The Martin D-18 is the classic workhorse dreadnought. We upped the ante by giving this some vintage inspired tonewoods and specs with a vintage toner finish. This Martin Custom Shop D-18 features old growth ‘Sinker’ Mahogany back and sides. This wood was harvested in the late 1800s when they were logging deep in the rain forests of central and south America to export this prime, rare timber. Using the rivers as the only means of transport, needless to say some logs did not make it. Many sunk in the mud and basically became a time capsule, aging for a century void of oxygen to rot. Some logs take on unique, subtle striping due to mineral deposits in the mud. This set has some wonderful light/ dark figuring. We ordered this also without the dark, heavy stain associated with Mahogany, to show off the figuring and coloring.
We topped it with an Adirondack Red Spruce top, the holy grail of top woods. This is the wood of choice of the builders during the ‘golden era’ of guitar building, the early 1930’s through pre-war early 40’s. We completed the top with Adirondack ‘Golden Era’ style forward shifted scalloped bracing, the same bracing used then also. The wood combination creates a loud and clear, balanced tone with deep warm bass and bell like highs.
Other custom features include a Genuine Mahogany modified low oval neck with performing artist taper, Tortoise binding, Nickel Grover tuners with vintage buttons, Old style 18 Green Abalone dot inlays and more. This is the sound of an ‘old bone’ in a brand new build with the right upgrades. A great ‘all business’ heirloom guitar.
Includes deluxe hardshell case and Lifetime Warranty.
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