For sale is a 1962 Martin D-18. This guitar was manufactured while Martin was still in the old factory, using the same techniques and hide glue that was the standard from the late 1940's as is evidenced by that great dry, clear, booming tone the D-18 has become known for. It is lightweight at just shy of 4lbs., and has a beautiful patina to the top. It sounds like the best of the 50's. Very loud and clear with highs that don't get lost in the punchy mids or clear lows. It was obviously played for most of 60 years by a player who loved it, cared for it, and brought it to its peak sound potential. I believe a guitar doesn't reach its full potential until they have been played for years. As with all of the great old vintage guitars that have been played a lot, they reach a point of needing standard maintenance attention. After 60 years this one was fortunate enough to land in the hands of Zach at Frets Music in Westerly, RI., an amazing and very knowledgeable luthier, who put it in absolute tip top condition. He gave it a neck re-set, fingerboard was planned slightly, new frets, a top crack behind the bridge was glued so tightly I had to take a few pics to make it visible, new bone nut, new bone saddle, replacement tuners that are in the exact footprints of the original ones and used the same original screw holes. The work on this guitar is extremely professional and clean. The Bridge, bridge plate, all braces inside, and pick guard are original. The inside is clean. The Sound hole has been slightly enlarged at some point (see picture). The action is very low which makes it a wonderful guitar for finger picking. It plays beautifully with no fret buzz or zingers with the new frets. The sound is bold. It also has an LR Baggs RTS 2 premium guitar pick up system that was removed but will go with the guitar should the owner want to use it. The pickup jack that was at the end pin strap button has been removed and replaced with an original type of strap button. There is some honest finish wear here and there from playing but nothing ugly or out of the ordinary. The only wear that is through the finish is an area on the side where the arm goes over (see pictures). This guitar was sold out of the luthier's shop to a young aspiring Country singer who was going to learn to play but never did, So, it has sat for 6 years, long enough for the hide glue used in the repairs to be well-seasoned, allowing it to come out of the case booming. It comes in a Hard case that appears original.

In summary, I have described this guitar as completely and honestly as I know how. If you have any questions or would like a specific picture, I will be glad to answer to the best of my ability. I assure you, this guitar is fully ready to go for another 65 years; nothing has been left undone. It is oozing with character and sounds the part. Really. $7,500.00 + shipping. Thank you.