The Martin D-18 is the classic workhorse dreadnought, and one of the most customized models, even early on. We ordered this one with some upgraded vintage inspired tonewoods and specs with 1937 Sunburst finish. This Martin Custom Shop D-18 features old growth ‘Sinker’ Mahogany back and sides originally cut down in the late 1800s. The areas of present day Belize and Honduras in Central America were part of a British colony at that time. 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. Some logs take on unique, 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 with Martin’s classic 1937 sunburst. 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 neck is one piece Genuine Mahogany with satin finish and Martin’s comfortable Performing Artist taper and 1 3/4″ nut. 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, Grained Ivoroid bindings, 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.
Includes deluxe hardshell case and Lifetime Warranty.
Free shipping in the continental United States.