2021 Blazer & Henkes 000-18H Shaded Dark

SN: 635. Friends, here is a faithful Blazer & Henkes replica of a legendary guitar made by Martin in 1937 for Cable Piano Company in Atlanta. Cable ordered three Hawaiian 000-18Hs; two in natural finish and one in sunburst. Martin delivered a very special guitar. It was designated as an “18” model because it was constructed with “18” style materials – spruce top and mahogany back and sides. However, it has 28-style appointments including herringbone trim, ivoroid binding top and back, zig-zag back strip, snowflake inlays and a fancier rosette. Because they were original set up for Hawaiian play, they have the Martin 12-fret architecture with a slotted headstock belly bridge and pickguard.

This outstanding reproduction is true to the original and incorporates some of the best materials and workmanship I’ve seen from B&H. It’s part of my final batch from Willi & Rudi (they have closed out their list) and they certainly saved the best for last. Willi was excited when we were discussing the 000-18H as a potential project and his enthusiasm for the idea carried into the finished product. He said it was his favorite guitar in the batch. The top has very fine grain and the mahogany is gorgeous. The fit and finish is impeccable.

It plays beautifully and sounds terrific. The neck is slightly wider at the nut than the standard 1-3/4 and the string spacing is a comfortable 2-3/8 at the nut. It’s a veritably fingerpicker’s delight, very responsive with lots of clarity and sparkle. It’s no slouch with a pick either with a firm attack and lots of headroom.

It’s an outstanding guitar in every way, And, the only one B&H have built. You will not find another.

Top: Full moon harvested Alpine Spruce
Band & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Herringbone trim, zigzag back strip, diamonds and snowflake markers
Nut width: 1-13/16”
String spacing: 2-3/8”
Body width: 15”
Depth: 4-1/16”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: Hardshell