1947 C. F. Martin 0-18

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  • SOLD!

  • Year: 1947
  • Manufacturer: C. F. Martin
  • Model: 0-18
  • Case: Original Soft
  • Color: Natural
  • Condition: Very Good
  • Description: ON HOLD: Serial number 100477. This fine 0-18 was made early enough in 1947 to still have the tapered braces and what a difference it makes. I purchased this guitar from a Tacoma, WA luthier who sold it on behalf of the original owner. It’s really nice to get guitars that have never seen the inside of a repair shop and bring them back to the original specs. Paul Stroh performed a perfect neck reset, a refret, and setup with a new saddle. There was an open E-string pick guard crack that closed beautifully and is very nearly invisible. The minimalist approach really brought forth the voice that was only suggested when we first looked at it. The Sitka top is perhaps the most striking visual feature of the guitar. It has aged to a warm patina and has some interesting striping and bear-clawing patterns throughout. The finish is quite thin and has settled into the grain with some light checking. The guard is the darker faux tortoise of the earlier era rather than the reddish guard adopted a short time later. The rosewood bridge is full height. There is some light “worming” on the bridge and one small area of the top possible from metal fingerpicks or a tool used to remove the bridge pins. There’s a little bit of play wear south of the fret board. The tuning hardware I’ve never seen before. At first glance, they look like the standard Klusons of the 40s and early 50s except they have rivets rather than screws and the plates are sturdier. They are a sort of hybrid of the flat backs of the wartime era and what’s to come. One button is a bit shrunken indicating that the others might be old replacements. The mahogany back and sides are crack free though there is random buckle wear on the back and some wear on the sides from coming in and out of the original chip board case on a regular basis. This guitar is no closet queen; it was played early and often but not abused by any stretch. The voice is unique and noteworthy. While it does not have the great volume of the scalloped braced rigs, it does have an elegant voice with rich overtones and great note separation. The era of tapered braces at Martin was very short – maybe four years at the most. But if this guitar is a typical example, the guitars made in the era are just coming into their own and they very well may represent a mini Golden Era in Martin history. By the way, the guitar comes with the original chipboard case but we should find something sturdier for shipping. Thanks for reading this far. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or email.