The J-18 Custom Shop 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. This custom J features all the bottom end with all the midrange in one guitar.
We ordered this J model from the Custom Shop with 18-style specs and upgraded hand-picked tonewoods and specs with 1933 Ambertone finish. The back and sides are stunning premium Quilted Pommele Sapele from West Africa, aka African Mahogany. We hand picked this striking set at the Martin Factory and ordered it in natural finish with no stain on the body or neck to let the wood shine. The Pommele figuring is a rare and prized figuring in the wood with multi-dimensional quilt and blister like figure that moves with the eye. We upgraded the top wood as well and paired the Pommele Sapele with an Adirondack Red Spruce top and forward shifted Golden Era style scalloped bracing under the hood adding extra punch, clarity and headroom to drive this versatile build. Considered the deluxe of top woods, Adirondack Spruce 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. Matching premium Quilted Pommele Sapele headstock overlay and full Guatemalan Rosewood body, fretboard and headstock bindings with rich reddish brown color top off the custom J.
Other features include Black Ebony fretboard and bridge, Nickel Grover tuners with vintage buttons, select Abalone old style 18 dot inlays, Maple/ black old style 18 top purfling, Guatemalan Rosewood heelcap and wedge, Bone nut and saddle, dovetail neck joint, 1 3/4″ nut width, 2 5/32″ saddle spacing, 25.4″ scale length and more. The J-18 Custom body size and specs creates a loud, clear, balanced tone with deep warm bass and crisp highs.
Includes hardshell case and Lifetime Warranty.
Free shipping in the continental United States.
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