Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 VTS

On consignment is this spectacular sounding example of a 1939 D-18 Authentic. Be sure to click on the demo video to hear this guitar in action for yourself. The volume, bass response and tone places this example in the top of the hundreds of Martin recreations we have seen. Don’t sleep on this one! It came to life in 2016, and shows minor signs of use, but has been well cared for. Notable repairs and alterations include a neck reset by notable luthier Randy Wood, along with slotting the bridge to accommodate solid pins; it should also be noted that this instrument has suffered the loose binding issue that has plagued C.F Martin for nearly 2 decades. There is evidence on both the back and top, on the treble and bass sides that the binding has been re-glued in the waist. Specs from Martin:

solid The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 is a meticulously crafted acoustic guitar that faithfully recreates the iconic sound and aesthetic of a 1939 D-18 from C.F. Martin & Co.’s museum, embodying the essence of the pre-war Golden Era. Designed for players seeking vintage tone and craftsmanship, this dreadnought combines historical accuracy with modern playability, delivering a warm, balanced voice with exceptional clarity and projection, ideal for bluegrass, folk, and studio recording. Its construction, informed by a Smithsonian Institute CAT scan of the original 1939 model, features premium tonewoods, hide glue assembly, and Martin’s Vintage Tone System (VTS) to replicate the aged, broken-in sound of a vintage instrument.

Manufacturer Specifications:

    •    Body Shape: 14-fret Dreadnought

    •    Top: Solid Adirondack spruce with Vintage Tone System (VTS) for aged tonal characteristics

    •    Back and Sides: Solid genuine mahogany

    •    Bracing: Rear-shifted, scalloped X-bracing (authentic 1939 pattern), hand-crafted with hide glue

    •    Finish: Vintage Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer

    •    Neck: Mahogany, Authentic 1939 barrel and heel shape, soft V profile

    •    Nut Width: 1 11/16” (42.9 mm)

    •    Scale Length: 25.4”

    •    Fingerboard: Ebony, 16” radius

    •    Frets: Medium size, 20 frets

    •    Bridge: Ebony, authentic 1939 style

    •    Bridge Pins: Black ebony

    •    Nut Material: Bone

    •    Saddle: Bone, drop-in

    •    Truss Rod: Non-adjustable, period-correct

    •    Position Markers: Simple dot inlays

    •    Binding: Tortoise-colored body binding, black-and-white rosette

    •    Tuners: Period-correct open-gear tuners

    •    Headstock: C.F. Martin Authentic-style decal

    •    Case: Included Harptone or Martin hardshell case

Tonal Characteristics:

The D-18 Authentic 1939 offers a bright, dry, and chimey tone with clear fundamentals, thanks to the Adirondack spruce top and rear-shifted bracing, which provides a balanced sound with a tight bass response and ringing trebles. The mahogany back and sides contribute a woody, open midrange, while the VTS enhances the guitar’s resonance, mimicking the sound of a well-played vintage instrument. Its lightweight construction and thin finish maximize responsiveness, making it versatile for both aggressive flatpicking and delicate fingerstyle.

Additional Notes:

    •    The guitar’s period-correct appointments, including the lean neck profile near the headstock and authentic body shape, reflect Martin’s 1939 design, offering a tactile connection to the past.

    •    The Aged version (D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged) features a distressed finish for a vintage look and enhanced openness, with an ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer for added resonance.

    •    This model is discontinued but remains highly sought after for its historical accuracy and exceptional sound.

For pricing and availability, contact authorized Martin dealers or visit www.martinguitar.com

Demo Video: https://youtu.be/3jS7slur-ts?si=s1kjOIlYy-fCh7B8