Steve Swan Guitars Swan

Martin after 1970

There are plenty of great Martin guitars that have been made after 1970, particularly those made in the last 10 years. I especially like those made with extra stiff Adirondack Spruce tops that give a sanppy clear treble to go along with the famous Martin bass. Personal favorites are new D-18GE and D-18A and some OM and 12 fret OOO models that I get in trade with Martin dealers.
Coming Soon: 1994 D-45 Gene Autry
For more complete description or questions, please email steve_swan@earthlink.net or call (650) 515-1014.


2006
OM-45 Deluxe Roy Rogers (1154599)
This limited edition guitar (#84 of 84) was made to celebrate Roy Rogers' 1930 OM-45 Deluxe, which recently sold for over $500,000.00. Indian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Spruce top, Gold Waverly tuners, "C.F. Martin" stamp on rear of headstock, Ivoroid-black-ivoroid headstock binding, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with 45 style abalone inlay, 1 3/4" nut width, Ivorid fingerboard binding, Abalone snowflake 45 style fingerboard inlay, Ivoroid body binding with full 45 style style abalone purfling on every edge, 2 3/8" string spread at the bridge, Ebony bridge with 6 point abalone snowflake inlay and through type saddle, Turtle-oid pickguard with 45 deluxe abalone inlay, 45 style backstrip, White pins with abalone dot. This guitar remains in mint condition. The voice is sparkling with crisp, sustaining highs and colorful midrange. With TKL hardshell case.                       $7500.00

1995 D-45 Custom (562494)   Sporting "beyond 45" pearl work, this instrument is reputed by the consigning owner to have been the very guitar used in a Martin poster (possibly a custom shop ad?) at the time that it was made, this instrument is a great maker's sample of the extraordinary pearl work available from the C.F. Martin custom shop. I'll have to investigate this claim. It would be fun to find an example of the Martin poster or magazine ad in which this guitar appeared. Dark, dense, tight vertical grain Indian Rosewood back, sides, and headstock ovarlay, Tight even grain Sitka Spruce top with very even darkening over the last 15 years, Gold Schaller "Martin" tuners with large "M" engraved buttons, White binding on headstock with abalone purfling on top and side edges, Abalone "fern" style headstock inlay, 1 11/16" nut width, Fingerboard has white binding and abalone purfling on the top and side surfaces, Abalone "tree of life" inlay in fingerboard, White bvinding on body with abalone purfling on every edge, including around the heel of the neck itself, Ebony bridge with "fern" style abalone inlay and 2 1/8" string spread, Black pickguard with abalone edge purfling and "tree of life" abalone inlay, Abalone snowflake in heelcap, Abalone purfling backstrip, White pins with abalone dot. The owner tells me that he only played this guitar three times (he's an electric guitar player) and that it has spent the entire 15 years of its life on a guitar stand in the corner of his livingroom. This guitar remains in mint condition. The voice is rich and powerful with colorful upper mids and trebles. A fantastic example of some of Martin's finest work and materials. With original black plastic hardshell case. I have the choice of several Calton cases and custom Cedar Creek cases that may be added as an upgrade.                           $14,950.00


2009
D-18V (13269--)
A new guitar without the warranty papers gotten in trade with a Martin dealer. Mahogany back and sides, Martin G-98 style tuners, Rosewood headstock overlay with gold "C.F. Martin" decal, 1 11/16" nut width, V-shape neck profile, Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots inlay, Tortoise colored binding and butt wedge, Black and white top and rosette purfling, Scalloped voiced advanced position X-brace, Ebony bridge with long saddle and 2 1/8" string spread, Red turtle-oid vintage shape pickguard, Black endpin and bridge pins with white dot. This model is very popular with flatpickers and bluegrass musicians. With Martin hardshell case.
$1900.00
March sale price
$1750.00


2006
D-18GE (1196751)
Another great example of the most popular Bluegrass Dreadnought model that Martin makes today, a mid-1930s big neck, advanced X-brace D-18. Mahogany Back and sides, Adirondack Spruce top, Waverly tuners, "C.F. Martin" stamp on rear of headstock, Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Mid-1930s neck profile, Adjustable truss rod, Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots, Black body binding with black and white purfling and rosette, Ebony bridge with long saddle and 2 5/16" string spacing, Advanced X brace position with scalloped brace voicing, Red turtle-oid vintage shape pickguard, Black heelcap and line type backstrip, Turtle-oid butt weddge, Black endpin and bridge pins. Brand new condition. A big, strong bluegrass dreadnought with plenty of volume and presence. With Martin Geib style case.
On Hold

Previous offerings



1999
OM-28V (696915)
A nearly new condition 10 year old vintage style OM-28 from Martin's 2nd golden period. Indian Rosewood, Sitka Spruce, Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" logo decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with abalone short pattern diamonds and squares inlay, Ivoroid body binding, butt wedge, and heelcap, Herringbone top purfling, 28 style rosette, Ebony bridge with long saddle and 2 5/16" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Zipper backstrip, Redeye endpin and bridge pins. A robust sounding OM-28 kept very clean. One small top ding and very light fingernail scratches below the pickguard. With TKL Martin Geib-style case


2004
D-16R (986868)
This guitar was a retirement gift that was never played. Indian Rosewood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, Gotoh Schaller style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" foil decal, 1 11/16" nut width, Round profile neck, Indian Rosewood fingerboard with abalone dots, White plastic binding, butt wedge, and heelcap, Line type purfling, Abalone rosette, Indian Rosewood bridge with 2 1/8" string spread, Black endpin and bridge pins with white dot, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Multicolored backstrip. This is a great utility grade Martin rosewood dreadnought that is in mint condition. With hardshell case.


2002
D-17 (887931)
Limited run all-Mahogany dreadnought. Mahogany top, back and sides, Gold Gotoh Martin Schaller style tuners, 1 11/16" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with pearl dots, Tortoiseshell binding with black and white purfling and rosette, Ebony bridge, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Ebony heelcap, black line backstrip and endstrip. An extremely clean and easy playing basic dreadnought. With Martin hardshell case.


2006
OMC-28M Laurence Juber (1177927)
Madagascar Rosewood back and sides with matching headstock overlay, Adirondack Spruce top, Waverly G-98 style tuners, Gold "C.F. Martin" headstock decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Vintage neck profile, Ebony fingerboard with no inlay, 2 5/16" string spread at bridge, Ivoroid body binding, butt wedge, and heelcap, Herringbone top purfling, 28 style rosette, Ebony bridge, No pickguard, Zipper backstrip, Endpin and bridge pins are bone colored plastic with black dot. Strong fingerstyle or flatpick voice. Brand new condition. With original Martin hardshell case.


2008
OOO-EC (1280081)
The very popular short scale 14 fret OOO model based on vintage instruments played by Eric Clapton. Indian Rosewood, Sitka Spruce top, Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Vintage neck profile, Unbound Ebony fingerboard with abalone diamonds and squares inlay, Ivoroid body binding, butt wedge, and heelcap, Herringbone top purfling and rosette, Ebony bridge with 2 5/16" string spread, 24 7/8" string scale, Red turtle-oid pickguard, zipper backstrip, White endpin and bridge pins with black dots. Brand new condition. Great balanced tone and easy response. With vintage Martin hardshell case.

1995 HD-28S (553522) 12 Fret D-28 from the start of Martin's 2nd golden period. Indian Rosewood, Sitka Spruce, Slotted head with Waverly tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" logo, 1 3/4" nut width, V-shape neck profile, Ebony fingerboard with long pattern abalone diamonds and squares inlay, Ivoroid Body binding, butt wedge, and heelcap, Herringbone top purfling, 28 style rosette, Ebony bridge with long saddle and 2 5/16" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Zipper backstrip, White bridege pins with abalone dot. Repairs include: Under saddle pickup, repair of side crack near tailblock and two top cracks behind the bridge. A very responsive and huge sounding 12 Fret D. with hardshell case.

New HJ-38 Stefan Grossman Custom Signature Edition (1253---) A brand new new example of this amazingly strong sounding J (Dreadnought depth OOOO size) model. Dense Madagascar Rosewood, Sitka Spruce top, Gold Waverly tuners, Ivoroid-black-ivoroid bound fingured Madagascar Rosewood headstock overlay with 45 style "C.F. Martin" pearl inlay, 1 3/4" nut width, Ivoroid-black-ivoroid bound Ebony fingerboard with abalone short pattern 45 style snowflake inlay, V-shape neck profile, Ivoroid body binding with side purfling and herringbone top purfling, Abalone rosette, Ebony bridge with 2 5/16" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Ivoroid-black-ivoroid heelcap, Ivoroid butt wedge, 45 style multicolored backstrip, White endpin and bridge pins with abalone dot. This huge-sounding guitar responds well to light guage strings and sounds as big as any 14 fret Dreadnought in the Martin line with medium guage strings. A real freak of nature, this one. With TKL Martin Geib-style case.


2005
OMC-28M Laurence Juber Custom Edition (1129831)
Cutaway body shape, Beautiful Madagascar Rosewood that visually reminds me of Brazilian Rosewood, Wide grain Adirondack Spruce top, Waverly tuners, Madagascar Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Medium profile V-shape neck, Ebony fingerbaord with no inlay, Ivoroid body binding and heelcap, Small herringbone purfling, Ebony bridge with 2 5/16" string spread, Ivoroid endpin and bridge pins with black dot, No pickguard, Zipper backtrip, Ivoroid butt wedge. Very much a vintage OM style guitar (except for the cutaway), this OM-28 is quite responsive and has a lot of presence and bite. Two shallow medium size dings on the top, one medium size ding on the back, otherwise very clean. With hardshell case.


2002
D-42 (895196)
Indian Rosewood, Sitka Spruce, Gold Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with 45 style Abalone "C F Martin" inlay and white-black-white binding, 1 11/16" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with abalone 45 style snowflake inlay and white-black-white binding, Round neck profile, White binding, heelcap, and butt wedge, Abalone 42 style top purfling, Ebony bridge with 6-point abalone snowflake inlay and 2 1/8" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Multicolored 45 style backstrip, White endpin and bridge pins with abalone dot. I made a compensated bone saddle to replace the awful sounding original micarta bridge saddle. Very clean with just a few light scratches on the back. A very full sounding guitar with accentuated bass from the advanced X and scalloped brace voicing. With hardshell case.


1976
D-35 (387812)
An exceptionally clean mid-1970s example. The D-35 has lighter, more responsive bracing in the top and back than it's more industrial weight sister, the D-28. Indian Rosewood sides and 3-piece back, Sitka Spruce top, Grover Rotomatic tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, Original Micarta nut, 1 11/16" nut width, Bound Ebony fingerboard with pearl dots, White body binding with black-white side and top purfling, Ebony bridge, Black pickguard, Black and white back purfling, Original endpin and bridge pins. This guitar was owned by a rock'n'roll guy who liked ultra low string height, so the bridge was shaved a little in the 1990s. The original low micarta saddle is in the case pocket and I have a nice taller bone saddle in now for better volume and tone. Frank Ford installed the strap button in his signature spot into the lower bass-side termination of the side just before it meets the neck heel. This guitar plays very cleanly and has a strong, even voice. The blue plastic Martin case is clean with no edge breaks or warping.

2008 D-18V (1222480)
An intermediate level standard D-18 model with some vintage features. Mahogany back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, 1 11/16" nut width, Mid-1940s style V-shape neck profile, Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots, Toroiseshell binding, Ebony bridge with long saddle and 2 1/8" string spacing, Mid-1930s style advanced X-brace postion and scalloped voicing, Red turtle-oid pickguard in vintage shape, Black heelcap, Black line backstrip, Tortoiseshell butt wedge, Black plastic endpin and bridge pins with white dot. A strong, full-sounding D-18 that plays quite easily. Great for Bluegrass or rhythm guitar in other styles. With hardshell case.

New D-18A (1235---) An outstanding example of the 1937 style D-18 with a nice stiff Adirondack Spruce top, Hondauras Mahogany, Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay, Gotoh Waverly style tuners, "C.F. Martin" deacal, 1 3/4" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots, T-bar nonadjustable truss rod, Black binding, Black and white purfling and rosette, Ebony bridge with 2 5/16" string spread, Ebony unslotted pins, Turtle-oid pickguard in the classic vintage shape, Black heelcap, Hide glue construction. This particular guitar is the real deal. I hand picked it out of an extensive stock of great Martins from a good dealer. This is as close as you're likely to get to the sound and feel of one of the classic mid-1930s D-18s at over 10 times the price. With warranty and a different hardshell case.

2006 OOO-28EC (1163149)
This is the standard 28 style version of the very popular Eric Clapton series, meant to emulate Eric's late 1930s Martin OOO-42. Indian Rosewood, Sitka Spruce top with dark orange tint meant to simulate the color of the original OOO-42, Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay, 1 3/4" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with abalone diamonds and squares inlay and abalone "Eric Clapton" signature at the 20th fret, V-shape neck profile, 24 7/8" string length, Ivoroid body binding, heelcap and butt wedge, Thin herringbone top purfling and 21-style rosette, Ebony bridge with drop-in bone saddle and 2 1/4" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Zipper backstrip, White endpin and bridge pins with black dots. This guitar was kept in extremely clean condition and played very lightly. The voice is clear and rich with a nice vintage-style midrange. It will develope a stonger voice with more play. With original Martin TKL hardshell case.

"Used" (really new) D-18 GE (1201---)
Another trade from a Martin dealer, this one comes without a warranty card. These 1934-37 style D-18 guitars have been the gold standard for Bluegrass Martn players in the last few years, replacing the venerable, but bass-heavy HD-28. Honduras Mahogany back and sides (back has some mild flame figure), Stiff tight-to-medium grain Adirondack Spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, Waverly tuners, 1 3/4" nut width Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots, Big vintage V-shape neck profile (my favorite), Black body binding and heelcap, Black and white top purfling and rosette, Ebony bridge with long bone saddle and 2 5/16" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard and butt wedge, Advanced-X scallop voiced top braces, Black line backstrip, Black endpin and bridge pins. This example is a little looser and vintage sounding than the last one that I had. A fine bluegrass guitar. With original hardshell case.


New
with warranty D-18 GE (1246---)
This 1937 D-18 reissue model is the current gold standard for bluegrass players, having replaced the old workhorse HD-28. Mahogany, Really stiff narrow grain Adirondack Spruce top, Waverly tuners, Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin" decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots, Black body binding and heelcap, Advanced X with scalloped voicing, Ebony bridge with 2 5/16" string spread and long glued in saddle, Black endpin and bridge pins, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Black line backstrip, Red turtle-oid butt wedge. I got this guitar in a trade for a vintage instrument and I am extremely pleased to find that it has such a nice, stiff Adirondack Spruce top. An extra stiff top is essential for the treble clarity that balances the big bass and midrange typically found on this model. This is my favorite D-18GE of any that I've ever had in the shop. With non-Martin hardshell case.


2007
OM-28 Marquis Madagascar (1241244)
For over 10 years I've felt that the closest substitution for Brazilian Rosewood has been Madagascar Rosewood. While I'm pleased that Martin has the good sense to realize this as well, it means that prices will be higher for those highest grade sets that I occasionally buy for my special order Santa Cruz and Shiozaki guitars. Adirondack Spruce top, Madagascar Rosewood (back is 50% vertical grain, sides are 90% vertical grain), Gotoh-Martin aged finish nickel G-98 style tuners, Martin stamp at rear of headstock, Square headstock shape with Madagascar Rosewood overlay and Martin vintage style decal, Fossil ivory nut and saddle, 1 3/4" nut width, 1930 Vintage neck profile, Ebony fingerboard with 16" radius and short pattern diamonds and squares inlay, Ivoroid binding, heelcap, and butt wedge, Traditional 28 style 5-9-5 rosette purfling, Fine heringobne top purfling, Aging toner on top, 1/4" scalloped top braces, 25 3/8" string scale, 1930 style belly bridge with long saddle, 2 3/8" string spacing at bridge, Dark red turtle-oid hand bevelled pickguard, Zig-zag backstrip, Fossilized Ivory endpin and bridge pins with black dots. Martin is really pulling it together nicely on their authentic vintage appointments these days. This guitar has a strong, forceful voice that would make a great rhythm guitar or lead instrument in a Bluegrass band or Americana group. Well-maintained and not played much as the consigning owner is now solidly in the Santa Cruz Guitar Company camp. With original Geib style case.


1970
D-18 (258316)
A great sounding Bluegrass or blues machine with original Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, heelcap, and bridge. Mahogany back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, Grover Rotomatic tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with Martin decal, 1 11/16" nut width, Bone nut, Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dots, Black body binding and butt wedge, black-white purfling and soundhole rosette, Brazilian Rosewood bridge, Replacement red turtle-oid pickguard, Black line backstrip. Strap button added to treble side of neck heel, Endpin jack hole plugged and redrilled for conventional endpin. The finish has lots of cold weather checking and belt buckle rash on the back. The neck finish is worn off of the back. Three small repaired side cracks on the bass side of the lower bout coming out fo the waist. Some spot binding reglue. I had the great Alan Perlman reglue the bridge, plane the board and install clean new frets. This guitar now plays like a dream. Martin could take a good cue from this guitar's light after-market scalloping of the X-brace and tone bars. The voice is powerful and clear, with a slightly looser bass than a stock guitar. Owned and played for 30 years by a performing bluegrass musician, this instrument really has the right sound and feel. With hardshell case.

1974 D-28 (3455016)
Another really clean example from 34 years ago. Indian Rosewood back and sides, Sitka Spruce top, Grover rotomatic tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay, Bone nut, 1 11/16" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with pearl dots, Boltaron bindings and heelcap, Ebony bridge with 2 1/8" string spread and replacement bone saddle, Black pickguard (which is peeling up like they all do), 28 backstrip, passive undersaddle pickup, no strap button. This guitar is exremely clean, having been played ony sitting down using light guage strings. As R.C. Snoddy used to say, "This one will open up like a barn door!" with more breaking in using medium guage strings. It's rare to find a 1970s D-28 this clean. With blue martin case.


Recent
HD-28V (1088268)
Martin's upgraded vintage style version of the ever-popular HD-28. Tight grain Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with "C.F. Martin & Co." decal, Dart neck volute, 1 11/16" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with abalone long pattern 28 diamonds and squares inlay, Ivoroid body binding and heelcap, 28 style rosette, Ebony bridge with long drop-in bridge saddle, Advanced X-brace postion and scalloped brace voicing for deep, rich vintage sound, Vintage size red turtle-oid pickguard, Zipper backstrip, White plastic endpin and bridge pins with black dot, Strap button added to treble side of heel. Kept in extremely clean condition. Originally sold with Martin Geib style case, this one came in with the current black thermoplastic 640 case.


2000
D-18 CW Commemorative Edition (821375)
This is #169 of 292 in Martin's Mahogany Clarence White guitar Limited Edition run from 2000. Figured Honduras Mahogany back and sides, Adirondack Spruce top, Waverly G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay, 1 3/4" nut width, Ebony fingerboard with no inlay except for the "Clarence White" signature in white pearl at fret 20, Toroiseshell binding and heelcap with black-white black side purfling, Line type top purfling, Ablaone rosette, Advanced X-brace position with scalloped voicing, Ebony bridge with 2 1/4" string spacing, Red Turtle-oid pickguard, Herringbone backstrip, Tortoishell butt wedge, Black endpn and bridge pins with abalone dot. Strap button added at heelcap. Roland White's signature added in felt pen inside near the neck block. This is a strong bluegrass style guitar kept in great condition. With hardhshell case.

 



2001
D-42K (823432)
Beautiful abalone-trimmed 42 style Koa dreadnought. Sitka Spruce top, Deeply flame-figured orange-brown Koa, Gold Martin G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay with abalone "C. F. Martin" inlay, Ivoroid-black-ivoroid headstock and fingerboard binding, 1 11/16" nut width, Low profile neck, Ebony fingerbaord with abalone snowflake 45 style inlay, Ivoroid body binding and heelcap, Advanced X-brace position with scalloped voicing for rich, full voice, Full 42 style abalone purfling and rosette, Ebony bridge with 2 1/8" string spacing and six point abalone snowflakes in bridge feet, Vintage size red turtle-oid pickguard, 45 style backstrip, White plastic endpin and bridge pins with abalone dot. Kept in new condition, this guitar has an easy response for fingerstyle play or jazz flatpicking. With harshell case.

Photo
2000
Martin HD-28V (757078)
This is Martin's vintage style herringbone D-28 formerly known as the "Custom 15" model. Sitka Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides, Martin Grover G-98 style tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay, Dart neck volute, 1 11/16" nut width, Dart neck volute, V-shape neck profile, unbound ebony fingerboard, Vintage 28-style abalone and squares fingerbaord inlay, "5-9-5" vintage style rosette purfling, Herringbone top purfling, Ivoroid body binding, heelcap and end wedge, Vintage shape tortoiseshell pickguard, Ebony bridge with long saddle, Red-eye bridge pins and endpin, Zipper backstrip, Scalloped voiced advanced X-brace. The two modifications are a bone nut and strap button added to the treble side neck heel. This guitar was kept extremely clean and played enough to begin developing a nice strong bluegrass voice. With Martin plastic hardshell case.

Very Recent Martin D-18GE (1107531)
An exceptionally nice sounding example of one of Martin's best-selling current models. Based on specifications of a 1937 D-18, this guitar has: Honduras Mahongay back, sides, and neck, Adirondack Spruce top, Waverly G-98 tuners, "C.F. Martin" stamp on back of headstock, (Brazilian?) Rosewood headstock overlay, V-shape Vintage neck profile, 1 3/4" nut width, Black body binding and heelcap, Pale abalone dots fingerboard inlay, Ebony bridge with long saddle and 2 5/16" string spread, Red turtle-oid pickguard, Black plastic endpin and bridge pins. this very strong and bright sounding D-18GE is virtually brand new. The consigning customer took it in partial trade for consignment proceeds from another shop that was a little weak in the cash flow. With hardshell case.

Recent Martin D-18GE (1088741)
This is an unusually strong sounding sunburst example of Martin's best-selling version of a 1937 D-18. Very stiff Adirondack Spruce top with very bold winter grain lines for a strong response and clear trebles, Honduras Mahogany back, sides, and neck, Waverly G-98 style tuners, Unbound Brazilian Rosewood headstock overlay, Bone 1 3/4" nut, Full profile vintage neck shape, Unbound Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots, Black body binding and heelcap, Black and white line style purfling and rosette, Dark 1937-38 style sunburst top finish, Ebony bridge with long through-cut saddle and 2 5/16" string width, Dark red turtle-oid vintage shape pickguard, Advanced X-brace position with scalloped voicing, Black line backstrip, butt wedge, Black plastic endpin and bridge pins. The very bold winter grain lines in the top can be cosmetically off-putting to some, but these large lines are the strong, stiff skeletal structure of the top itself. This extra stiffness gives this guitar a lot more treble definition and reserve power for hard Bluegrass playing that I find missing in a lot of modern era Martin guitars. The dark sunburst does an excellent job of obscuring most of this unusual cosmetic grain line feature. This guitar is stronger and clearer than most of the current Martin D-18 Authentics that I have had the opportunity to play. The former owner kept the original case for his new Tony Rice and traded this one in with a newish black harshell case of unknown brand. I usually have an extra used vintage style Cedar Creek case, some new Cedar Creek cases, or one of the new vintage style Santa Cruz Ameritage cases available if you want to upgrade.

2006 OOO-18 GE (1151056)
Another fine example of one of the most popular Martin vintage models. Adirondack Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, Gotoh-Martin vintage style tuners, Square headstock with Brazilian Rosewood overlay and vintage style "C.F. Martin" logo decal, 1 3/4" nut width, Fossil Ivory nut and saddle, Ebony fingerboard with abalone dots inlay, Dark red tortoiseshell binding and butt wedge, Black and white line type purfling and rosette, Belly bridge with 2 3/8" string spacing and long saddle, Long red hand bevelled turtle-oid pickguard, Ebony heelcap, black line backstrip, Ebony endpin and bridge pins. Kept very clean with only a few small signs of play wear, this guitar has developed a very strong, almost dreadnought-like voice. Martin is really making some nice vintage reissues these days. I'm very impressed! With original Geib-style case.

1972 D-18 (298589)
Working against type, this is a clean and great-sounding D-18 from Martin's "dark period" of 1971-76. Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back, sides, and neck, Grover Rotomatic tuners, Indian Rosewood headstock overlay, "C.F. Martin & Co." decal, 1 11/16" nut width, Indian Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dots inlay, Black binding and butt wedge, Line type top purfling and rosette, Black pickguard, Brazilian Rosewood bridge with 2 1/8" string spread, Wider bridge saddle, Ebony bridge pins, Black plastic endpin, Strap button added to neck heel. This is a surprisingly strong-voiced, easy-to-play early 1970s D-18 in very clean condition. With recent hardshell case.


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