1934 C. F. Martin 0-18 Natural

SN: 55967. Very lively small body 0-18 from early in 1934. This 13-1/4” powerhouse has the bar frets and ebony neck support making it feather light and super responsive. It’s one of those little dogs with a big bark – but has a sweet disposition. It’s warm and snappy and full of overtones on the bass and midrange strings.

The little dog has had some fun over the years. As you can see from the photos, it has been played vigorously. The Adirondack top has numerous scratches and case dings and a couple spots worn through the finish. Mahogany back and sides have their share of dings and buckle rash. I can see this being passed around at picnics, on the front porch or the barber shop. Overall, it’s been well maintained – especially in the last 10 years – and plays beautifully.

Neck set a refret by David Eichelbbaum in 2015. Replica bridge with “through” saddle installed at that time. Some years earlier a crack along the fretboard extension on the bass side was well repaired but is not flush. More recently Mark Tossman leveled and crowned the frets and installed a new nut and completely dialed in the setup. There’s an area of the guitar that looks a little shinier than it should though both Mark and the black light have declared it OK. Tuners were replaced but there’s an old set in the case, presumably original.
These little guys were never made in large numbers and over the years I’ve seen fewer and fewer change hands. It’s an ideal second guitar for car travel and a great little front porch fingerpicker and strummer for summer fun. Holds its own in a sing-along or jam, Ships in a Guardian case that fits and protects well.

Top: Adirondack Spruce
Band & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Simple small dot fret markers
Nut width: 1-3/4”
String spacing: 2-3/8”
Body width: 13-1/4”
Depth: 4-1/4”
Scale length: 24.9”
Case: HSC