The 1940s represent the tail end of the pre-war "golden age" of Martin guitars, a period marked by superior craftsmanship, quality tonewoods and meticulous attention to detail. This superb D-18 is part of that esteemed lineage, and is a beautiful example of the never-bettered, iconic dreadnought.

Martin introduced the Style 18 Dreadnought in 1931 at a time when the guitar was coming into its own as a concert instrument. Guitarists required more volume and projection to cater to the increased audience and venue sizes, and the D-18's volume, projection and voicing would prove to be an instant hit. It's relatively austere appointments meant it could be priced competitively, and it quickly garnered a reputation as a versatile workhorse instrument of the highest quality.

This example is one of the finest we have seen across the board - condition, originality, sound, playability and collectibility. The Appalachian spruce/Mahogany combination with light scalloped bracing offers enough tonal complexity to cut through and hold its own in a mix without being overwhelming. It's sweet, dry, Mahogany midrange has incredible clarity and is wonderfully balanced. When strummed, notes have a large amount of space to breathe, and for lead lines it has the dynamics, volume and cut required to stand out. The low end is warm but never boomy and tonally this guitar seems to sit in just the right place whether accompanying a vocalist or as part of a band or ensemble.

The lightweight construction and scalloped bracing makes for an extremely resonant and dynamic instrument that projects very well. When picked and strummed it's loud and responsive with a big dynamic range. When played hard it compresses nicely with some low end growl while remaining tight and balanced. The mid's are very well defined, punchy and bold, while the top end has sparkle and a pleasant rounded quality that isn't harsh. All in all this is a very well balanced guitar capable of a wide variety of styles, and a very difficult guitar to put down.

Condition wise it has clearly been well looked after. It is crack free - quite remarkeable for a guitar of this age - and the original finish is in very good condition. There is some buckle wear to the back of the body and dings/scratches commensurate with age but overall the guitar has been well cared for over the years. 

The neck is in good condition with some dings and scratches to be expected, but overall it feels very good in the hand. The neck profile is a very soft V, the nut measures 42.9mm or 1,11/16ths and it plays like a dream thanks in part to a recent neck reset, saddle change and setup.

The guitar has scalloped, rear shifted X-bracing including popsicle brace. It's a slimmer neck model which Martin transitioned to in 1939,  with other notable features including Tortoiseshell binding, Ebony bridge, Ebony fingerboard with varying sized pearl dot markers.

Most players, collectors and historians agree that the golden era Martin D-18 has never been bettered, and to date it rightfully remains the model by which all others are judged. This is a stunning example.

Complete with Carlton hard shell case.