1937 Martin D-18

For your consideration, Garrett Park Guitars presents this restored 1937 Martin D-18.

One of only 426 D-18s made in 1937, this restored example features the advanced X-bracing and wide nut preferred among pre-war Martin collectors. Its bound top is a tight-grained Adirondack spruce complemented by scalloped bracing, a tortoise pickguard, a mahogany back and sides, and an ebony bridge and fingerboard. As mentioned, the neck is wider (1.801”) than those of the 1940s and also chunkier, with a soft V profile that becomes more pronounced toward the body.

Fingerstyle or flatpick, it’s impossible to ask more of a player's D-18: this one has all the volume, warmth, and mid-range punch we’ve come to associate with Martin’s iconic workhorse. It frets easily, especially through the first half of the neck, and responds beautifully to a capo. Aside from the work done to restore this guitar, it shows only faint play-wear.

This D-18 has had two crack repairs and a complete refinish. Though this restoration was completed before we acquired the guitar, it’s obvious that a master luthier performed the work. The back crack (located on the lower bout toward the endpin and nearly imperceptible), as well as the crack on the bottom side, are holding tight and present no concern. As with the play-wear near the fingerboard extension, they are covered by the newer nitrocellulose finish.

Most of the original parts for this D-18 were replaced due to inoperability, but only with the period-correct, high-quality components this guitar deserves. Replaced parts include the tuners (Waverly "butterbeans"), bridge (ebony), saddle (fossilized ivory), and nut (bone). While the bridge plate itself is original, a maple cap has been added for protection. The guitar also received a strap button at the heel of the neck as well as a full refret before we acquired it. As with the other repairs, it's obvious this work was undertaken by a skilled luthier, resulting in a golden age D-18 that can be played the way it's begging to be, whether that be in the studio or on the couch. Should you need to travel, you'll be happy to see that it comes with a Calton case, which has become the standard for transporting pre-war Martins. 

This 1937 Martin D-18 is on consignment, so we can't accept trades toward it. However, we encourage you to send a reasonable offer if you're interested. Fee-less payment methods (wire transfer, cash, check, Venmo, etc.) are preferred and will be taken into consideration when reviewing the offer. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (410) 571-9660.

Condition: Excellent (Restored)

Serial Number: 66730

Case: Calton Hardshell