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2004 Martin D-18 Authentic 1937
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Serial #: 1130071
Sale length: 25.4" Nut width: 1 3/4", Bridge string spacing: 2 5/16"
Materials and Hardware: Solid bookmatched Adirondack spruce soundboard; figured Honduras Mahogany body; solid one-piece Honduras Mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; Brazilian rosewood peghead veneer; solid fossil ivory nut; solid ebony bridge with long prewar style bone saddle; antique nickel 16X1 Sta-Tite style tuners; vintage color tortoise pickguard, ebony bridgepins.
Notes: The prewar Martin D-18 is legendary for its light weight, warm tone, and superlative power under the hood. Long prized by studio players for its superior recording ability, the D-18 has been a secret weapon in the control room for years. Bowing to demand for a true vintage style reissue, Martin pulled out all the stops to prove they could still make 'em like they used to. From the coveted Adirondack spruce top with scalloped forward X-bracing and long bridge saddle, to the vintage neck profile with the T-bar rod, Martin hand-builds the D-18 Authentic 1937 Model with obsessive attention to detail. They even stick them together with hot hide glue right from the pot, just like 1833. With touches like the Brazilian Rosewood headplate, antique toned top, fossil ivory nut and nickel butterbean keys, the D-18 Authentic 1937 is old school guitar craft at its most meticulous.
Exceptionally light in weight, the guitar is barely over 4lb, and just thunders like a runaway train. The neck profile is pleasingly full, with smooth low action over dead level fretwork. Best of all, the rare Adirondack spruce top, legendary on the prewar models, produces a voice that is stunningly clear, even and powerful. This recent example is in superb condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, with all original finish and hardware in immaculate condition, and is pickup-ready with an endpin jack installed. A rare chance to bag a classic Martin from the New Golden Age.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference.
Case: Plush lined hardshell case with arched lid.
