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Average Price: $4,199
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Description
Compact yet powerful, the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar is a gem in the world of steel-string acoustic guitars. Originally designed for 19th-century parlor concerts, this model brings a unique and historical flavor to any musician's collection. Known for its distinctive short scale and higher tuning, the 5-18 Terz offers a crisp and bright tonal quality that resonates with clarity, making it perfect for both intricate fingerpicking and rhythm strumming.
Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and genuine mahogany back and sides, this guitar provides a rich and warm sound that only improves with age. The smooth, low-profile neck ensures effortless playability, making it a comfortable choice for players of all levels. Whether you're a traditionalist looking to explore historical tunings or a modern musician interested in unique tonal textures, the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar is an excellent addition to your musical repertoire.
This guitar not only stands out in appearance but also in its ability to project sound effectively despite its smaller size. A true testament to Martin's renowned craftsmanship, the 5-18 Terz is a versatile and inspiring instrument that offers a distinct playing experience.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced sound quality
- Genuine mahogany back and sides for a warm tone
- Short-scale design for higher tuning and unique playability
- Low-profile neck for comfortable playing
- Ideal for both fingerpicking and strumming styles
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | 5-18 |
| Finish | Natural |
| Year | 1946 - 1962 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Acoustic Travel Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Auditorium |
| Color Family | Natural |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Martin 5-18 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 18 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Martin Post-War Era |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What makes the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar unique compared to other acoustic guitars?
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The Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar is unique for its smaller size and shorter scale length, making it ideal for higher-pitched tuning. Its compact design and mahogany body offer a distinct tonal character that's both bright and rich, appealing to players looking for a travel-friendly or alternate-tuning instrument.
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Is the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar suitable for beginners?
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While the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar can be played by beginners, its unique terz tuning and smaller size may be better appreciated by more experienced players who are familiar with alternate tunings and seek a specialized sound.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar?
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The Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar features a mahogany back and sides, a spruce top, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its warm and resonant sound profile.
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How does the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar's size affect its sound?
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The smaller body size and shorter scale length of the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar produce a bright, focused sound with a unique tonal quality suited for higher-pitched tunings, making it distinct from standard-sized acoustic guitars.
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Does the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar come with any electronic pickups?
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No, the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar does not come with any electronic pickups, maintaining its traditional acoustic character and requiring external amplification methods if needed.
Videos
TFOA Demos
Martin 5-18 Terz 1958 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics
Reviews
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Artist usage
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Showing some unsolicited #martinpride since two of my favorite @martinguitar acoustics happen to be in the same room together. On the right is the uber-limited 00-45SC "Stagecoach" model, but on the left is a guitar that's still available, and a sleeper hit in the Martin lineup... It's called the "Mini" or "Terz" guitar, and it's the only miniature acoustic I know of that is built with the same integrity as a full size model. I bring it with me on trips that don't allow for larger guitars, and it's what I call a "pocket song calculator." I can lay in bed and write/brush up on a song without having to travel with a larger dreadnought model. It's the brainchild of my longtime friend Dick Boak and I'm glad I opened its case again. I'd forgotten how great a guitar it is.
In this photograph, Dolly Parton is seen playing a Martin 5-18 small-bodied guitar. In this Reverb article, she is quoted as saying:
I had two uncles who played — Uncle Bill, who helped me get into the business, and Uncle Lewis, who was also a great guitar player. He had this little Martin guitar that I loved, so when he saw how serious I was about my music, he gave me his little Martin guitar. It was my treasure. When I left home at 18, I put it in the loft because it was beat up. My plan was always to — when I got money, when I got rich and famous — have it fixed up. But the loft burned out of our house, and burned up my guitar, so I only have the neck of that one. But I have collected little Martin guitars all through the years. I have some classic little guitars, especially the Martins, the baby Martins.
Hunter can be clearly seen with this guitar at 0:11 of the music video for "Everybody's Got Somebody But Me (Ft. Jason Mraz)".
In this video, Marty Robbins is seen playing a Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar, a model favored by many for its distinctive sound.
Album Usage
The Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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