Martin 000-18 1949

The Martin 000-18 is one of the most revered small-body acoustics ever produced, and this 1949 example delivers the dry, woody voice and responsiveness that have made post-war Martins legendary among players and collectors alike. Featuring a solid Adirondack spruce top paired with mahogany back and sides, this guitar offers exceptional clarity, balance, and projection with the warm, articulate character that only decades of aging can produce.

This instrument is best described as player grade, having received a number of professional repairs and maintenance procedures throughout its lifetime. The neck has been professionally reset and the guitar sports an excellent refret, resulting in comfortable playability and solid performance up and down the neck. The bridge and saddle have been replaced, and an aftermarket pickup has been installed with a 1/4" endpin output jack, making this a stage-ready vintage Martin.

Cosmetically, the guitar shows honest wear consistent with over 75 years of use. The original pickguard appears to remain in place and has experienced the typical shrinkage commonly seen on Martins of this era. Numerous crack repairs are present on the back and sides, along with several deeper dents and dings accumulated through decades of playing. Multiple areas along the sides show finish touch-up work and overspray. Despite its repaired and well-played condition, the guitar remains structurally sound and offers the unmistakable tone and feel that vintage Martin enthusiasts seek.

Specifications

Body Size: 000 (Auditorium)
Top Wood: Solid Adirondack (Red) Spruce
Back and Sides: Solid Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge: Replacement Rosewood Bridge
Saddle: Replacement Saddle
Scale Length: 24.9"
Nut Width: Approximately 1 11/16"
Frets: Professionally Refretted
Neck Joint: Dovetail, Professionally Reset
Bracing: Scalloped X-Bracing (Rear-Shifted Post-War Pattern)
Pickguard: Original Tortoise-Style Pickguard (Shrunken with Age)
Electronics: Aftermarket Pickup with Endpin 1/4" Output Jack
Tuners: Vintage Open-Gear Tuners
Finish: Original Nitrocellulose Lacquer with Areas of Touch-Up and Overspray
Condition: Player Grade

Notable Repairs & Modifications

Bridge Replaced
Saddle Replaced
Professional Neck Reset
Professional Refret
Numerous Repaired Cracks on Back and Sides
Finish Touch-Up and Overspray on Multiple Side Areas
Aftermarket Pickup Installation with Endpin Output Jack
Original Pickguard Showing Typical Age-Related Shrinkage
Various Dents, Dings, and Cosmetic Wear Consistent with Age and Use