1941 Martin D-18 Natural

David Grisman's 1941 Martin D-18 Natural Acoustic Guitar, Serial #78049. This 1941 Martin D-18 is an exceptional example from one of Martin's most sought-after eras, featuring mahogany back and sides with an Adirondack spruce top. The finish remains original, aside from a careful French polish seal over the strum wear area on the top. The interior is clean and original, with minimal wear on the original bridge plate. The bridge has been reglued with thinned bridge feet, and the neck angle appears nearly perfect, suggesting a possible reset, though no obvious repair work is visible. The guitar retains its original frets with medium fret wear. Adding to its provenance, this guitar comes with a signed letter from David Grisman to Dave Westerbeke, in which Grisman praises the instrument as "one of the nicest dreadnought-style Martins I have ever had or encountered." The letter in full reads: "Dear Dave, Your 1941 Martin D-18 guitar #78049 was owned and played by me, and is one of the nicest dreadnought-style Martins I have ever had or encountered. I certainly hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I did. Best Wishes, David Grisman/Mill Valley, California". Original hard case included. Condition: Excellent. The Dave Westerbeke Collection HID05201242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice