Here is the oldest Martin D-18 I’ve been able to show you all these years: a 1951.

This post-war model is in good condition, and as you can see, it has been played. The finish is worn from hours and hours of practice. The wear is consistent and even across the entire instrument. It sounds like only guitars that have been played for decades can. It has that dry sound, that dry, woody resonance that gives these old Martins their charm. There’s a minor repair on the side, and the rosewood bridge has been lightly sanded on the treble side; I’ve tried to show this as clearly as possible in the photos. It had a pickup mounted under the bridge plate, simply glued on with some kind of adhesive paste that left a small mark. The bridge plate is original and in good condition. The bracing is original and well-glued. The end block has been drilled to accommodate the jack. The fretboard is in good condition and plays very well. It has been partially repaired in the most worn areas, which is completely imperceptible to the fingers. The action is good, with 2,5mm at the 12th fret on the low E and 2mm on the high e. 

Finding a pre-1970s Martin D-18 in Europe is a rare opportunity. I can count on one hand the number of 1950s and 60s Martin D-18s around here in recent years, so this is a rare find for anyone seeking that inimitable sound.

It comes with a modern hard case.