Martin D-18 Natural 1975

MARTIN D-18 1975

We are happy to offer for sale this vintage Martin D-18. Details as follows:

• Year: 1975 (s/n 354173)
• Body Type: D-14 Fret (Dreadnought)
• Top Material: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Back and Sides Material: Solid Genuine Mahogany
• Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany, 1-piece
• Neck Profile: Medium C-shape or soft V shape (typical for 1970s Martins)
• Headstock: Solid with a rosewood overlay and gold foil logo decal
• Bracing Pattern: Non-scalloped, straight X-bracing
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Fingerboard Material: East Indian Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid dots
• Nut Width: 1 11/16" (approximately 43mm)
• Tuners: Grover Rotomatic sealed tuners
• Bridge Material: East Indian Rosewood
• Nut and Saddle Material: Plastic/Acrylic
• Pickguard: Tortoise-shell colored plastic
• Binding: Single-ply black binding on the back, and a multi-ply white-black-white purfling strip on the top
• Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Neck Reinforcement: Non-adjustable fixed steel bar/stiffener rod
• Condition: 6/10 (repaired crack on bottom, photos on request)
• Case: NOHSC (Non-Original Hard-Shell Case) 

Comments:

The D-18 has been a foundational model for the Martin Guitar Company for nearly a century. Originally introduced in the 1930s, it went through various changes throughout the years, notably after World War II. By 1975, the D-18 had become a workhorse instrument and was characterized by a specific build that included non-scalloped bracing, a fixed neck stiffener rod (adjustable truss rods were not introduced until the mid-1980s), and a rosewood fingerboard and bridge. This model features an all-solid wood construction with a Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides. This classic combination delivers a dry, clear, and focused tone with a pronounced midrange, which sits well in a mix and is popular for flatpicking and vocal accompaniment. The non-scalloped X-bracing makes the top slightly stiffer, contributing to a sound with less prominent bass than pre-war models, but excellent projection and durability.  Notable players through the years have included Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Neil Young, Paul Simon, David Gilmour, Kurt Cobain and Elliot Smith.

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