1943 Martin 00-18 Flat Top Natural "War Time Era" w/SSC

This Item Is Located At IVG Sherman Oaks 

The Guitar Is In Very Good Overall Condition (Please See Photos)

Original "War Time" Martin Flat Top Guitar

Adirondack Spruce Top Shows Cosmetic Playwear Throughout Including Checking, Scratches, Marks And Dings (As Shown)

Professionally Reset Bridge

Original Pickguard Shows Minor Signs Of Shrinking And Cosmetic Cracks In Wood At Lower Bout (As Shown)

Non-Original Bridge Pins

Smaller Top Repair At Upper Side On Lower Bout, Crack Is Stable And Does Not Affect Playability (Please See Photos)

Mahogany Back And Sides Show Moderate Playwear Including Scratch Marks On Back (See Photos)

Professionally Reset Mahogany Neck With Rosewood Fretboard 

Frets Are Low, But In Good Playable Condition 

Fretboard Shows Some Dents In "Cowboy" Position Up To 3rd Fret

The Guitar Plays Smoothly With Low Action

Original Tuners 

Low E-String Tuner Button Shows Some Shrinking

Weight: 2lbs 10oz

Nut Width: 1.70"

Neck Depth At 1st Fret: .84"

Neck Depth At 10th Fret: .98"

Guitar Comes With Period Correct Soft Shell Case (Please See Photos)

The 1943 Martin 00-18 is a rare and highly sought-after gem from the golden era of American guitar craftsmanship. Built during World War II, this instrument showcases Martin’s ingenuity and commitment to quality even amid material shortages. Featuring a solid mahogany back and sides paired with a resonant Adirondack spruce top (or early Sitka on some), the 00-18 delivers a warm, articulate voice with remarkable balance and projection—perfect for fingerstyle, folk, or light strumming. Its comfortable 14-fret, small-body design offers exceptional playability, while period-specific details like tortoiseshell celluloid binding and a teardrop pickguard exude vintage charm. Wartime construction, including non-scalloped braces and the absence of an adjustable truss rod, makes this model especially collectible. With its rich tonal palette and historical significance, the 1943 00-18 isn’t just an instrument—it’s a living piece of music history, ideal for discerning players and serious collectors alike.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • 00-18
Categories
Year
  • 1943
Pickup
  • None
Series
String Type
  • Steel
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Model Family
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Top Material
  • Spruce
Body Shape
  • 00
Back Material
  • Mahogany
Sides Material
  • Mahogany
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Color Family
  • Natural
Active Preamp
  • No
Number of Frets
  • 20

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Imperial Vintage Guitars

Burbank, CA, United States
Joined Reverb:2014

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