Martin Custom Shop D-18 1937 Authentic Sinker Mahogany – Limited Edition (1 of 50)
This is a rare late-2025 Martin Custom Shop Expert Series recreation of a pre-war 1937 D-18, built with sinker mahogany back and sides and a thin Adirondack spruce top. Only 50 were produced. It combines Authentic 1937 specifications (forward-shifted scalloped bracing, hide-glue construction, barrel-and-heel neck, period appointments) with an adjustable truss rod for modern stability.
This example is in like-new condition. It includes the original case candy, and the tags remain on the case.
Sinker mahogany is old-growth timber logged in Belize between roughly 1880–1920 that sank during river transport and was later recovered. The long underwater aging and mineral content give it extra density, warmth, low-mid punch, and harmonic complexity compared with standard mahogany. Paired with the Adirondack top and 1937 bracing, the guitar has strong fundamental tone, projection, headroom, and a dry, balanced dreadnought voice that opens further with playing.
Specifications
• Body size: Authentic D-14 fret dreadnought
• Top: Solid Adirondack spruce (non-VTS, thin), Vintage Gloss finish with Aging Toner
• Back & sides: Solid sinker mahogany, Vintage Gloss, Dark Mahogany color
• Binding: Brown faux tortoise
• Top inlay / rosette: Multi-stripe / Old Style 18 multi-stripe
• Bracing: Authentic 1937 forward-shifted scalloped X-brace, Adirondack spruce, 5/16”
• Construction: Hide-glue dovetail neck joint
• Neck: Genuine mahogany, D-18 Authentic 1937 Barrel & Heel with Standard Taper
• Scale length: 25.4”
• Nut width: 1 3/4” (bone)
• Fingerboard width at 12th fret: 2 1/4”
• Fingerboard: Ebony (Authentic thickness), Old Style 18 abalone dots
• Frets: 20
• Bridge: Ebony 1930s-style belly with glue-in long saddle; bone saddle (16” radius); 2 1/4” string spacing
• Tuners: Waverly nickel open-back with butterbean knobs
• Headstock: East Indian rosewood veneer with Script Golden Era overlay
• Pickguard: Faux tortoise
• Finish: Vintage Gloss (proprietary Authentic lacquer formula)
• Truss rod: Adjustable
• Electronics: None
• Case: Martin ply / 5-ply hardshell
• Recommended strings: Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Medium
A limited-run Custom Shop D-18 that delivers vintage 1937 character with the extra depth and power of sinker mahogany. Ready for a player or collector who wants one of the 50 that were made.
Demo Video: https://youtu.be/3HdOAgfjHXM?is=tHa57m3l3yyfk0H8
Martin Custom Shop D-18 1937 Authentic Sinker Mahogany – Limited Edition (1 of 50)
This is a rare late-2025 Martin Custom Shop Expert Series recreation of a pre-war 1937 D-18, built with sinker mahogany back and sides and a thin Adirondack spruce top. Only 50 were produced. It combines Authentic 1937 specifications (forward-shifted scalloped bracing, hide-glue construction, barrel-and-heel neck, period appointments) with an adjustable truss rod for modern stability.
This example is in like-new condition. It includes the original case candy, and the tags remain on the case.
Sinker mahogany is old-growth timber logged in Belize between roughly 1880–1920 that sank during river transport and was later recovered. The long underwater aging and mineral content give it extra density, warmth, low-mid punch, and harmonic complexity compared with standard mahogany. Paired with the Adirondack top and 1937 bracing, the guitar has strong fundamental tone, projection, headroom, and a dry, balanced dreadnought voice that opens further with playing.
Specifications
• Body size: Authentic D-14 fret dreadnought
• Top: Solid Adirondack spruce (non-VTS, thin), Vintage Gloss finish with Aging Toner
• Back & sides: Solid sinker mahogany, Vintage Gloss, Dark Mahogany color
• Binding: Brown faux tortoise
• Top inlay / rosette: Multi-stripe / Old Style 18 multi-stripe
• Bracing: Authentic 1937 forward-shifted scalloped X-brace, Adirondack spruce, 5/16”
• Construction: Hide-glue dovetail neck joint
• Neck: Genuine mahogany, D-18 Authentic 1937 Barrel & Heel with Standard Taper
• Scale length: 25.4”
• Nut width: 1 3/4” (bone)
• Fingerboard width at 12th fret: 2 1/4”
• Fingerboard: Ebony (Authentic thickness), Old Style 18 abalone dots
• Frets: 20
• Bridge: Ebony 1930s-style belly with glue-in long saddle; bone saddle (16” radius); 2 1/4” string spacing
• Tuners: Waverly nickel open-back with butterbean knobs
• Headstock: East Indian rosewood veneer with Script Golden Era overlay
• Pickguard: Faux tortoise
• Finish: Vintage Gloss (proprietary Authentic lacquer formula)
• Truss rod: Adjustable
• Electronics: None
• Case: Martin ply / 5-ply hardshell
• Recommended strings: Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Phosphor Bronze Medium
A limited-run Custom Shop D-18 that delivers vintage 1937 character with the extra depth and power of sinker mahogany. Ready for a player or collector who wants one of the 50 that were made.
Demo Video: https://youtu.be/3HdOAgfjHXM?is=tHa57m3l3yyfk0H8
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