C. F. Martin 0-18 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1947), made in Nazareth, PA, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard, black tolex soft shell case.
Here is a great little postwar Martin with surprisingly little wear and tear for its 60 years on Earth. The 0-18 was consistently popular before the 1960's and kept in continuous production by Martin even during the war years, averaging around 500 units shipped every year. This small-body instrument was the least expensive spruce-top guitar in Martin's line, retailing at just over fifty dollars�which was not an inconsiderable sum in 1947! Then as now, the 0-18 offers a lot of sound in a small package.
The guitar has typical Style 18 features: mahogany body with a spruce top, plain tortoise celluloid binding on the top and back, and simple dot inlay. The tuners are the original riveted open-back Kluson singles with plastic buttons. The neck is a bit deeper in profile than the typical later Martin style, and is very comfortable. The sound is quite loud for a small guitar with a more mellow roundness than many more recent 0-18's. All in all a very nice 1940's guitar suitable for a range of musical styles.
Overall length is 38 7/8 in. (98.7 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
Very nice and well-preserved overall for a guitar of this era, with only light playing wear and some minor repairs. The top center seam has been sealed, the neck has been reset, and the original bridge has been reglued; all very neatly done. There is one repaired back crack, one sealed top crack under the low E string, and some pickwear near the soundhole; otherwise, this guitar shows only light finish wear. We wish all 1940's guitars that came in were in this sort of condition! Excellent Condition.
