C. F. Martin 5-18 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1955), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 142780, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, black gig bag case.
The model 5-18 is Martin's entry into the all-time cutest guitar sweepstakes, and a very playable and good sounding instrument despite its diminutive size. The "modern" 5-18 is based on the company's 19th century terz guitar patterns, with an 11" body and short scale just over 21". 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 solid seller through the 1950's, averaging well over 100 units per year�126 were shipped in 1955. 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 is a longtime fan, and has been seen with a 5-18 over the years. Marty Robbins was particularly fond of this model in the late 1950's and was often seen with one, sometimes strumming and sometimes paddling up an imaginary stream!
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.). Very clean overall, with some very light wear mostly to the top, where there is some checking and one scrape above the soundhole. The top center seam appears to have been re-sealed and there is some finish polish-out to the top, along with a lightly touched-up ding. The bridge appears to have been neatly lowered just slightly, and the original bridge plate may have been re-glued at some point-it looks perfectly fine but there is a bit more glue squeeze-out at the edges than we usually expect from Martin. Or Maybe we're just expecting perfection from the Nazereth day crew in spring 1955! At any rate this delightful guitar performs beaitifully, with a lot more sound than one might expect from its very small body. Excellent - Condition.
