1975 Martin D-18 Sunburst, Very Good, Original Hard

We love shade top Martins. Who doesn’t? And what we have here is a mid-seventies Martin D-18 shade top that is everything it should be and more. It’s a great sounding dread with a bit richer tone than most 70s Martins we’ve seen. Not a banjo killer, but plenty loud if you want it to be. It sounds really wonderful and would make a great professional stage guitar, armed as it is with a K&K pickup system.

This D-18 is in very good vintage condition. It has finish checking, minor nicks and finish clouding, and some light scratches, none of which go through the finish. It has a small unfilled hole in the neck heel where a strap button was once installed. The strap button is now located in the correct position on the treble side of the neck. The guitar had a repaired B-string top crack which is typical of Martin acoustics. The replacement pickguard is a good looking tortoise-style guard which really sets off the sunburst finish. The original saddle was replaced with a fossilized walrus ivory saddle, a nice upgrade.

When plugged in this D-18 has a clear and natural woody tone, complements of the K&K system, which is our pickup of choice for acoustic guitars if you want them to sound more acoustic and less electric. Action is comfortable but if you prefer really low action, the saddle has room for adjustment. Frets are in good shape with only the slightest denting in the lower positions.

Shade tops often go fast, so don’t tarry on this one. We love having it in the shop but we don’t expect it to be around for very long.

DETAILS
Year: 1975

Make: Martin

Model: D-18

Serial: 361802

Finish: Vintage sunburst (aka shade top)

Case: Original blue 70s hardshell case

Weight: 4 pounds 7 ounces

Condition: Very good vintage condition

Modifications: B-string crack repair. Replaced pickguard and saddle. Internal pickup system installed. Added strap button.

Comments: It's a great sounding dread with a bit richer tone than most 70s Martins we've seen. Not a banjo killer, but plenty loud if you want it to be. It sounds really wonderful and would make a great professional stage guitar, armed as it is with a K&K pickup system.