1945 C. F. Martin D-18 Natural
SN 92447. Exceptional-player-grade-plus 1945 Martin D-18 with Adirondack top, tapered braces and full refret and setup by Dennis Berck. Here’s a bluegrass player with volume and cut-- at a favorable price-- in a handsome package.
The years 1944-1946 were, once again, a crossroads for Martin and Dreadnought architecture. The war had ended but materials shortages and supply chain issues persisted. The prices of materials were on the rise. And, with demand for guitars increasing, Martin was concerned with the amount of time spent on warranty work. This period produced dreads (and smaller models) with wartime tuners, ebony truss rods, Adirondack tops and braces that were tapered rather than scalloped – something of a hybrid between scalloping and the straight-braced models of the late 40’s and beyond. To me, these guitars are just coming into their own. They are light, have hefty necks and tone that cuts with some overtones and strong midrange. They have a great cutting bass without the rumble and long decay. They make great bluegrass workhorses.
This one has had some work done but it’s structurally all there. The top has playwear that is minimally sealed and all nicely aged. There’s a replacement bridge that is the correct size. It’s replaced a slightly oversized bridge. There’s a well disguised shadow that is a scant 1/32” around the bridge. The back may be refinished and the sides oversprayed. Yet, there’s no cracking of the binding that often happens in a refin. The headstock has been spruced up as has the back of the neck. Surprisingly, everything looks age appropriate (the back doesn’t look newer than the top, for example, and there’s no color variation). The prior bridge had been reinforced with a couple of screws ala Gibson. Dennis carefully patched the small holes. Tuners and pickguard are original. Overall, a guitar that presents very well with a gorgeous Adi top, nice full neck profile and serious chops.
Comes with a nice, newer hardshell case.
SPECS:
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides: Honduran Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Dot position markers, b/w trim and rosette
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 15-5/8”
Depth: 4-3/4”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: HSC
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.