Martin

Martin’s 000-18 may be considered the closest thing to the “dark horse” of their lineup, a guitar that never reached the same degree of popularity as the D-28s, D-18s, or OM-28s. Still, it remains one of the core models to the Martin catalog and a mainstay in each of their series. It should come as no surprise then that this model is one that has found a home in the Martin Custom Shop, usually with great results.

Case in point, this 2016 Martin 000-18 is an emblematic example of what the Custom Shop can accomplish. All of the hallmarks of the classic 000-18 are here: the surefire tonewood combination of Spruce and Mahogany, the Spartan aesthetic touches of simple Tortoiseshell binding and dot inlays, and a tone that’s balanced, dry, and woody. Where this 000-18 takes things a step further, however, are the specs that you can only find in the Custom Shop: the Sitka Spruce Top & Braces are upgraded to Adirondack Spruce and the typical short-scale found on the 000 is stretched slightly to 25.34”, venturing into more common dreadnought or OM-territory. Add an Amber Tone finish to the mix and you have a wholly unique 000-18 that pays homage to Martin’s “Golden Era” but made with the fine attention to detail of the current Martin Custom Shop.

Tonally, this guitar is the quintessential Martin, boasting full bass that belies its smaller stature. Meanwhile, its supportive midrange is clear and crisp while remaining balanced. It’s almost cliché at this point to refer to any Martin as “warm,” but this one truly captures that character with its meaty and rounded trebles. The 000-18 is well-known for its fingerstyle acumen, often finding homes with Celtic, Folk, and Blues players, but it retains enough body to suit the strumming songwriter and yields great results for both rhythm and lead players.

This guitar was exceptionally well maintained and shows no signs of playwear.  We would consider it to be in EXCEPTIONALLY FINE to NEAR MINT condition.

• 14-Fret 000 Body
• Adirondack Spruce Top
• Scalloped 1/4” Adirondack X-Bracing
• Mahogany Back and Sides
• Faux Tortoise Body Binding
• Style 18 Purfling
• Style 18 Backstrip
• Non-catalyzed Gloss Amber Tone 1933 Body Finish
• Genuine Mahogany Neck
• Ebony Fingerboard
• Old Style 18 Abalone Fingerboard Inlays
• Dovetail Neck Joint
• East Indian Rosewood Headstock Veneer
• Satin Neck Finish
• 30s Style Ebony Belly Bridge
• Black Plastic Bridge Pins
• Bone Nut
• Bone, Drop-In Saddle
• Tortoiseshell Pickguard
• Grover Nickel Tuners with Vintage Buttons
• 34” Scale Length
• 1 3/4” Nut Width
• Original Hard Shell Case