1972 Martin D-18, Sitka Spruce, Mahogany – USED – SOLD Other Acoustics

SOLD

ON CONSIGNMENT, NO TRADE OFFERS PLEASE!

(USED) Martin’s dreadnought is certainly the most recognizable and copied design in all of steel string acoustic guitar, and by the 1970s, they seemed to be losing the plot a little bit.  In hopes of avoiding warranty repairs resulting from top distortion, they began overbuilding their instruments, and the sound tended to suffer for it.  Fortunately, they still snuck out some good ones, as this 1972 D-18 proves!

This one feels just right at a little over 4lbs, and the materials selection is very good indeed.  The Sitka spruce top has an even, tight grain pattern, and though it’s hiding under the requisite dark stain, the mahogany back/sides and neck are of fine quality.  While this guitar doesn’t have a thunderous bass response, it has a pleasing, balanced voice and a nice clarity in the lows and mids that we don’t usually hear in Martins from this era.  Again, it’s a good ‘un!  

1 11/16″ nut and 2 1/8″ string spacing at the saddle.  Mahogany neck with mod “V” profile.  “18” style appointments include 3-ring rosette, tortoise binding and dot inlays.  Rosewood fingerboard and bridge.  Original closed Grover tuners.  

The condition is excellent for a guitar entering its fifth decade in service.  It has had a recent neck set, and is playing perfectly.  There is only minimal fret wear, with dressing or re-fretting still many years off.  The pick guard has been upgraded to a tortoise-style, and there is a cleat abutting the X-brace inside the guitar that seems to indicate a top crack at some point, probably due to pick guard shrink back… nothing evident from outside the guitar.  There are some shallow dings spread around the entire instrument, nothing too obvious until inspected very closely.  She’s ready to play!  Includes heavy duty Ameritage hard case. 

Serial #318731 (1972)
AMW Price: $2,295 (On consignment!)

For more information, email info@acousticmusicworks or call (412) 422-0710