1944 Martin 000-18

An incredible sounding 1944 000-18 perfectly worn-in to produce a rich, warm sound with all of the qualities you'd hope for in a war-era Martin. Professionally updated to playing condition with replaced bridge/saddle, new frets, and a neck reset for a great feel up and down. Cosmetically displays heavier pick wear, dings, and scratches with a couple of repaired side crack, a repaired "B-String" crack, and a filled and touched-up strap button repair. This thing has tons of vibe and it sounds SO good! This is the perfect Martin for the discerning aficionado looking for a worn-in workhorse! Includes non-original hardshell case.

Check out the feature from our luthier Tyler in the ECG Newsletter:

"The magic of a wartime Martin is a concept deeply entrenched in vintage guitar lore and is completely affirmed when picking up this 000. The restrictions on the use of certain materials (i.e., red spruce, metal) during that time certainly played a part in Martin’s golden era drawing to a close, but the transitional period during the war created an unintentionally unique chapter in their history. The ebony truss rod, which had been retired along with bar frets in August of ’34, made a dramatic comeback, this time featuring the now-ubiquitous T-fret. The result? An incredibly light instrument that tips the scales at just a hair over 3 lbs and is more responsive than any guitar I can recall playing, even with the lightest touch imaginable. It just about jumps out of your hands with the mere insinuation of a right-hand pluck. When folks talk about a “dry” sounding old guitar, this is the one they’re thinking of.

This 000 remains in remarkably original condition for its age. The slightest hint of the inevitable B string crack has developed along the edge of the pickguard but has been solidly and professionally repaired. It has had a recent and well-executed neck set along with a new saddle, par for the course on a guitar of this age. Depending on my current mood at any given moment, I could honestly say that any of the Martins featured this week are capable of being my favorite guitar in the shop. That said, I’d be lying if I claimed the 000’s haven’t enjoyed the lion’s share of attention. If you’re local, make some time to come down and play both of them before they’re gone. They are two of the truly outstanding vintage Martins I’ve come across, professionally as well as personally."