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Martin / 0018H Conversion Sunburst / 1938 / Guitar

Any kind of vintage Martin (especially pre-69) leaves a trail of excitement through our store, usually making the guitar sound a lot better because everybody plays a few of their favourite chords on them. This guitar left slightly more than that, it left a trail of whispers, moans and gasps. While Bennie was working his magic on this guitar (with the top removed), the rumours spread through our villa that this gorgeous instrument was about to get even more magical. By 1938, the Hawaiian guitar was rapidly transitioning to electrification, leading to a decline in demand for acoustic flat-top guitars designed specifically for lap playing. This particular model, dating from 1938, was one of only 75 sold that year, priced at $50 (plus the case). In total, only 255 00-18H guitars were produced, with many featuring a natural top finish rather than the deep sunburst finish seen on this one. At that time, the standard 00-18 model had 14 frets, while this Hawaiian variant was the sole 12-fret version available. The "Shaded" or "Dark" top option for certain Martin models first appeared in the early 1930s. Initially a subtle amber tone darkening around the edges, by the time this guitar was made, the shading had become deeper and bolder, giving the entire top a darker appearance. This option likely originated from Martin's customers or dealers who admired similar looks on Gibsons. Period catalog listings for the Style 18 noted, "This style will be furnished with a shaded dark top instead of natural finish on request at no extra charge," although few were actually ordered. As with most of these instruments, they've been converted from their original Hawaiian style to a more suitable 'regular' western acoustic set-up at some point in time. This one received it quite some decades ago as far as we can tell. It received new frets, a new bridge, a new saddle, a new nut and a neck reset. It also received a slight overspray on the back, sides and neck. In this period it also received its first and only crack on the treble side of the end-pin, which has been repaired with cleats. When we received this guitar a few weeks ago, we decided to make it even better. Bennie, as mentioned before, made an entirely new X-Bracing, a new bridge, a new nut and a new bridge plate. Trust me when I say this, but this 0018 was already incredibly good when it came in. After Bennie's magic, it's nothing short of pure tonal magic. To be very honest I'd prefer telling you that this guitar is an absolute abomination as well as being too expensive, just to keep it here in the store so I can lovingly play it every day on my lunch-break. However, the fact of the matter is that this guitar sounds heavenly and is probably a lot cheaper than it sounds. I'm afraid this one will haunt me for years to come. I'll be searching for this exact tone, which is a mission doomed to fail. Played by Lars Den Ouden | Demo Gear: Ear Trumpet Labs Evelyn Stereo Microphone
Instrument sold

The Fellowship Of Acoustics, Netherlands  

Contact name:
The Fellowship of Acoustics
Brands:
Martin, Gibson, Fender, Vintage Guitars, Santa Cruz, PRS, Collings, Rozawood, etc..
Languages:
English, Dutch and German
Specialties:
Fine, Vintage and Rare Guitars
Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm.

ABOUT US

I have always been opposed to being trapped into a job eight hours a day to purchase the free time to do what I enjoy. That’s why i started the Fellowship of Acoustics. The fellowship of acoustics was founded by Rudi Bults, Guitarist and obsessed with tone and wood. The idea was offering real expertise when trading and selling the finest instruments in the world from our showroom in Bergentheim, Netherlands. Helping others find the right tools and enjoying an atmosphere that’s unhurried, honest and informative that’s my go. We are nothing like the "supermarket" style music stores, but specialize in string-things only. We are widely known for Flattop guitars but also sell electric, mandolins & banjo’s, amps, parts, and accessories. Our store has earned the reputation for being a great place to shop for the best products and service.
It is our hope that this new website - much more than a list of "gear" for sale - will serve as an example of our commitment to offering a more personal approach, a friendly atmosphere, and an ultimately more satisfying experience for our friends and customers.
If you have any questions just dial +31-523-232205 or e-mail info@thefellowshipofacoustics.com My name is Rudi Bults, and I’m always here to help out. Wherever possible, we would recommend that you visit our store and experience our instruments and service first hand. However, because of our high standards you can be confident of ordering online from us. We hope you enjoy your visit to our site, and welcome your feedback.

LANGUAGES

We do speak English, Dutch and German! Feel free to call in any of these languages and ask your questions! Call 0031-523-232205

 

WE BUY, SELL, TRADE, DO CONSIGNMENT AND APPRAISALS

 

We LOVE Guitars, and buy and trade for most stringed instruments. But we also do consignment, make appraisals for insurance or put you on our watch list. Please check the Buying & Trading page for details.

www.tfoa.eu
The Fellowship of Acoustics BV
Kanaalweg oost 36
7691CE Bergentheim
Netherlands
To order online: go to
http://www.tfoa.eu/the_store/
And choose your Guitar and purchase through the website.

Available methods of payment
# Paypal
# Credit Card (MasterCard/Visa/AmEx) only available for European Community and USA.
# Bank-Wire transfer

Call for Online Order+31(0)523-23-2205
our policy:
14 day money in return return warranty  Shipping cost, and Customs & import return costs -bothways- are buyers responsibility
1 year Guarantee on Used Guitars
5 years Guarantee on New guitars (or 'limited lifitime' if the Builder guarrantees such)

 
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