Martin 1938 OOO-18

$8,250.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 29, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 29, 2026.

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5.0 (3)

$8,250.00 11 available Used

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Average Price: $8,250

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Martin 1938 OOO-18 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step back in time with the 1938 Martin OOO-18, a captivating piece of musical history that continues to inspire guitarists with its timeless sound and classic design. This vintage steel-string acoustic guitar is renowned for its remarkable tonal balance and rich, resonant voice. Crafted from premium materials, the OOO-18 features a solid spruce top that enhances its projection and clarity, while the mahogany back and sides contribute to its warm, full-bodied sound.

The smaller body size of the OOO-18 offers exceptional comfort for both fingerstyle players and flatpickers, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of musical styles. Its 14-fret neck and 25.4-inch scale length provide a familiar feel that accommodates intricate fingerwork and robust strumming alike. The guitar’s elegant appointments, including a tortoise-style pickguard and ebony fingerboard, reflect Martin's commitment to craftsmanship and detail.

Ideal for collectors and musicians alike, this guitar embodies the essence of Martin’s legacy in acoustic excellence, offering a piece of history that sounds as beautiful as it looks. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Martin OOO-18 delivers a dynamic and articulate performance that has stood the test of time.

Key Features:

Solid spruce top for enhanced projection and clarity
Mahogany back and sides for a warm, resonant tone
Smaller OOO body size for comfort and versatility
14-fret neck with a 25.4-inch scale length
Ebony fingerboard and bridge
Tortoise-style pickguard

Product specs

Brand	Martin
Model	000-18
Finish	Natural
Year	1906 - 1945
Made In	United States
Categories	OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Mahogany
Body Shape	000
Color Family	Natural
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Martin 000-18
Neck Material	Mahogany
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Martin Pre-War Era
Sides Material	Mahogany
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Martin 1938 OOO-18's back and sides?: The Martin 1938 OOO-18 features mahogany for both the back and sides, which contributes to its warm and balanced tonal characteristics.
How does the body shape of the Martin 1938 OOO-18 affect its sound?: The 000 body shape of the Martin 1938 OOO-18 offers a balanced tone with a good mix of bass, midrange, and treble, making it versatile for various playing styles.
Is the Martin 1938 OOO-18 suitable for fingerstyle playing?: Yes, the Martin 1938 OOO-18 is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its balanced tone and responsive dynamics, which enhance the subtleties of fingerpicking.
What is the fretboard material of the Martin 1938 OOO-18?: The fretboard of the Martin 1938 OOO-18 is made of ebony, known for its smooth feel and durability, which aids in comfortable playability.
Does the Martin 1938 OOO-18 have an active preamp or pickup system?: No, the Martin 1938 OOO-18 does not have an active preamp or pickup system, as it is designed as a traditional acoustic guitar.

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 1938 OOO-18.

Build quality

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Martin guitars from 2012 to 2020 may have binding issues due to a phased approach to fixing it starting in 2018.
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User experience

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Some owners of Martins, including the 000-18, report binding issues are easy to fix and covered under warranty if you're the first owner.
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Value and pricing

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Owners suggest that while the binding issue may seem prevalent, Martin provides a lifetime warranty on new purchases, which can mitigate long-term concerns.
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