WORKING CONDITION: Good- The action is a little high for our taste, but it is quite comfortable in the first position. All notes throughout the neck ring clear and true, and it feels quite nice. She's an easy-playing guitar with no extraneous noises or rattles; what emanates when you strum is the quality, vibrant acoustic tone Martin is known for. Despite all the work done on the guitar, it still retains the decades of wood maturing that only the passage of time can achieve.  

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Fair- This guitar has a lot of stories, none of which we know other than decoding the scars and patches that adorn her every curve. 

Most obvious are two large triangle-shaped patches flanking the strap button on the lower bout; there is another small patch on the treble side of the upper bout. The neck has been re-set given that the heel cap is not original. The rosette binding around the sound hole is heavily worn and cracking.

The original pickguard is gone, and the entire guitar appears to have been refinished, including the headstock, on which the Martin logo is no longer. Several side markers on the neck have left the guitar to do their own thing somewhere. Despite the refinishing, the top, sides, and neck feel good to the touch, just like an old guitar should. The bridge looks original but has been moved forward slightly. Lastly, the binding around the body was changed from dark tortoise (celluloid) binding to white binding, more typical of a D-28.

Amongst the many positives is that there are no evident splits, cracks, or anything loose or untidy to note on the top, sides, or back. The bridge and top are flat and secure, and the frets are in great shape, but that may be because of a re-fret at some point; might as well toss that in there as well. The work done on the guitar was clearly done with love and expertise to keep this guitar a player long into the future. 

She's a franken-mutt for sure, with a sordid past, but would do well in a new home with lots more stories to tell.  

INVENTORY #59351

BRAND: Martin

MODEL: D-18

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a 1954 Martin D-18 Acoustic guitar. 

SPECS:

• Serial #140727
• Finish/Color: Natural
• Weight: 3.75lbs
• Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: Includes a Huss & Dalton Tweed Case, Capo, and replacement pickguards.

Blacklight photos are available upon request, but we can't say they reveal anything beyond what can be deduced from the regular photos.