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Average Price: $4,199

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$200

$601+

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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

What makes the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar unique compared to other acoustic guitars?

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.

Is the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar suitable for beginners?

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.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar?

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.

How does the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar's size affect its sound?

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.

Does the Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar come with any electronic pickups?

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.

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Martin 5-18 Terz 1958 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Martin 5-18 Terz 1958 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Martin 5-18 Terz 1958 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar 1960 played by Klaas Zijlstra | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar 1960 played by Klaas Zijlstra | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

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Artist usage

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See how John Mayer uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Sting uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

Sting

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Sting is seen with this guitar at 2:44.

See how Dolly Parton uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

Dolly Parton

Singer, Guitarist

♀♀♀♀: The Collaboration

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Hunter Hayes uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

Hunter Hayes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

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)".

See how Marty Robbins uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

Marty Robbins

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this video, Marty Robbins is seen playing a Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar, a model favored by many for its distinctive sound.

See how The GOASTT uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

The GOASTT

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"Another guitar I have that’s quite cool is a Martin Terz. It’s from the ’20s. It’s also called a “5.”

See how Bobbie Gentry uses Martin 5-18 Terz Guitar

Bobbie Gentry

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Bobbie Gentry's main guitar, used in performances and even featured on album covers, was the Martin 5-18.

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 5-18 Terz Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Martin 00-18 Acoustic Guitar
Martin 00-18 Acoustic Guitar Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

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