1945 Martin 000-18

$8,550.00

  • Year: 1945
  • Manufacturer: Martin
  • Model: 000-18
  • Case: Original Hard
  • Color: Natural
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Description: I'm commonly known for my small bodied depression era Gibson's but I totally get the appeal of the war era Martins. I've been fortunate to have had and played some good ones and this guitar is very special indeed, easily the finest offering in my current inventory. Single family owned, played and Loved. Everything is all there and all original with absolutely no refinish or over spray or any funny business what so ever. Even the original wartime Kluson bushing-less tuners with the original plastic buttons appear to never have been off this guitar! Has a few character scratches and some minor pick wear, but no gouges and is Totally Crack Free! Clean original and unmolested bridge plate and never the need for any structural repairs either, other than our replacement of the original 1945 brass frets with proper Martin nickel silver (originals in the case) a new bone nut replacing the original ebony (also in the case) plus a new bone saddle. All acceptable maintenance comparable to new tires and fan belts on a vintage automobile and resulted in measurable and quite favorable improvement upon it's already fabulous sound characteristics. Impeccable work performed by David Hatchard of Exeter New Hampshire which included a neck set and a professional set up. According to George Gruhn the top is Adirondack after his in hand inspection, but honestly we wonder, so you can decide. The rare ribbon mahogany back is absolutely stunning and that is a fact. The braces are 40s tapered. It passed the magnet test for a T Bar truss rod in the neck. S/N 90787 places this guitar approx mid 1945. Quite a comfy neck with 1 11/16" nut, action set at 3-2 with proper string break and perfect intonation. But the sound you ask? We recently compared this guitar with an acknowledged exceptional sounding 1943 000-18 owned by a player collector friend. Whereas the '43 had slightly more bass, this '45 has more volume, yet very comparable focused rich tone and sweetness. This is one of those guitars you can actually feel the body shimmer when you play it. Offered in a proper fitting CF Martin badged 000 case, not new but in very good condition. Watch the linked videos and see more at my YouTube channel! Find out what it's like to truly fall in love with a guitar.