Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$2,799.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (9)
$2,799.00
Amazon
5.0 (7)
$2,799.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$2,899.00 New
$2,260.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$2,799.00
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$2,799.00
Thomann
$3,055.00
Gear4Music
£2,999.00

Average Price: $2,776

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Martin 000-18". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Meet the Martin 000-18, an acoustic guitar that hails from the Standard Series and exudes a unique blend of vintage appeal and modern playability. A favorite among singer-songwriters and acoustic soloists, this instrument promises a balanced, rich tone that's undeniably Martin. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the 000-18 delivers tight bass, warm mids, and crisp highs.

The 24.9" short-scale neck with a modified low-oval profile is designed with the Performing Artist taper to guarantee comfortable fretting. To top it off, the open-geared tuners with butterbean knobs add a touch of retro-mod charm to this guitar.

Martin's all-solid wood construction ensures a resonant, complex tone that the brand is renowned for. This, paired with the spruce top's punchy attack and the mahogany body's depth and warmth, creates an articulate sound projection that cuts through any mix. The 1-3/4" nut width and 2-3/16" string spacing strike a perfect balance between complex chords and nimble single-note runs. The distressed sunburst finish, vintage logo on the headstock, and tortoise binding edges all contribute to the 000-18's 1940s charm.

Key Features:

  • Auditorium body style for excellent projection and focus
  • Solid Sitka spruce top and mahogany back and sides for a rich, timeless tone
  • Modified low-oval neck profile with Performing Artist taper for comfortable playability
  • 24.9" short-scale neck for easy fretting
  • 1-3/4" nut width and 2-3/16" string spacing for complex chords and nimble single-note runs
  • Open-geared tuners with butterbean knobs for smooth tuning action
  • Distressed sunburst finish, vintage logo on the headstock, and tortoise binding edges for a retro-mod aesthetic
  • Built with the highest quality components, backed by Martin's lifetime warranty.

Product specs

String Type Steel
Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape 000-18 Standard Auditorium
Back & Sides Wood Solid Mahogany
Top Wood Solid Spruce
Top Finish Gloss
Body Bracing X-brace
Neck Wood Select Hardwood
Neck Finish Satin
Neck Shape GE Modified Low Oval
Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlay Old Style 18
Number of Frets 20
Scale Length 24.9"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut Material Bone
Saddle Material Compensated Bone
Bridge Material Ebony
Tuning Machines Nickel Open-gear
Strings Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0, .012-.054
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Martin 000-18's body?

The Martin 000-18 features solid mahogany for the back and sides and a solid spruce top, which contributes to its rich and balanced tonal quality.

What is the neck profile of the Martin 000-18?

The Martin 000-18 has a GE Modified Low Oval neck profile with a satin finish, providing a comfortable and smooth playing experience, especially for fingerstyle players.

Is the Martin 000-18 suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?

Yes, the Martin 000-18's auditorium body shape and 1.75" nut width make it particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering clarity and balance across the tonal spectrum.

Does the Martin 000-18 come with a case?

Yes, the Martin 000-18 includes a hardshell case for protection and easy transportation.

What kind of strings come with the Martin 000-18?

The Martin 000-18 is equipped with Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 strings, gauged .012-.054, which enhance its tone and longevity.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-18 vs 000-28 - Tone Wood Comparison

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 vs 000-28 - Tone Wood Comparison by Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-18 vs 000-28 - Tone Wood Comparison

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for 1954 Martin 00-18 | Played by Carl Miner by Carter Vintage Backstage

1954 Martin 00-18 | Played by Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 vs 000-15M (Spruce vs Mahogany Top Wood Battle) by Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-18 vs 000-15M (Spruce vs Mahogany Top Wood Battle)

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 | N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Martin 000-18 | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 Acoustic Guitar Demo (2019) by Ian Meadows

Martin 000-18 Acoustic Guitar Demo (2019)

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for The Martin 000-18 Guitar at MaurysMusic.com by Maury's Music

The Martin 000-18 Guitar at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 Standard - Newly Redesigned! by Acoustic Letter

Martin 000-18 Standard - Newly Redesigned!

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for 2021 Martin 000-18 Reimagined / Martin 000 Body Guitar by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

2021 Martin 000-18 Reimagined / Martin 000 Body Guitar

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for Martin 000 18 Demonstration by Bay Tunes Guitars

Martin 000 18 Demonstration

Bay Tunes Guitars

Bay Tunes Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 by Casino Guitars

Martin 000-18

Casino Guitars

Casino Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 by Ian Meadows

Martin 000-18

Ian Meadows

Ian Meadows

Video thumbnail for Martin 000-18 by Guitar Gallery

Martin 000-18

Guitar Gallery

Guitar Gallery

Video thumbnail for 1955 Martin 000-18, Sitka Spruce | Carl Miner by Carter Vintage Backstage

1955 Martin 000-18, Sitka Spruce | Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for 2021 Martin 000-18 Reimagined / Martin Guitar / Played by Rakkhita by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

2021 Martin 000-18 Reimagined / Martin Guitar / Played by Rakkhita

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for 2020 Martin 000-18 standard by Todd Voss Music

2020 Martin 000-18 standard

Todd Voss Music

Todd Voss Music

Video thumbnail for 2021 Martin 000-18 by WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

2021 Martin 000-18

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

WM SOUND Guitars 원미사운드

Video thumbnail for MARTIN 000-18 Standard Demo by Dolphin Guitars

MARTIN 000-18 Standard Demo

Dolphin Guitars

Dolphin Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Deep, warm, and articulate tone with no muddy bass

  • Lightweight and comfortable 000 body size

  • Excellent build quality, superior to many lesser Martin models

  • Intimate sound profile, perfect for fingerstyle and rhythm strumming

  • Superb playability with a low and easy action

  • High-quality woods and well-dressed frets

  • Great projection and resonant sound

  • Versatile for both fingerpicking and strumming

  • Inspiring instrument that encourages improvement

  • Unique, pleasant smell

CONS

  • First string tuner can feel notchy

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 000-18.

Comparisons

  • The 2025 000-18 has a slightly thicker neck than previous models, improving comfort for some players compared to the old Modified Low Oval (MLO) neck.

    Source
  • The Martin 000-18 and 000-15m have different scales and nut widths, impacting playability and feel.

    Source
  • The 000-18 offers a distinct experience compared to dreadnoughts, with a preference for a lighter playing style that showcases the tonal beauty of the tonewoods.

    Source

User experience

  • New 000-18 owners find improved tone with picks versus fingerstyle, more noticeably than with less expensive guitars like Alvarez models.

    Source
  • Owners note the 000-18 is easier to bend strings on, enhancing playability compared to standard scale models like the Alvarez.

    Source
  • New owners often find themselves captivated by the guitar's sound, sometimes simply letting chords ring just to appreciate the tonal richness.

    Source
  • Owners find a noticeable tonal improvement when switching from thick to very thin-gauge picks, highlighting the guitar's responsiveness.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Snarling Dog picks, particularly red (medium) and black (heavy), are favored for improved acoustic tone compared to Dunlop nylon picks.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar is reported to be highly sensitive to humidity changes, more so than other acoustics, emphasizing the importance of consistent humidification.

    Source
  • Some users experience a slight buzz on the D string when using a capo on the second fret, indicating potential setup adjustments.

    Source
  • Martin's warranty does not cover neck resets, which can be a costly repair if needed after years of use.

    Source
  • Some owners report fret buzz on new 000-18s, potentially due to low action or new strings, affecting tone perception.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 20% discount on new models is considered a strong deal, especially given the potential cost of future repairs on used guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 000-18 is noted for its lightweight build, attributed to thinner/scalloped bracing, which enhances portability and ease of handling.

    Source
  • The 000-18 excels with a light touch, particularly for finger-style, Travis picking, and old blues styles like Mississippi John Hurt.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 2025 models use Mahogany instead of "Genuine Mahogany," a change attributed to material costs and availability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 2025 Martin 000-18 includes Golden Era bracing and rolled fingerboards, enhancing comfort and playability compared to earlier models.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jacob_keplinger

Main acoustic for a while

Until I got my hands on the Guild, I was using this guitar on pretty much everything. It was the acoustic guitar heard on Death in the Afternoon + self titled, as well as on every project I did pre-college and the 10-track mixtape from 2017.

howard_jeffrey

1965

All there -- no repairs, cracks, all original. The go to writing axe. Period.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Root uses Martin 000-18

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via Photo

In this post jim shows off his martin 000-18. He states it is from 1946

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Martin 000-18

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar World

In this interview, Joe Bonamassa confirms using the Martin 000-18 acoustic guitar in the studio.

See how J Mascis uses Martin 000-18

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Premierguitar

mentioned in the "Guitars" section of the article

See how Ed O'Brien uses Martin 000-18

Ed O'Brien

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via reverb.com

I used different guitars. I used my Sustainer Strat that I did with Fender. I used one acoustic a lot—this Martin 000-18 I've got, I think it's a 1959—all the acoustics are that. I had a really nice Custom Shop Tele and a really nice Custom Shop Les Paul, like mid-'90s, that I used. That's about it.

See how Shawn Mendes uses Martin 000-18

Shawn Mendes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance of "Lost In Japan" at the Victoria’s Secret 2018 Fashion Show, Shawn Mendes is seen using the Martin 000-18 acoustic guitar. This guitar is a staple in his live performances and is frequently used for his acoustic tracks.

See how Lee Ranaldo uses Martin 000-18

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

"The first acoustic guitar Lee has used prominently in live SY sets since 'Ghost Bitch'. After 'Or' left the sets, Thurston began using this for 'Massage the History'." - Chris Lawrence.

See how Mark Tremonti uses Martin 000-18

Mark Tremonti

Singer, Guitarist

Alter Bridge

...
Verified via Uberproaudio

Mark Tremonti uses a Martin 000-18 Golden Era acoustic.

See how Bob Dylan uses Martin 000-18

Bob Dylan

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview, with Martin Guitar employee Dick Boak, it says, "On his duet with Johnny Cash – that was a pretty famous performance – he played a 000-18 on “Girl From the North Country.”"

See how Taylor York uses Martin 000-18

Taylor York

Guitarist

Paramore

...
Verified via Imgur

In this article, Taylor York says he has a Martin 000-18 Golden Era. He uses it in acoustic sets.

See how Julian Lage uses Martin 000-18

Julian Lage

Guitarist

The Nels Cline 4

...
Verified via Photo

In this article Julian speaks about his '39 Martin 000-18: https://www.vintageguitar.com/22798/julian-lage-2/

See how Andrew Bird uses Martin 000-18

Andrew Bird

Singer, Guitarist

Squirrel Nut Zippers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Andrew Bird's Live From The Great Room feat. Matt Berninger #StayHome," Andrew Bird is seen playing a Martin 000-18 acoustic guitar.

See how Richard Thompson uses Martin 000-18

Richard Thompson

Guitarist

Fairport Convention

...
Verified via Richardthompson-music

Well folks, I mainly play on stage a Lowden L32C (L27FC is the old model #, now changed to L32C.) I own a spare of the same model, but with Walnut back/sides and cedar top - used on Old Kit Bag. I also have a baby Lowden, currently in London, so I can't check the model number, and three Ferrington acoustics, and my old Martin 00018, which is a bit bashed about. The main stage guitar has a Sunrise magnetic soundhole pickup, and a Countryman Isomax Condenser Mic in the soundhole. These both run through a 2 channel Gas Cooker Pre-Amp, made by Ridge Farm Studios. The Sunrise also goes through optional effects - a Line 6 Delay Modeller and a UniVibe rotary effect (Dan Armstrong?). From there into the P.A. - RT

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin 000-18, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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