2005 C. F. Martin D-18 Authentic 1937 Natural

SN 1104550. The earliest builds of the D-18 Authentic 1937 came out of the Martin Repair Shop where they utilized their knowledge of vintage instruments and crafted replica guitars in very small batches. This one was the 12th built; the fourth guitar of three batches of four. It has the coveted offset bridge plate like the original 1937. It’s a very dynamic guitar with lots of power and headroom, superb bass and midrage. There’s plenty of cut for a jam or acoustic string band where it would shine in both rhythm and leads.

It has a wide grain Adi top with vintage with repro belly bride and vintage style pick-guard. Scalloped forward X bracing. Honduran mahogany back and sides with simple black binding and b/w trim on the top. Mahogany neck with T-bar reinforcement and unbound ebony fretboard with graduated dots. Rosewood face plate of the head-stock with vintage-style decal. Tuners are Martin’s G-98 look alike with contoured buttons. Almost 20 years old, the finish is starting to settle into the grain. There is one small crack in the treble-side waist – either key crack – that has been well repaired and stabilized. The finish has been worn off part of the pick-guard and there are a few marks on the back. Otherwise it’s very clean. Vigorously played but well cared for.

The case is a very high quality Martin branded model with light brown leather-like exterior and Cabernet padded felt interior. It’s likely original. This would be a great guitar for someone who loves that dark, growly vintage tone but doesn’t want to take their $75,000 prewar D-18 to the Grange for a gig.

CONSIGNMENT

Specs:
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Band & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Graduated dots, simple b/w rosette & trim
Nut width: 1-3/4”
String spacing: 2-5/16”
Body width: 15-1/2”
Depth: 4-13/16”
Scale length: 25.5”
Case: OHSC