C. F. Martin D-18 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1950), made in Nazareth, PA, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back, sides and neck; spruce top, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, black tolex hard shell case.
A well-loved D-18 from the dawn of the 50's. This guitar has a fabulous, big voice, and while it shows signs of long use, has no major damage or repair. Typical appointments for the era: openback 1940's style Kluson tuners, larger varied-dot inlay on Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, rosewood long-saddle bridge, and all tortoise celluloid trim. Martin Dreadnoughts of this era were the undisputed favorites with many professional country & Western entertainers when new, and are still fantastic guitars for a wide range of styles. This is a great unmodified example, now becoming increasingly hard to find.
Overall length is 40 7/8 in. (103.8 cm.), 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
Nicely original condition; has had a neckset and plays perfectly. There is a lot of finish wear overall, most notably to the back and back of the neck. Top is surprisingly clean with some finish scratched and dings, but no large areas of pickwear. One long scratch on the headstock has taken some of the decal with it. No overspray or major crack repairs. A truly great-sounding and playing old D-18. Very Good + Condition.
