1939 Martin D-18 71877
A Martin Dreadnaught style 18 Guitar from 1939!
1939 Martin D-18 71877
C. F. Martin D-18 71877. “An extraordinary sound!” “As big as all outdoors!” “What a monster!” These are some of the comments we have heard about this guitar. Formerly owned by Rick Sambora (was lead guitarist with Bon Jovi), it is a stunning instrument. According to Martin records, this was among the first guitars made in 1939 (71866 was the last number of 1938), and one of the first of 475 D18s made that year. This guitar is in excellent playing condition, and the repairs that were necessary have all been performed with the highest standards. As far as we have been able to determine, it has original finish except for overspray on the back of the neck that is carefully feathered into the original finish on the heel and back of the peghead. The front of the Brazilian rosewood peghead overlay and “C. F. Martin” scroll transfer are original and unaltered. The original Adirondack spruce soundboard shows a few hairline cracks as might be expected of a guitar of this age and use, and based on our examination, the only two of consequence that went through the top have been repaired by sealing and cleating: one runs beside the center seam from bridge to end pin; the other in the middle of area between the fingerboard and treble bout. Both are visible in our photos and the photos of the underside of the top show the cleats. It features all-original scalloped braces, with X crossing 1.75 inch from sound hole. The back and sides are crack free, which is remarkable, considering the thinness they milled that Honduran mahogany to create such a lightweight guitar. The bridge and small maple bridge plate are correct size and material and we have found no sign that they have been replaced. The tuning machines are modern Waverley tuning gears; the originals are not extant nor is the original case. The guitar is now available in a 1970s era 5-ply, heavy-duty Harptone case. The bridge pins appear period correct; summer and winter bridge saddles are included. Finally, a neck set and re-fret have enhanced the fingerboard geometry to specifications of a professional player on the level of Sambora. Measurements in inches: Fingerboard width at nut, 1 3/4; at 12th fret 2 1/4. Action, bass string at 12th fret, .090. Neck relief (straightedge clearance at 8th fret) .020. The neck shape is a rounded “C” and of a perfect size to fit an average hand; it is not one of the “baseball bat necks” that sometimes appear in guitars of that era. Some people now-a-days seem to use terms like “pre-war” and “authentic” lightly, but, rest assured for this IS an authentic Martin D-18 made prior to the beginning of World War II. Considering the recent surge in popularity and demand for 1930s Martins, we feel that $35k is a very fair offer for such a guitar. And with that, we will include UPS ground shipping and Heritage insurance in transit east of Mississippi and shared costs in other destinations.
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