Details
With it's original Kluson Deluxe tuners, original faux tortoiseshell pickguard, and an incredible amber glow to the spruce top, this D-18 from 1961 checks all the appearance boxes for a mid-century vintage Martin. Thanks to a recent neck reset and refret here at Gryphon, it plays as good as it looks and the tone is classic D-18, with Dreadnought oomph in the bass and lots of mid-range crunch and treble clarity.
Yes, this is a '60s D-18, not '50s, but it was made in the same North Street Nazareth factory that had been Martin's home base for over a century (they moved to the new factory in 1964). Despite the high level of originality, this D-18's original bridge was cut-down years ago to allow lower string action. Gryphon fortunately still has a stash of Brazilian rosewood bridge blanks, and you can compare our reproduction to the original in the case. Although the finish is original throughout, this D-18 didn't escape some surface wear which you can see in the photos. Three short cracks to the sides were repaired. For a guitar that saw a fair amount of use during its first 64 years, it's held up remarkably well and is ready for the next assignment.
Specs
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Back sides
Mahogany
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Binding
faux tortoiseshell celluloid
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Bracing
X-Braced, Tapered
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Bridge
Brazilian Rosewood
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Fingerboard
Brazilian Rosewood
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Finish
original shellac varnish
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Frets to body
14
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Neck material
Mahogany
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Nut width
1 11/16"
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Top material
Spruce
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Total frets
20
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Tuners
original Kluson Deluxe
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Year
1961
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
180080
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SKU
MARD18-180080
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UPC
121085
