1953 Martin D-18

Every now and then a vintage guitar shows up like this 1953 Martin D-18 that looks like it was never played. To be honest, I always have mixed feelings about these instruments. On the one hand, the historian in me loves to see guitars in untouched condition, in the the same state they left the factory. On the other hand, the musician in me gets sad to see a wonderful guitar has spent its life in silence. But what would I do if I bought a guitar like this? Would I play it and risk being the first guy to scratch it? Or do I want to be the guy to finally give it its voice? What would you do?

This D-18 was built in 1953, which is actually my favorite era for Martin guitars. The braces from this time are heavier than the earlier prewar scalloped braces, but they are a little lighter than the braces Martin used a few years later. I find that these guitars have a clear, rich bass response that isn’t too boomy, and trebles are clear and open sounding. I think more modern builders might want to investigate the bracing in late 1940s/early 1950s Martins. They sound really nice and I think a lot of players would like the sound. Anyway, if you’d like to buy this almost new condition 1953 Martin D-18, it will set you back $18,995 from the good folks at Folkway Music.

Look at the glossy lacquer on that top. There isn’t a scratch on it.

Shiny, shiny, shiny.

Even the tuning machines are clean.

These tiny scuffs seem to be the only wear on the guitar.

The guitar even comes with the original case key.