1940 C. F. Martin D-18 Natural
SN: 75672. Even within great years, it’s possible to come across guitars that are freaky good, either through an accident in construction, the good fortune of time or both. I think this is one of them. Playing this guitar for the first time is intense – the volume, the chordal blooming, rifle shot response are second to none. As far as I can tell, it’s been offered for sale publicly only once before. The copy from Gryphon reads “the sound will remind you that the reputation of pre-World War II Martins is well deserved. Volume? You bet, with crisp highs, excellent balance and, of course, plenty of bass!”
It’s quite rare to come across a guitar that has been vigorously played but shows no signs of modifications or repair – not even a small crack. While the top looks very, very clean, in the right light, many pick swirls can be seen on both sides of the sound hole, though none, really through the wood. There’s a small area of strum wear south of the pickguard and buckle rash on the back. That’s pretty much it. Architecturally it’s completely straight. The geometry – neck angle, saddle height, string height off the top and nut are all dialed in. The top grain is mostly very fine with one band of wider grain out toward the wings. It’s one of those tops that seem to glow. Overall, it’s in original condition including finish, bridge and bridge plate, tuners and likely even the bridge pins. The only exception is a small area where the finish was worn off the back of the neck that has been sealed.
The playing experience is outstanding. The guitar is quite light at 4lbs 3ozs. The neck is full feeling; the action is dead solid perfect. It’s had a neck reset and refret in the 90s and all I’ve had to do is level and polish the frets. The tone, as mentioned has lots of color, sparkle and overtones.
It came to me in a non-original B grade hardshell case but deserves much better.
SPECS:
Top: Mahogany
Band & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 15-9/16”
Depth: 4-7/8”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: Hardshell
Payment is by personal check or money order. Payment in full, including shipping and insurance, is required before shipment. Personal checks must clear your bank. Please specify preferred shipping method when you order the instrument and we will calculate the exact price for you.
We represent the instruments as accurately as we can. All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.
All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.