C. F. Martin 5-18 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1951), made in Nazareth, PA, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original black chipboard case.
The model 5-18 is Martin's entry into the all-time cutest guitar sweepstakes, and a very playable and good-sounding professional quality instrument despite its diminutive size. The "modern" 5-18 is built from the company's 19th century terz guitar patterns, with an 11" body and short scale just over 21". It carries standard Style 18 features with a mahogany back, sides and neck, spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and bridge and tortoise celluloid trim. With appeal beyond its obvious suitability for young students, the 5-18 was steadily produced -- albeit in small numbers -- for much of the 20th century. The guitar was a surprisingly solid seller through the 1950s, averaging over 100 units per year. In 1951 an even 150 were shipped out; 1950 had just been the model's all-time best year.
With a sparkling sound and unmatched portability, this littlest Martin remains a well-regarded instrument today for travel, recording, and even live use. Dolly Parton has been a longtime fan, seen numerous times with a 5-18 over the years. Marty Robbins was particularly fond of this model in the late 1950s and was often seen with one, sometimes strumming and sometimes paddling up an imaginary stream! This early '50s 5-18 is built just a bit lighter than later examples with a livelier sound than some, not much worn and just a lovely original little guitar.
Overall length is 33 3/8 in. (84.8 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 21 3/8 in. (543 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).
This is a fine playing and lovely original example of this delightful miniature Martin, showing only light wear and no major repair; it simply appears not much used over the last nearly 75 years. The all-original finish has some small checking and scattered dings, scrapes and chips but no large areas of wear. Structurally the guitar is excellent with a couple of minor brace reglues but no cracks anywhere. If there was ever a neck reset it was an exceptionally clean job, and the original rosewood bridge has never been cut down or reglued. This is a sweet but punchy sounding example of this diminutive gem, absolutely one of the nicest we have ever had complete in its original "Bull's Head" chipboard case. Overall Excellent Condition.
