1938 C. F. Martin 000-18 Natural

SN: 69286 ON HOLD. It has been 17 years since I purchased this extraordinary 1938 000-18 from Mark Stutman at Folkway Music. I cherished this guitar for more than ten years. It was my main songwriting a noodling guitar for much of that period. It is featherweight, set up beautifully and has that woody sparkle that the best of these are known for. At the time, it was a “holy grail” instrument for me. After my collection grew – and the dexterity in my fingers declined – I sold the guitar within the circle of friends/customers, as I always hope to do. It’s had one other owner in the circle and when I had a chance to take it back in trade, I jumped on it.

Number 69286 was made early in 1938 which is significant because it retains the forward X bracing design that Martin would change later that year. It has all the trappings of the true “prewar” and “golden era” instrument. The old growth Adirondack spruce top has taken on a honey-colored patina. The grain is nice and narrow. It shows pick scratches from honest playwear and a scratch or two from the case. The mahogany back and sides have some buckle-type scratches as well as some strap burn on the back. The binding is “tortoid” and the trim is the simple b/w/b stripes from the rosette. Tortoise guard and ebony bridge and fingerboard. Position markers on the fingerboard are the long pattern dots. The tuners are the original Grover G-98s in good working order.

The condition is clean and original with only the honest playwear, buckle (or button) rash and strap burn mentioned above. There are no cracks and no overspray. If you know mark Stutman’s work, you know it’s super clean and precise. He does not touch up the neck joint after a neck reset so there’s no overspray anywhere. And none needed. The fret job is immaculate. The fretboard had been planed prior to coming to Folkway which is perhaps the only knock on the guitar. The neck is still full feeling with a modified V profile typical of the OM and 000 necks pre-1939. The case is original -- the hard-to-find double diamond, purple lined, etc. – with a replacement handle. Hinges and latches work. Overall, it’s a wonderful piece.

Gbase crunches down the photos so if you’d like to see the details in their entire glory let me know.

SPECS:

Top: Adirondack
Band & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Nut width: 1-3/4”
String spacing: 2-3/8”
Body width: 15 ¼ ”
Depth: 4 1/8”
Scale length: 24.9”
Case: Original Hardshell