Martin Golden Era Limited Edition 1995

A Martin 1995 Original Issue D-18 Golden Era Limited Edition. Martin made only 272 of this series before the Golden Era was introduced in 1999. These instruments were based on a 1937 D-18 & this guitar series was the first to bear the name "Golden Era." The original series was built with forward "X" scalloped bracing, original stain mahogany color, Brazilian rosewood head plate, cloth strips on sides, no tongue brace, sitka spruce top, black body binding, thru saddle, 1 3/4" nut width, & 2 5/16" string spacing with old style peghead logo & small abalone fingerboard dots. The 1999 introduction of the D-18 "Golden Era" had the same specs with the exception of the Adirondack top. This instrument has an upgraded red spruce top professionally installed by builder/luthier John Arnold of Tennessee in 2010. The only flaw of this guitar is a spot where black binding was loose on the side bottom rim where a piece of tape (after removing) left a spot of residue that can be seen only after looking closely (see pics 3 &4). This guitar roars with a deep, rich, & warm tone with serious volume. The top looks outstanding with bear claw, silking, & wide grain. The sound & play-ability is top shelf & is truly a rare find. It comes with a hard shell case.