1931 C. F. Martin 0-18K Natural
SN 46327. Here is a very fine example of Martin’s most popular Koa wood guitar – the 0-18K. The majority of these guitars were designed to be played in the lap with slides (Hawaiian style) and were set up with tall nuts and saddles, flush frets, and flat fretboards. In 1927, Martin discovered a strong interest in Koa guitars set up for standard play. No wonder. Koa is a wonderful tone wood with a strong dynamic range, great clarity, and subtle overtones. By 1931, the Hawaiian music craze was tapering off, and only 150 0-18Ks were produced. I can find no records on how many were set up for Hawaiian versus standard play, but this one was set up for standard play from the start.
Although the fanciest Koa was reserved for the 0-28K, sales of the 28K began to decline in 1928, I believe that by 1931, the nicer Koa now also being used on the 18s. The wood on this guitar is spectacular: perfectly book matched, beautifully figured, and possessing that 3D psychedelic depth. There are no cracks. The ebony belly bridge was standard in 1931, and the ebony fretboard is radiused, has bar frets, and features a 1-7/8” nut. It also has the slotted headstock, original side position markers, no decal, and a Martin stamp on the back of the headstock. The neck carve is a soft V with a depth of .9” at the first fret.
I’ve had the usual maintenance done while the guitar has been in my care. Mark Tossman reset the neck, replaced the frets, and set it up. It plays very easily and exhibits all the tonal richness described above. I’ve successfully converted some guitars from Hawaiian to standard play, but nothing beats a guitar that was set up for standard play from the start.
The previous owner paired it with a really nice case from the late 20s or early 30s, likely made for a resonator. It’s a two-tone tan and brown with a brown felt interior. All latches work, and the lid ribbon is intact. It fits perfectly. Overall, a lovely package.
SPECS:
Top: Hawaiian Koa
Back & Sides: Hawaiian Koa
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Small dot position markers, belly bridge, 18-style binding and appointments
Nut width: 1-7/8”
String spacing: 2-3/8”
Body width: 13-1/2”
Depth: 4-3/16”
Scale length: 24.9”
Case: Period HSC
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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.