1971 Martin D-18 – Vintage Player’s Grade Mojo

Up for sale is my beautiful, naturally aged 1971 Martin D-18, purchased back in 2009 from the legendary Wunjo Guitars on London’s Denmark Street.

If you are looking for a pristine, untouched museum piece to keep in a glass case, this isn't it. But if you are looking for a deeply resonant, played-in, 55-year-old vintage Martin with incredible soul, massive projection, and that unmistakable dry, woody vintage tone… you’ve found it. 

This is a "Player’s Grade" instrument that has been loved, played, and occasionally gigged, and it sounds all the better for it.

The Condition As a player's grade vintage acoustic, this guitar wears its history on its sleeve. Please review the photos carefully:

• Playwear & Patina: Plenty of natural finish checking, a few scratches, dings, and honest wear from decades of making music.
• Structural Notes: No neck resets etc… all original… As usual, the scratchboard is lifting a little… but it has been like that for 15 years!
• Playability: It plays beautifully up and down the neck with a great broken-in feel.

Why the 1971 D-18?

There is something magical about aged mahogany and spruce. This D-18 has opened up beautifully over the last five decades. It delivers punchy, articulate bass, a warm midrange, and sweet trebles that modern guitars simply cannot replicate. Whether you are flatpicking bluegrass, strumming in a studio, or fingerpicking, it sits perfectly in a mix. Or you can play it hard to get that cannonball sound.

D-18s have been used by Elvis Presley, Doc Watson, Gordon Lightfoot, John Martyn, Paul Simon, Kurt Cobain, Dave Gilmour, Mark Knopfler, John Frusciante, Dave Grohl.

The D-18 has a very specific sonic signature: it has incredible midrange punch, a tighter, more focused bass, and massive headroom… meaning you can strum it as hard as you want, and the sound will never break up or get muddy.

It’s a big reason why 1970s D-18s are absolutely legendary machines!

Specifications:

• Year: 1971
• Model: D-18 (Dreadnought)
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce (aged to a gorgeous amber hue)
• Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Provenance: Purchased from Wunjo Guitars (Denmark St, London) in Jan 2009. I have the original receipt.

Shipping & Details: Collection only… Comes with a non-original, stiff case.

This guitar has a story to tell, and it’s ready for its next chapter. Feel free to shoot me a message with any questions or if you want specific photos of any details!