Martin 000-18 1942
SOLD

This is one of 225 000-18s built in 1942 at the venerable C.F. Martin Guitar factory in Nazareth, PA. The 'triple 0' Martin has evolved into one of the more desirable guitars for discerning players due to its ideal size and balanced tone.

This example conforms to all 000-18 specs of a wartime era Martin: mahogany back and sides, Adirondak spruce top with scalloped braces, mahogany neck, Grover individual tuners (wartime riveted gear), Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, bridge and head stock overlay.

The body measures 15” wide across the lower bout. Scale length is 24.9”. Width of fingerboard at the nut is 1 11/16”, and string spacing at the saddle is 2 1/8”. The neck is carved in a modern-feeling ‘C’.

The guitar is original but for the saddle and the tuners.  The original tuners were replaced on this guitar so we sourced and installed a period-appropriate vintage set. The guitar has had a recent neck reset, a 5” back crack glued, the pick guard re-glued and a small pg crack repair, cleated underneath. (The long line on the bass side of the top appears to be a scratch and not a crack.) In its past, the fingerboard was dressed/thinned ever so slightly at the first three frets (likely to gain better action or remove divots?). The bridge is original and appears unmolested, as is the bridge plate. Frets were recently leveled and dressed and retain good height. No discernible fingerboard wear, although it’s evident that the the board was dressed in the area of the first three frets.

This guitar was played and used hard, it appears, but not abused, luckily. There is play wear on the top, capo dents on the back of the neck, and nicks, scratches and dings all over, but is structurally solid.

Best of all, it has the stellar and coveted Martin sound .. warm, woody and open ... one of the better sounding guitars we’ve offered. It’s what the 000-18 fuss is all about. Action is set at 5 & 8 64s” and the guitar plays easily with excellent intonation.

As a bonus, the guitar retains what appears to be its original hard case in decent condition. The handle was replaced, and a few clasps are broken but it functions well to protect the guitar.