1956 Martin D-18 – SOLD

$5,750.00

Out of stock

Description

Exc cond (with overspray)  •  1-11/16″ width at nut
1-3/16 pin spacing  •  Englemann Spruce top  • Serial number: 148254

This 1956 Martin D-18 is a really great guitar, and has only a few repaired cracks for it’s age. However, a previous owner decided it needed some over-spray, so most of the guitar has been over-sprayed. The top appears to be Engelmann Spruce, although it could be Adirondack .  Original parts including tuners, pick guard, bridge etc.  Possibly the original nut, but newer saddle.

Typical to any D-18, it has mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and a spruce top. Here are the particulars…
Brazilian Rosewood peghead overlay has “CF Martin & Co” decal at top. Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard has graduated dot inlays. Frets have slight wear in first position. The top is gorgeous. Big wide grain on the edges of top, with incredible depth and chatoyance. The top shows earnest player wear, but hard to find a reason why anyone would have over-sprayed. Original pickguard is in great shape, as is the original Brazilian Rosewood bridge. No cracks in the top. The top is very level with no bellying behind the bridge and no sinking in front of the bridge.

The sides are nearly perfect, with one crack repair. The back shows finish crazing, and a few light repairs which may be why it was over sprayed. These repairs are slight but still show. The neck is in great shape, with no cracking in the heel of peghead.  Original Kluson deluxe tuners. Brazilian Rosewood heel-cap. Tortoise bindings on top and back edges of body, with the back binding being single-ply tortoise, and top edge having multiple wood strip purfling.

Playability is great on this guitar, no need for a neck reset with plenty of saddle and low action. Comes with good hard case.