and a single top crack glued and cleated, and a couple of small and
insignificant side cracks dealt with. Apart from frets and a new bone
saddle this guitar is completely stock, including bridgepins, endpin,
tuners, and ivory nut. Prior to arriving at Folkway no repair work had ever
been done to this D-28 (which is the way we like 'em), and it's now in top
shape once again. Its original bridge is full height, and its fingerboard
is full thickness. While it's not in mint condition, this '50's D-28 more
that makes up for any cosmetic shortcomings with its fine tone and excellent
playability. Set up with standard 5 to 7 64ths action and medium-gauge
strings this one is a flat-picker's dream axe; it's voice is big, dark,
open, and mature - and is evenly powerful across the strings. Simply
gorgeous straight grained Brazilian rosewood back and sides with strong
color and figure are matched to a lovely quarter-sawn Sitka spruce top.
Surely, these tone woods help make this guitar sound so good, and they do a
good job adding to its cosmetic and vintage appeal as well. Comfortable
50's neck shape, with just enough finish wear to make it feel just right in
your left hand. We like this guitar quite a bit, and we're pretty much
certain that you will too.
With original but worn hard shell case
SOLD
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1953 Martin D-18
Serial # 130142. A Magical D-18! Maybe it's because of its Adirondack top, or perhaps '53 was just that kind of year for Martins - we have encountered a great many excellent D-18's and 28's from '52 and '53. This one is a knock-out in every way. It's in stunning condition, it's featherweight, it plays perfectly, and - most importantly - it just sounds right. Big, dry, woody, and balanced; classic D-18 tone. No cracks anywhere on this guitar, and with the exception of its new bone saddle, frets, and bridge pins it's a strait-up no-nonsense example. Professional neck reset, full height original Brazilian rosewood bridge, perfect refret from our shop; we have this guitar strung with mediums and fast action. It's a flat-picker's delight. Original ivory nut, original Kluson tuners. Original finish is excellent throughout; although there is some minor strum-wear on both sides of the fingerboard. The pictures should speak for themselves. We'll provide those original shrunken bridgepins with the guitar, too.
With original hard shell case
SOLD
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1944 Martin 00-18
Serial # 88418. If you're into smaller-bodied guitars, you're sure to find this wartime 00-18 a truly special instrument. Apart from the visual appeal of this near-perfect 64 year old instrument, and apart from the feel of the guitar's slightly bulkier war-time neck, you'll certainly melt with your first touch of the strings. An inspiring instrument, this 00 sized guitar has surprisingly developed bass response and the dry, resonant, woody, and open voice the best vintage instruments are known for. Thanks to a professional neck-reset its action is perfect too, and nothing gets in the way of being inspired and beguiled by this 00-18. Feather-light at 3.1 pounds, thanks in part to the ebony neck reinforcement used during the WWII years. Adirondack Spruce top with scalloped bracing, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and original full-height bridge. Original ivory nut, bridge and end pins, frets, and Kluson tuners. New bone nut... and strings. No cracks, no repairs, and just some minor dings here and there; the guitar looks much younger than its age. The more perfect a guitar is, the less I seem to have to tell you about!
With original hard shell case
SOLD
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1976 Martin D-35
Serial # 385905. Vintage D-35 warmth and richness for less than $2000. OK, not much less, but still... it's less expensive and oh-so-much-more-cool than a new one! We've just gone over this guitar with a fine toothed comb and fixed it right up for your strumming pleasure. Two pickguard cracks have been glued and nicely cleated, the bridge has been replaced (it's ever so slightly oversized), it has a new bone saddle and a fresh set up. A lovely guitar with that perfect D-35 tone. Original Grover tuners, nut, pickguard, and frets. Strap-button installed in the side next to the neck heel, endpin jack remains from an old Barcus Berry pickup that we removed. No other cracks or issues, nice original finish, and good looks.
With hard shell case
SOLD
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1970 Martin 000-18
Serial # 258567. 000's from the 1960's and 1970's are very uncommon - Dreadnaught production out-numbered 000's by a ratio of ten to one, so stumbling across a nice forty year old 000 doesn't happen too frequently. This 000-18 was finished early in 1970, and features Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, 60's Grover tuners, an ivory nut, and a nice small Brazilian rosewood bridge plate. It's a lovely guitar, in excellent and original condition, with very fine tone and playability. No cracks, no issues. Very nice lacquer finish with very few nicks and scratches. The bridge has been lowered a little bit, and the action is a very comfortable 5 to 7 64ths. There is room enough on the saddle to lower the action further, should you desire. 24.9" scale length, 1-11/16" nut. Sitka spruce top, mahogany back, sides, and neck; Brazilian rosewood headstock overlay. A fine sounding guitar, very warm, woody and well balanced; and a good fingerpicker.
With hard shell case
SOLD
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1923 Martin 0-18K
Serial # 18836. The Koa 0-18K was introduced in 1918 as one of C.F. Martin's first true steel string guitars. Thanks to the Hawaiian music invasion of the late 'teens the model took off in popularity, and by 1920 ranked second only to the standard 0-18 in production totals. Steel sting guitars had become all the rage, and the guitar was poised to enter the limelight; Martin's annual guitar production increased fourfold as a result. A total of 249 0-18K's were in 1923 - all of them X-braced and constructed to accommodate the higher string tensions of steel strings.
A marvelously well preserved guitar, this 0-18K is without cracks and exhibits very little wear to its shellac finish. It has had its neck professionally reset not very long ago and plays beautifully. Its bridge saddle slot has been relocated for proper intonation, its frets have been dressed, and the instrument has been nicely set up. No repairs or issues to mention. Koa top, back, and sides; rosewood bindings and standard style 18 trim. Ebony fingerboard and original ebony nut. Two replacement bridge pins of approximately the same style and age, new bone saddle. 1-7/8" nut width, 24.9" scale, 2-3/8" string spacing at the bridge. An open and breathy guitar with a sparkle imparted by the Koa top. Quite different than a spruce top 0-18, the denser Koa imparts a snap and dryness not heard in spruce top guitars. Very well balanced, and mesmerizing the play.
With original hard shell case
SOLD
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1940 Martin D-28
Serial # 74383. Folkway Music's Golden Era Month continues to this week's update with this 1940 D-28. Herringbone, zig-zag back strip, scalloped braces, slotted diamond fingerboard inlays, Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Red Spruce, and a whole lot of dreadnaught tone. This instrument is obviously a flat-picker's delight, and has the dryness, punch, and balance that all of us long for in a big guitar. It has excellent playability and is currently set up with .013's and a standard D-28 action. This guitar has seen a lot of use, and has a well developed voice to match its top's wear. Its neck is fabulously comfortable with a mild V to Its carve - you simply feel good sitting with this D-28 in your hands.
Original finish throughout, although the pickwear around the guard and soundhole have been sealed. Gorgeous straight-grained Brazilian rosewood with moderate saw-markings on the back and rich chocolatety colour. Back and sides are free of cracks and show only light finish wear. Adirondack spruce top is evenly grained and in excellent condition despite the guitar's obvious pick wear and years of grime. One very ancient top crack, about 3" long, is located a pick's length away from the center-seam. This crack is not, and has never been, repaired - and as far as we can tell, there's no reason to change that. There is no movement in the top on either side of this crack, and we just couldn't find a reason to cleat it. There are very old repaired racks on the guitar's top at either-side of the fingerboard (as pictured), and it appears that a few neck-resets have been done on the guitar; leaving a minor partial hair-line crack on the neck's heel and some damaged finish likely caused in the neck removal process (note that no neck work was done in our repair-shop, and that no finish touch-ups have been made). The bridge is a replacement of a replacement that we made and installed, and is accurately sized and foot-printed; the bone saddle is new, and the original bridge-pins were fitted to the new bridge. Inside the guitar, the original bridge plate and all braces are intact and free from repairs or modifications. The top is not warped or bellied in any way. Original ivory nut; fairly recent replacement frets, and 5 out of 6 original Grover sealed-back tuning machines. The 6th tuner is a 30's Grover G-98. Original pickguard, and all bindings; newer end-pin. 1-11/16" wide nut, 25.4" scale length.
With original well-traveled hard shell case, and high-quality new hard shell.
On Consignment
SOLD
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1920's Martin Style 2 Uke
No serial number. A very appealing early Style 2, with bar frets and mechanical friction pegs. Mahogany body with ivoroid triple-bound top and single-bound back, 12 fret Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and micro-dot inlays. In excellent condition but for a pair of very small and very tight repaired hairline back cracks. Completely original and well set up, this attractive instrument is a load of fun to play and has a very fine tone.
With period home-made felt case.
SOLD
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1941 Martin 000-42
This 1941 000-42 has just emerged from our repair shop, and although it's not for sale, here it is for your viewing pleasure. During its restoration
we replaced the guitar's thinned-down-to-nothing fingerboard, reset its neck, and replaced an unattractive oversized bridge with one of correct
proportions. The guitar had been previously oversprayed, and we chose to leave the old finish alone. It is now a very playable, fine sounding pearly pre-war Martin.
NOT FOR SALE
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1959 Martin D-28
Serial # 170058. A super-clean and crack-free one owner D-28 from 1959. We recently finished a neck reset, refret, and set up to this guitar making it a delight to play. It has flawlessly quartered Brazilian back and sides with a gorgeous deep reddish brown hue and a quarter-sawn Sitka top. Completely original from the Grover Pat. Pend. Tuning machines to the red-eye bridge pins, this guitar is everything a collector would look for in a 50's Brazilian Dreadnaught. Booming huge sound, great projection, and in just about as close to mint condition as you could find. This is an instrument that will get you a lot of attention at the next bluegrass camp or festival you attend. And It even comes with its original hard shell case! They don't come in better condition than this one, folks.
On Consignment
SOLD
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1945 Martin 0-18
Serial # 90373. Likely among the finest wartime 0-18's in existence, this guitar's distinction lies equally in its tone as it does its appearance and condition. It is truly one of the most special Martin guitars we have ever offered for sale. Although it is not a scalloped-braced example, few 14-fret 0-18's offer the presence, warmth, and bigness heard in this instrument.
Completed in early 1945, a few months prior to the declaration of Victory in Europe in May, this 0-18 features a mix of wartime and post-war features. Steel T-rod neck reinforcement, plastic button Kluson tuners without bushings, and an ebony nut (that has been replaced with bone). Its Adirondack spruce top and straight-grained mahogany back and sides are without cracks, and its finish is in impeccable condition. This is a guitar that has simply not been used, and shows no wear whatsoever. It has had a very professional neck-reset, and its bridge is an attractive Brazilian rosewood replacement, complete with glued-in through-saddle and original bridge-pins. The work was not preformed here, but does meet our high standards. Original frets are un-worn and full height, and original bridge pins and tuning machines have seen very few string changes. The guitar's neck is very straight - actually a bit too straight - but it plays nicely and doesn't buzz out with fingerstyle technique; flatpickers might opt to dress down the middle frets to add some relief. The guitar's action is perfect, and full saddle height is available for further adjustment. Replacement bone nut (original is included). 24.9" scale, 1-11/16" nut, soft-v neck profile.
With original arched soft-shell case
SOLD
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1920's Martin Style 1 Uke
An early Style 1 variant, this uke has a B+J label that reads "The Mele - Genuine Hawaiian Ukulele". We're not sure what's Genuinely Hawaiian about this instrument though; with B+J being a New York company and C.F. Martin & Co. hailing from Pennsylvania! Anyway, it's a Mahogany Style 1 Soprano, with bound top, simple soundhole ring, and rosewood friction pegs. 12 bar frets in its Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, excellent action and playability. We suspect something is up with the finish as it fluoresces brown under black light instead of the usual green, but it looks pretty right except for some light sanding scratches around the bridge, fingerboard's end, and neck heel... we'll leave it to the buyer to decide if the finish is original or not. A great sounding little thing.
SOLD
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1946 Martin D-18
Serial # 95973. Who out there doesn't really want a completely original Martin Dreadnaught with a 5 digit serial number that's in nearly perfect condition? Thought so. This one is a mid-1946 model, and exhibits a collection of features very particular to the transitional year in which it was completed. By the War's end, Martin had abandoned scalloped braces and Adirondack spruce in favor of the west-coast Sitka and straight top bracing you'll find on this D-18. With the War Effort over, the metals used for the tuning machines and neck reinforcement rods became plentiful once more, but the transition away from the ebony neck rod didn't happen all of a sudden; and this instrument's neck is fitted with ebony rather than steel. After using the weaker ebony reinforcement for a few years, the shop foremen were undoubtedly familiar with the flexibility of these ebony-rod necks, and (perhaps taking a clue from Gibson) carved necks with a fatter, deeper profile than what was then the norm. This resulted in an extremely light-weight and responsive guitar that has a neck that any vintage guitar nut would die for. Style 18 flirted with Brazilian rosewood fingerboards and bridges from the mid 1930's until 1947, when the last D-18's came off the line with these parts made of Ebony; and this D-18 is an ebony fingerboard and bridge model. Finally, for a period of one year, Martin used pearl fingerboard dots that were undifferentiated in size at the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets; something you might not have otherwise noticed in the photos of this instrument. By late 1947, the 6-digit serial numbered D-18 would appear very similar to one built in the early 1960's; but significantly different than this 1946 model.
The guitar is in near-flawless original condition. There are no cracks, no lose or repaired braces, no changed parts, and it has never had a neck reset. We lowered the guitar's action slightly, but did so by installing a replacement fossil ivory saddle rather than altering the guitar's original. While this instrument is not in mint condition, it shows only minor finish scratching on the back and sides, spots of capo-rash behind the second and third frets, and worn finish along the neck's edge in the first position. The action is set at 5 to 7 64ths, with enough saddle to lower it a bit more, and a full-thickness original bridge. Needless to say, it's a very good sounding guitar; it has ample headroom, dry and open basses and mids, and sparkly but strong Mahogany trebles. You might say that we think pretty highly of this guitar.
With its original hardshell case
SOLD
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1958 Martin D-18
Serial # 159893. From now on, when customers ask me what a great post-war D-18 should sound like, I'm going to play a recording of this guitar. Loud and dry, it's a great choice for your next pickin' session. Built in early 1958, this D-18 has all the features you'd expect; a Sitka top and mahogany back and sides, Brazilian fingerboard and bridge, through-saddle, lots of tortoise-shell celluloid, Kluson tuners, and ivory nut and saddle. It's in great shape with only a wee little pickguard crack and a repaired 2" side crack. The bridge was once screwed down but is now properly glued; the old holes in the bridge have been with very nicely filled with matching rosewood. No repairs inside, and the bridge plate is in excellent shape but for the aforementioned screw holes. Some minor playwear by the pickguard, and an average number of dings and dents as shown in the photos below. This one hasn't had a neck reset and is perfectly playable with 5 to 7 action at the 12th fret. The bridge is close to full thickness, and there is still ample original saddle showing so if you'd like a lower fingerstyle action you can get it. First 3 frets have been replaced, the other 17 are original; strap button has been added in the neck heel.
With original hard shell case.
On Consignment
SOLD
More photos:
Front detail Back detail Headstock detail
Full Front detail Full Back detail Tuners detail
Bridge detail Deluxe Case Open Deluxe Case Closed
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