Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,695
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
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Description
The Martin 000-18e Retro is a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, perfect for the discerning guitarist who values both tradition and cutting-edge performance. Drawing inspiration from a classic 1940s Martin Auditorium model, this acoustic-electric guitar showcases the timeless appeal of a solid mahogany back and sides, paired seamlessly with a Sitka spruce top. The result is a rich, balanced tone with a strong midrange presence, ideal for a wide range of musical genres.
What truly sets the 000-18e Retro apart is its integration of the Fishman Aura VT electronics system, which allows for incredibly authentic onstage amplification. This system captures the natural acoustic sound of the guitar, offering a performance-ready solution without sacrificing the instrument's inherent tonal quality. The discreet controls are conveniently mounted within the soundhole, preserving the guitar's classic appearance while providing easy access to volume and tone adjustments.
A comfortable Modified Low Oval neck profile with a Performing Artist taper ensures effortless playability, making it a joy for both rhythmic strumming and intricate fingerpicking. The hand-selected bone nut and saddle, combined with a black ebony fingerboard and bridge, further enhance the guitar's aesthetic and tonal excellence.
Key Features:
- Solid mahogany back and sides with a Sitka spruce top
- Fishman Aura VT electronics for authentic amplified sound
- Modified Low Oval neck profile with Performing Artist taper
- Hand-selected bone nut and saddle
- Ebony fingerboard and bridge
- Dovetail neck joint for superior tonal transfer
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | 000-18E |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 2014 - 2019 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic-Electric Guitars, OM and Auditorium Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | Yes |
| 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 | Undersaddle Piezo Pickup |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Retro Series |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the Martin 000-18e Retro's body?
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The Martin 000-18e Retro features a Sitka spruce top with genuine mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced tone with warmth and clarity.
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Is the Martin 000-18e Retro suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Martin 000-18e Retro is equipped with a Fishman pickup system, making it ideal for live performances with its reliable amplification and clear sound.
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What is the neck profile of the Martin 000-18e Retro?
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The Martin 000-18e Retro has a modified low oval neck shape with a standard taper, offering comfortable playability for most hand sizes.
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How does the Martin 000-18e Retro handle feedback during live performances?
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The Martin 000-18e Retro includes a phase feedback filter, which helps reduce unwanted feedback when performing live.
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What kind of case comes with the Martin 000-18e Retro?
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The Martin 000-18e Retro comes with a hardshell case, providing strong protection for the guitar during transport.
Videos
Guitarist
Martin 000-18E Retro acoustic guitar review demo
Martin 000-18E Retro acoustic guitar review demo
Guitarist
Martin 000-18E Retro Acoustic Guitar | N Stuff Music Product Review
N Stuff Music
The Martin 000-18E Retro at Maury's Music
Maury's Music
Martin 000-18E Retro Acoustic-Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know
Sam Ash Music
Martin 000-18E Retro at The Fellowship of Acoustics
The Fellowship of Acoustics
Martin 000-18E Retro
Guitar Gallery
Martin 000-18E retro, at The Fellowship of Acoustics
The Fellowship of Acoustics
Martin 000-18E Retro
Tailor Made Media
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent mid-range sound with Mahogany/Spruce combination
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Comfortable scale and body size for extended play
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Fishman Aura electronics offer superb amplified sound
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Perfect for fingerpicking style, praised by experienced players
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Lightweight design enhances portability and playing comfort
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Visually appealing with a classic Martin aesthetic
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Great action and full sound despite compact 000 size
CONS
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May require cleaning and new strings upon purchase
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Some units might have scratches or blemishes when bought used
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 000-18e Retro.
Value and pricing
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Buyers can negotiate with Sweetwater for the Retro Plus at a lower price point, around $1699, indicating potential for discounts.
Source
Comparisons
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The 2025 000-18 offers more bass presence than earlier models but can sound "scooped" and "plinky," potentially requiring acclimatization or setup tweaks.
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The 000-18 Retro is noted for its brighter tone and more balanced low and high ends due to the spruce top, unlike the mid-range focused 000-15m.
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The Retro Plus competes with Yamaha's FS5 and FSX5, with notable differences like the origin of manufacture and nut/saddle materials.
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Use cases and applications
User experience
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Owners of the 2025 000-18 note the neck is thicker than the previous MLO design, with improved comfort from rolled edges.
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Some users find the wide shallow necks uncomfortable over extended playing periods, leading to pain after a few weeks.
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Some users wish the 000-15m had a lacquered top like the 000-18 for a preferred look and feel during play.
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Owners of the 000-15m appreciate its unique, warm sound and indestructible nature, making it a go-to choice for everyday practice.
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Setup and maintenance
Build quality
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The 2025 model uses mahogany instead of "Genuine Mahogany," which may affect historical authenticity but maintains quality.
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The 2025 000-18 features rolled fingerboard edges and Golden Era bracing, enhancing comfort and tonal quality compared to earlier models.
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The 000-18 Retro Plus features a mortise and tenon neck joint and simpler bracing compared to the dovetail and GE bracing of the 000-18.
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The 000-15m is praised for its durability; even after 20 years, its action and bridge height remain consistent.
Source
Features and functionality
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
67
Excellent guitar, period.
Its scale is very comfortable. The Mahogany/Spruce combo provides an excellent mid-rangey sound but with great clarity. Beautiful guitar, visually. And the Fishman Aura+ is unbelievably easy to dial-in for great plugged-in tones.
Artist usage
Add artist
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 000-18e Retro, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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