2016 Martin 00-18 Authentic (1931 reissue)

A truly wonderful Martin-made replica of a 00-18 from 1931. Authentic Series Martins are built from the specs of a piece they might have in their museum or on loan from an owner, and they replicate the original piece by piece. This loveliest Martin has genuine mahogany back and sides and an Adirondack spruce top, 12-fret neck with 1-7/8” nut width and they got the neck profile just right too, feels like the 1930s for real. Ebony fingerboard and bridge of course with glued-in long saddle. And it's got all hide glue construction; the whole nine yards; Authentic Series Martins are built in the Custom Shop as they do not use hide glue in regular production, haven’t for more than fifty or sixty years. I’ve seen the official Martin spec sheet but what's not on it, and I'll bet a shiny new dime has been accurately carried out, is a vertically inserted strip of ebony inside the neck where it will never be seen. That’s what they often did before the first steel bars (T-bars) started being installed in 1933 and it changes the balance of the guitar just beautifully, original-style.

This is one heck of a rare piece. A faithful reproduction of a pre-war Martin which itself is rare, and made by the same people who made the original. I’ve never seen another of these 00-18 Authentic 1931 Martins come around and was thrilled to get this one. It's in beautiful, nearly unplayed condition with barely a scratch to be found, better than “near mint” in my book. It’s had only one owner, came to me from that person. And it's got a top-level hard shell case with the Martin label right on it. Own the Martin of a lifetime for $4495 w/ohsc