1965 Martin 0-18 Natural

C.F. Martin 0-18 1965 | $1950 | (v2150) The Martin 0-18 has long been a favorite of folk guitarists and blues pickers, and for good reason. They are well made, play easily and produce a sound bigger than their appearance. This example was made in 1965, based on its serial number, and based on its repair history, probably has quite the story to tell.

Back and sides are mahogany, topped in spruce, with top and back bound in celluloid. The neck is mahogany with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and overlay on the head stock. The bridge is also Brazilian rosewood.

The lower bout measures 13 1/2" and scale length is 25". The neck measures 1 11/16" across at the nut, and string spacing is 2 1/8" across at the saddle.

The guitar came to us with quite a repair history. Past repairs include: neck reset; bridge replace/reglue; several top cracks glued and cleated; tuners replaced with German Schallers; lower treble bout apparantly had impact damage and shows pieces inlaid for repair, and some finish either sanded or worn in that area; rosewood bridge plate installed; it appears the X-bracing was replaced for some reason; the pickguard is missing; the top appears to have lost its finish; an under-saddle pickup is installed.

All that said, the repairs appear professionally done and very secure, with no over spray or refinish.

The guitar plays like a breeze with low action, 4 & 5/64", and puts out a surprisingly good sound, on par with any 60s 0-18 we've played. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a 'players' grade Martin at a fairly affordable price.

Comes with what could be its original yellow-lined hard case.

Check out the sound clip.