Martin D-18 1943, Natural
| Instrument | Dreadnought |
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-18 |
| Finish | Natural |
| SKU | GF9679-A |
| Handedness | Right |
| Made In Year | 1943 |
| Top | Adirondack Spruce |
| Back and Sides | Mahogany |
| Neck/Fingerboard | Mahogany/Ebony |
| Bridge Material | Ebony |
| Tuners | Kluson Plastic Button Tuners |
| Radius | 16" |
| Neck Profile | Soft "V" |
| Neck Depth | 0.817" - 0.997" |
| Scale Length | 25.4" |
| Nut Width | 1.696' |
| String Spacing at Saddle | 2.129" |
| Contains Brazilian Rosewood (Y/N) | N |
| Electronics | None |
| Case | Vintage hard shell case |
| Modifications/Repairs | Replacement bridge, compression refret, neck reset (replacement nut and saddle), bass side bottom crunch repair (cleated), localized overspray around repair, finish touch up from previously installed oversize bridge |
| Condition Notes | Significantly played - pick wear, finish dings/buckle rash, crunch/puncture repair on the bottom |
This 1943 Martin D-18 stands as a wartime example, built during a period when material shortages directly influenced construction details. The mahogany back and sides are paired with a spruce top in the familiar dreadnought form, offering a dry, focused response with a strong fundamental. Features from this era include open-back tuners with plastic buttons and the absence of tuner bushings or ferrules.
This guitar has received a number of necessary repairs, including a neck reset, compression refret, replacement bridge, and a replaced nut and saddle. A bass-side lower bout bottom crunch has been repaired and cleated, with localized overspray in that area. The instrument shows significant playwear throughout, including heavy pick wear, finish dings, and buckle rash, along with the repaired impact area on the lower bout. An example that highlights the unique construction details of Martin’s wartime production, with visible history and documented maintenance.
Includes vintage hard shell case.
