1940 C. F. Martin D-18 Natural

SN: 74729. Exceptionally fine sounding example of a slim neck, rear-X, scalloped bracing model made between mid-1939 and late 1944. During WWII the T-bar was replaced by ebony reinforcement, which changed the character of the tone. This one has the metal reinforcement which many feel give the guitar a more powerful bass, colorful midrange and robust trebles. The foundational tone is a rich woody mahogany with plenty of midrange, treble sparkle, and chordal blooming. It has seen plenty of action. Owned by country musician and radio personality Bill Hurley, there is playwear on both sides of the fretboard, south of the pickguard and west of the strings. Some of this appears to be sealed long ago. Customary buckle rash on the back and case bites around the sound hole. There are dings and dents commensurate with an honestly gigged guitar of this age. There are a couple of temperature cracks in the upper bout rims, both glued, and a couple in the lower bout but I cannot see them on the inside. The bridge is a very slightly oversized (1/32nd) replica with a capably touched up shadow of a slightly larger bridge. The bridge plate is original with repaired pin holes. The original Grover G-98s work very well though there is a solder repair on the G-tuner when the screw went missing. Bill Hurley had stick on letters installed on the treble side lower bout area of the top, proclaiming his name and the call letters of his radio station, WEBQ. These letters were carefully buffed off and a light application of overspray was used in this area. The frets from the recent neck reset and refret are healthy. This guitar needs no further work. The voice is absolutely gigantic. The ca. 1940 Geib tweed case with red interior is possibly original to this guitar. It was later painted brown and had stick on letters proclaiming “William Hurley” and “WEBQ”. Giant sound and cool factor.