1967 Martin D-18

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This 1967 Martin D-18 is gorgeous and plays like a dream.  100% crack free and no repairs are needed.  (If you see anything in the photos that looks like a crack, it isn't.  It is either checking in the lacquer or it is glare.)  

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This guitar has the small maple bridgeplate, which is regarded by many folks as an advantageous attribute.  Many consider the maple bridgeplate superior in tone to the post '67 rosewood bridgeplates.  (I agree they are different, but personally I don't think one is necessarily better than the other.)

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This also has a gorgeous Brazilian rosewood bridge (the prettiest BRZ bridge I have ever seen) and a Brazilian rosewood fretboard.

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The neck on this guitar is remarkably straight and level.  Using a StewMac digital gauge, I measure only .002" of relief at the 7th fret on both the bass and treble sides  

 

This guitar has not had a neck reset, but it is very playable with a comfortable action all the way up and down the neck and enough saddle to give the strings an acceptable break angle.  The bridge has not been shaved or altered, but the holes have been ramped and slotted to increase the break angle to compensate for the lower saddle.

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The finish condition is excellent, with only light checking of the lacquer on the top and back, which is to be expected for a guitar that is 57 years old.  As you can see in the photos, there are a few minor indentations and scratches on the top of the guitar, but I would put this one in the top 5.0% of 1960's D-18s in terms of overall condition. 

 

There are very slight (negligible, in my opinion) "divots" in the fretboard at the first 2 frets, but these cannot be felt with your fingers when fretting. 

 

The neck is fantastic on this guitar.  It is a very comfortable "C" profile, typical of Martins from the era.  The finish up and down the back and sides of the neck is in pristine condition and retains its glossy lacquer appearance, showing negligible signs of wear.  The fret ends are flush and smooth and the neck plays fast.   

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The original factory (black) pickguard has been replaced with a gorgeous "tortoloid" pickguard from StewMac.  The pickguard was cut to size and custom fitted and has beveled edges.   

 

This guitar has been played a lot, but has obviously been properly humidified and carefully taken care of.  

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Comes in the original factory case which is in good condition.  (photos of case will be added soon)

 

 Specifications:

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• Small maple bridge plate

• Brazilian rosewood bridge

• Brazilian rosewood fretboard

• Sitka spruce top

• Mahogany back and sides

• 1 11/16" nut width

• 2 1/4" spacing at the saddle

• Original frets in excellent condition, having been freshly leveled, crowned and polished 

• Original ivory nut in excellent condition

• Bone saddle (replacement)

• Waverly bone bridge pins

• Original Grover Rotomatic tuners (all working perfectly)

• Strung with .013 - .056 gauge John Pearse phosphor bronze strings

 

All TERMS OF SALE apply.

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