The J-18 custom is Martin’s jumbo 0000 sized guitar with a deeper body. Originally based on the 16″ archtop, which was larger than the 000 and wider than the dreadnought. Martin put a flattop on it and the 0000 or M size as it was called, was born. The M kept with the 000 thinner body depth, but in a bigger package. In 1984, Chris Martin IV had the idea to take the 0000 and deepen the body like a dreadnought. The J or jumbo was born with the first model, the J-40M. The combination is the power and warmth of the dreadnought, with the articulation and balance of the 000. It is probably the most diverse of all the Martin body sizes. All the bottom end with all the midrange in one guitar.
We ordered this J-18 from the Custom Shop with upgraded vintage inspired tonewoods and specs with their Ambertone finish. We love the vintage sound and the history of the old growth ‘Sinker’ Mahogany used for the body wood. Originally cut down in the late 1800s in the area of present day Belize and Honduras in Central America when it was a British colony. Logging this old growth virgin timber deep in the rain forests to export this prime, rare timber at the time was no easy task. 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 over a century void of oxygen to rot. The wood takes on some subtle coloring due to mineral deposits in the mud. This set has some wonderful coloring, which we ordered custom without any stain to highlight this striking wood.
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, and a 1933 Ambertone finish. The neck is one piece Genuine Mahogany with satin finish and a 1 3/4″ nut width for comfort. The J-18 body size and specs creates a loud, clear, balanced tone with deep warm bass and crisp highs.
Other custom features include the modified low oval neck shape with performing artist taper, Grained Ivoroid bindings, Nickel Grover tuners with vintage buttons, Old style 18 Green Abalone dot inlays and more. This is the sound of a vintage guitar in a brand new build with the right upgrades.
Includes hardshell case and Lifetime Warranty.
Free shipping in the continental United States.