Probably the best ‘50s Martin D-18 Gryphon has had in ages, if not the best ever. Yes, Virginia, that is an Adirondack spruce top, just check the color versus a typical Sitka top from the same era. A few Martins from ’53 turn up now and then with Adirondack tops, and thankfully this is one of them. It’s also a one-owner guitar, and the woman used it for many years but as she was primarily a singer, it didn’t get worn out and hasn’t seen much use in the last couple of decades. The sound is big but crunchy, more controlled and less boomy than a typical pre late-’44 (scalloped top braces) D-18, yet with more than enough volume for any application and the perfect tone and balance for lead flatpicking.
Condition report: Original finish throughout, with no cracks anywhere. There are some scratches to the finish, as you can see in the photos, but no serious pattern of pick wear, or dents or damage from belt buckles or metal shirt buttons. The more significant scratches mostly happened when the guitar was used on stage, the result of typical brief encounters with microphones and headstocks. As far as we can tell, the guitar had never been in a repair shop before it landed here. It needed a neck reset and frets, which were done by Frank Ford and the Gryphon repair crew. The bridge, nut, pickguard, and tuners are original. The original dark blue plush-lined case with cream colored piping is included, but we’re also including a new hardshell case, as the original is tired and doesn’t offer adequate protection. If you missed the bus and didn’t get a “pre-war” D-18 before the prices went through the roof, here’s your chance to get a great one from a few years later.