1937 Martin 000-18 Shade Top Sunburst Rare

1937 Martin 000-18 Shade Top Sunburst Rare Milwaukee, WI Trades Considered

This 1937 Martin is a pre-war beauty with a rare shaded top. It is a fantastic player with lightly worn frets and the resonance, brightness, and clarity in its tone that makes these such sought after instruments. The top has no cracks through the wood, just one small finish crack near the bridge. The previous owner acquired this guitar while working at Henri's Music in Appleton, WI in 1980. The bottom seam inside the soundhole was signed by C.F. Martin IV at a Martin clinic at Henri’s that same year. The finish is all original, as is the maple bridge plate. The bridge plate is free of cracks with wear around the bridge pin holes typical of a guitar of this age. There is a fair amount of wear from use over the years as well as some repairs, so please see all photos and notes below for a better understanding of the overall condition.

Action is low, perfect for any playing style. There is no fret buzz.
A very special guitar with an other-worldly tone.

Set up with DR .011"-.050" Phosphor Bronze strings.

Serial #: 68670

Weight: 3.6 lbs

Specifications:

• Great looks, feel, and tone.
  
• Scale Length: 24.9"
• Nut Width: 1.780"
• Neck Depth at 1st Fret: .855"/ 7th Fret: .990"
• Neck Profile: V
• Fret Size: .090"x.040"

Inspection Notes:

• Chips, scratches, and checking throughout. The original finish over the pickguard is bubbling and lifting as is typical with shade top Martins of this era.
• There is a crack in the finish only on the top behind the bridge. Interior inspection shows no evidence of the wood being cracked. (See photo with dime for scale reference)
• 4.5" hairline crack in the back towards the bottom end that is stable with little movement.
• Original bridge plate is worn around the bridge pin holes. The previous owner used extra ball ends on the strings when stringing up to avoid pull-through. We have adopted this same approach to preserve the originality while allowing continued performance.

Mods/Repairs:  Wisconsin luthier Bruce Petros performed the following work over 30 years ago:

• Re-fretted
• Neck Reset
• New bone saddle 
• Bridge was reglued and thinned down toward the back edge likely to accommodate the slight top belly behind the bridge.

The D-string tuner has been replaced as well with no additional holes drilled in the headstock as the footprint is the same as the original tuners.
There is a patch in the treble side lower bout from what appears to be light impact damage. No evidence of re-finishing in the area. 

What's Included:
Unoriginal 1970's Martin hard shell case in good condition with a few scuffs on the exterior.