C. F. Martin D-18 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1971), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 291366, natural finish, mahogany back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, period black hard shell case.
Overall length is 41 in. (104.1 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.).
This is a good-playing and sounding D-18 from the dawn of the 1970s, when Martin Dreadnoughts ruled the roost as the most sought-after acoustic guitars in the world. This one has had some common repairs including a neckset and is a bit worn-in, making for an excellent gigger.
The top shows some general wear with one fairly deep spot into the wood just below the lower corner of the pickguard. The back and sides have small dings and dents but the back of the neck is quite clean, as are the fingerboard and frets. There are three tightly sealed grain cracks to the top, two behind the bridge running to the bottom edge and the third in the usual spot at the top edge of the pickguard.
The original bridge looks to have been lowered just a hair, and has a new saddle installed. The pickguard is a correct-style replacement; most of the original acetate black 'guards have curled into potato chip-like shapes by now. There are two cleanly repaired grain cracks on the back just below the treble side of the heel block, and some touch-up in that area.
This D-18 has a nicely dry woody sound, somewhat crisper with more volume than some from this year we have had. It would make a fine recording or stage guitar, well-aged but not too precious to play and enjoy. It is housed in a period black orange-lined HSC that is not standard Martin issue but may have been with it from the beginning. Overall Very Good + Condition.
