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Martin | D-18 | 1954 | SN:145XXX

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• Model: D-18
• Year: 1954
• Top:  Red spruce
• Back and sides: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Nut Width: 1 11/16″
• String Spacing: 2 1/8″
• Scale: 25.4″
• Body Length: 19 7/8″
• Lower Bout: 15 5/8″
• Upper Bout: 11 3/8″
• Body Depth: 3 3/4″, 4 3/4″
• Bridge: Ebony
• Binding: Ivoroid
• Rosette: Ring
• Backstrip: Marquetry
• Purfling: Line

This is an example of a 50′s D-18 style Martin guitar with the Spruce/Mahogany tonewood combination, mahogany neck and tortoise binding. These instruments can be exceptionally powerful and articulate!

The prior owner Linm has this to say: “a beautiful vintage 1954 Martin D18 model Acoustic guitar serial number: 145XXX.  The 1954 D18 is one of a ‘Dave Matthews’ favorite for his studio session. The guitar has a structurally sound, great, warm, full, woody vintage D-18 tone. the neck is perfectly great shape just shows a little bit playwears on back of the neck but never been removed/ reset. the indian rosewood fretboard and  20 frets(never been in refreted/removed)are an excellent just showing a slightly wear.

The original bridge and tuners for an excellent player, loud, good entry level vintage Martin. There are a couple very small cracks repaired, one about 2.1/2″ at top near the pick-guard shows in picture #11 and 8.1/2″ on lower bout at right side of the guitar, the back is almost perfect with no cracks/dings just a few slightly finish scratches. the binding is strong and an excellent condition with no breaks/cracks whatsoever.

The guitar has such an amazing condition of its age just a couple small cracks that has been well done repaired along with slightly scratches, small dings here and there but no major, no breaks or big issue. This guitar is still perfectly playing strong, solid and great sound. She may not looks that pretty, but a lot of fun to play.  It comes along with a vintage 60′s hard case in excellent condition.

Pictures kind courtesy of  Linm
©2009

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