This one is difficult for me to list. Up for sale is my 1954 Martin D-18, which I've owned for approximately three years. It's a fantastic old D-18 that plays exceptionally well and has all the character you'd expect from a guitar that's been making music for more than 70 years.

Before I purchased it, the previous owner had the neck reset and the guitar refretted. The result is a vintage Martin that doesn't just sound great, but is genuinely enjoyable to play. The action is excellent, the neck is straight and in good condition, and the frets have plenty of life.

The neck deserves a mention because I used to assume '50s Martins all had huge, chunky necks. This one doesn't. I'd describe it as a comfortable soft V. It's neither particularly chunky nor super slim. If you've played some of the older '90s Taylor necks, that's actually what the overall feel reminds me of.

It has the typical vintage D-18 dimensions, including a 1-11/16" nut width and 2-1/8" string spacing at the bridge.

The guitar currently has Kluson tuners installed, and the original tuners are included. It also has upgraded dyed bone bridge pins. I believe I still have the original plastic pins as well, although they are bent and not particularly usable. If I locate them, I'll include them in the case.

An LR Baggs HiFi pickup has been professionally installed, making this one ready to plug in and play. I will remove the pickup battery prior to shipping.

As you'd expect from a guitar built in 1954, it has plenty of honest cosmetic wear, including scratches, dings, finish wear and buckle rash. I consider all of that part of the character of a guitar this age, but I've tried to photograph the condition clearly so there aren't any surprises.

There was a typical pickguard-area top crack that has been repaired. Other than that repair, I am not aware of any additional cracks in the top, which is pretty remarkable for a D-18 of this age. As with any 70+ year-old instrument, I can't speak to every piece of work that may have been performed throughout its lifetime, so please review the photos closely and feel free to ask questions.

The guitar comes in a custom Calton hardshell case that I ordered specifically for it approximately three years ago. The Calton provides excellent protection and is a significant upgrade over a typical hardshell case.

Included / Upgrades:

• Custom-fit Calton hardshell case
• LR Baggs HiFi pickup
• Kluson tuners currently installed
• Original tuners included
• Dyed bone bridge pins
• Original plastic bridge pins if I can locate them
• Prior neck reset
• Prior refret
• Repaired pickguard-area crack

This is just a special old guitar. It has the dry, open character you'd hope to hear from a '50s D-18, but what has always stood out to me is how playable it is for its age. The neck feels great, the action is excellent, and it's ready to be played rather than treated like a museum piece.

I'm genuinely going to miss this one. Please review all of the photos closely for the best representation of its condition, and feel free to reach out with any questions.