We are so very proud of the C F Martin Guitar Company for producing guitars that equal those made in the 1930s, considered the “Golden Era” for flattop guitar building on this planet. With this model, few of the original prewar details are left out – well, it does have an adjustable truss rod and we applaud that vigorously; and it does have a modified V-shape neck and not the formidable four-by-four that only Paul Bunyan can comfortably play; and, well, it ain’t made from hide glue (the glue you have to hide because if they see it boiling in pots everyone will want some). Nevertheless, in a finger-friendly fashion, this guitar bestows its owner an Adirondack spruce top, advanced X forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped bracing, fourteen fret to the body, ¼” Adirondack bracing under said venerable top, genuine mahogany for the sides and back, a solid Brazilian rosewood back stripe (though you would never know that in a million years since it is wafer-thin), a Brazilian headplate with sort-of squared edges and the old style burnished gold script “C F Martin & Co.” logo. It is a short scale neck (yes, 24.9”) instrument designed to allow easy stretching whilst exploring expanded chords.
More specifications appear below, but even if you were to memorize the entire list, nothing makes up for being about to try the instrument out in a calm, quiet environment (that would be our showroom, or your living room) only to discover that -- it sounds amazing. We do not use the word "mint" in our descriptions - near mint means "nearly unplayed but you might see the tiniest indications that music has been made on it. Of fretwear it has virtually no sign.
The sound of this superlative Auditorium-sized Martin, made from fine woods and provisioned with prewar style components and appointments is punchy, dynamic and demonstrative with considerable sonic transparency. Just like the old fashioned terms “V-12 engine” and “four on the floor” this guitar has the fretted equivalent in its “advanced X” and “forward-shifted quarter-inch scalloped bracing.” It is so unexpected to find, in an instrument this young, clear tone and considerable projection, combined with a considerable rainbow of aural color.
Here Are Its Specifications (enough with the capitalized words already): Model: 000-18 Golden Era 1937; Construction: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint; Body Size: 000-14 Fret; Top: Solid Adirondack Spruce; Rosette: Old Style 18; Top Bracing Pattern: Standard ''X'' Scalloped (Golden Era Style); Top Braces: Solid Adirondack Spruce 1/4''; Back Material: Solid Genuine Mahogany; Back Purfling: Solid Brazilian Rosewood Strip; Side Material: Solid Genuine Mahogany; Endpiece: Delmar Tortoise Color - Brown; Endpiece Inlay: none; Binding: Tortoise Color; Top Inlay Style: Multiple Black/White Boltaron; Side Inlay: none; Back Inlay: none; Neck Material: Select Hardwood; Neck Shape: Modified V w/ 30s Style Heel; Nut Material: Fossilized Ivory; Headstock: Solid/Square Taper; Headplate: Solid Brazilian Rosewood /Golden Era Style; Heelcap: Solid Black Ebony; Fingerboard Material: Solid Black Ebony; Scale Length: 24.9''; Number of Frets Clear: 14; Number of Frets Total: 20; Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-3/4''; Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2-1/4''; Fingerboard Position Inlays: Old Style 18; Fingerboard Binding: none; Finish Back & Sides: Polished Gloss; Finish Top: Polished Gloss w/ Aging Toner; Finish Neck: Satin; Bridge Material: Solid Black Ebony; Bridge Style: 1930s Style Belly w/ Long Saddle; Bridge String Spacing: 2-5/16''; Saddle: 16'' Radius/Long Fossilized Ivory; Tuning Machines: Nickel Open-Geared w/ Oval Buttons; Recommended Strings: Light Gauge; Bridge & End Pins: Solid Black Ebony; Pickguard: Delmar Tortoise Color - Beveled & Polished; Case: 533E Geib style; Interior Label: Signed by CFM IV.
When brand new, this model’s C F Martin List Price is stated as a number approaching $4500 This guitar, however, can be your own personal property, and also that of your heirs and legatees, for far less.