Left Handed, Lefty 1955 Martin D-18 (Factory Left Handed D-18L)
For Sale: 1955 Martin Factory Left Handed D-18 (D-18L), serial # 146788, manufactured 11-25-55 (verified by Martin factory). According to the current owner, this was the only Left Handed D-18 made in 1955, along with 3 other Lefty Martins.
The current owner had 2 cracks (top and bottom) recently repaired (correctly) along with a new nut installed and neck reset. If you like Low action, this guitar has it: 4/64 at High E, 5/64 at Low E (12th fret) with no buzzing. I just had it looked at by a few ex-Gibson luthiers I know who worked in the Nashville factory. New Martin MA140S 12-54 strings installed.
The top has the clear coat removed, and the sides and back have been refinished poorly by the previous owner. As is, the guitar is 100% functional and plays and sounds great - it has the elusive Dry vintage Martin tone everyone wants in an acoustic. Since the guitar was already refinished poorly, it would benefit greatly by having a complete refinish done to correct the appearance and make it look new again. If it was me, I would have someone like Lay's Guitar Shop (who has done Excellent work for me in the past), the Martin factory, or a similar top-notch restoration repair shop do the work.
At the end of the day, it is a 1955 Martin D-18L (factory Left Handed). I own a 1954 D-18L (pictured).
I know how great and rare these guitars are. I see a factory Left Handed Martin from the 1950s about once every 10 years - Martin guitars through the 1950s are Gold!
The guitar comes with a newer Martin molded hardshell case.
$7500
Payment: I accept bank certified check, wire transfer, and Paypal(please add 3%). Layaway: A 30-day layaway option is available, with a 20% non-refundable deposit due to hold the guitar. A guitar purchased under the layaway plan would be sold "AS IS" without an approval period.
Shipping: LVG ships everywhere, and I will use the most cost-efficient carrier available.
Return Policy: When you receive your shipment, you have 48 hours to approve it, or you may return it for a full refund, less shipping cost. Buyer is responsible for shipping & insurance BOTH ways. You must contact me for return authorization. Refunds will be issued when the guitar is returned to LVG in the same condition as when shipped, and please repack it in the same way you received it. Customers are responsible for return shipping, insurance for the full value of the guitar, and any associated bank charges.