Martin 018 1948

Few guitars are as inspiring and charming as a compact vintage Martin! This 1948 018 is a perfect example, because it sounds so beautiful!

This 1948 Martin 018 is a guitar that will immediately grab your attention. It exudes beautiful charm and, judging by the playwear on the top and back and sides, has clearly been respectfully played over the years. We always consider this a good sign, as good guitars are the ones that get played a lot! And this little Martin is certainly good, as the guitar is exceptionally resonant and has that characteristic dry, woody sound that only a vintage instrument can deliver.

The Martin 018 was introduced in 1898 and initially featured a 12-fret neck. During the 1930s, Martin transitioned to the model we still know today, a 14-fret neck. The guitar features mahogany back and sides and a Sitka spruce top, supported by non-scalloped X-bracing. The V-shaped mahogany neck has a rosewood fingerboard, as became standard on Martin's 18 series from 1940 onward.

This guitar has seen a lot in its life, and it shows! Several cracks have been repaired on the back and sides of the body, and cleats have been glued in at various points. The guitar also received a new bridge with a new saddle, and a Plate Mate has been installed under the bridge plate. Furthermore, on the inside of the body, you can see that several braces have been reglued. The guitar also received a neck reset and refret at some point.

On the back of the headstock, we find the original tuners, with the G-string tuner having a new knob. The pickguard is also original, and the guitar also has the playwear and crackle that make this 018 a beautiful vintage guitar!