This vintage 1953 Martin 00-18 is one of those small-body, mystery top, Martins that punch above their weight. Featuring what is most-likely a Vermont (Red) spruce top, there's an added punch and heft to the attack on this guitar that really makes it a joy to play with a flatpick, while still having the responsiveness when played fingerstyle.

Since the mid-40s, Martin had been using Sitka spruce tops after the transition away from Adirondack (Red) spruce. Now thanks to research by Martin historians we have inventory records that imply that these '50s mystery top models were most likely topped using another source of northeastern Red, or Adirondack, spruce being supplied from Vermont. It's something vintage Martin aficionados have speculated about for years, but now we have documentation and inventory numbers to confirm what species of tops were available at the time.

Here in Good condition, this guitar has been played-in and has had playwear and repairs over the years to show for it. The bridge plate is an era-appropriate and appropriately sized maple replacement. The pickguard has been replaced, and there is a repaired pickguard top crack near the treble side binding with light finish touchup. There is a repaired center seam top crack. There is a hole in the heel from where a strap button was once installed. All the repair work is stable and the guitar is ready to be played. Includes hardshell case.

• 14-Fret 00-Body
• Rear-Shifted X-Bracing
• Likely Vermont Red Spruce Top
• Mahogany Back and sides
• Mahogany Neck, '50s C-Shape
• Original Nickel tuners 
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Rosewood bridge
• Replaced period-correct bridge plate
• Replaced pickguard
• 1 11/16" nut width
• 2 3/16" bridge string spacing
• Hardshell Case with one broken latch
• Serial # 134377