Pricing and availability

Average Price: $4,500

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell acoustic guitar is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, crafted in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning musician Jason Isbell. This guitar embodies the best of Martin's legendary craftsmanship and modern artistry. At its core, the D-18 Jason Isbell features a pre-aged Vintage Tone System Adirondack spruce top, which offers the rich, complex tones reminiscent of vintage Martin guitars. This unique aging process replicates the sonic qualities of a well-loved instrument while maintaining a fresh appearance.

The rear-shifted scalloped bracing enhances both the volume and tonal focus, allowing musicians to project with clarity and precision. Constructed with real hide glue, the guitar's components resonate as a cohesive whole, ensuring maximum sustain and richness. The absence of a pickguard and the application of an ultra-thin finish further amplify its resonant qualities, making it a perfect choice for both stage and studio settings.

The D-18 Jason Isbell also boasts a solid mahogany neck paired with a sleek ebony fingerboard, offering exceptional playability. The custom 12th fret inlay, inspired by one of Isbell's tattoos, adds a distinctive personal touch, making this guitar not just an instrument, but a piece of art.

Key Features:

  • Collaboration with Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Isbell
  • Pre-aged Vintage Tone System Adirondack spruce top for enhanced harmonic complexity
  • Rear-shifted scalloped bracing for increased volume and tonal focus
  • Hide glue construction for optimal resonance and sustain
  • Ultra-thin finish and no pickguard for enhanced vibration
  • Solid mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Custom 12th fret inlay design based on Isbell's tattoo

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-18 Jason Isbell
Finish Natural
Year 2018
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Artist Jason Isbell
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin D-18
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Artist Signature
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What makes the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell different from a standard D-18?

The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell features custom specifications chosen by Jason Isbell, including a mahogany body and an ebony fretboard, offering a unique tonal warmth and clarity that distinguishes it from the standard D-18 model.

Is the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell is well-suited for fingerstyle playing, thanks to its responsive spruce top and mahogany body, which provide a balanced tone and dynamic range.

Does the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell come with a built-in pickup?

No, the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell does not come with a built-in pickup, making it ideal for traditional acoustic performance without amplification.

What type of strings are recommended for the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell?

The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell is designed for steel-string use, and medium-gauge strings are recommended to enhance its tonal qualities and projection.

How does the mahogany back and sides affect the sound of the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell?

The mahogany back and sides of the Martin D-18 Jason Isbell contribute to a warm, rich tone with strong midrange presence, making it versatile for various musical genres.

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

SNAMM '17 - Martin D-18 Jason Isbell Demo

Video thumbnail for SNAMM '17 - Martin D-18 Jason Isbell Demo by Premier Guitar

SNAMM '17 - Martin D-18 Jason Isbell Demo

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for D-18 Jason Isbell by Martin Guitar

D-18 Jason Isbell

Martin Guitar

Martin Guitar

Video thumbnail for Jason Isbell on his Signature Martin D-18 at Summer NAMM 2017 by Reverb

Jason Isbell on his Signature Martin D-18 at Summer NAMM 2017

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell at Maury's Music by Maury's Music

The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell at Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin D-18 Jason Isbell Custom Signature Edition Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Martin D-18 Jason Isbell Custom Signature Edition Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Jason Isbell Reveals the Thinking Behind His New Signature Martin D-18 [SUMMER NAMM 2017] by Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Jason Isbell Reveals the Thinking Behind His New Signature Martin D-18 [SUMMER NAMM 2017]

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Acoustic Guitar Magazine

Video thumbnail for The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell at MaurysMusic.com by Maury's Music

The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Jason Isbell Martin D-18 models come without the pickguard attached, but it is included separately. Jason Isbell preferred to have it off.

    Source
  • The neck has a 1939 authentic profile, which users appreciate for its playability and comfort.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the sound as loud and evenly balanced, surpassing other high-end models like the Pre-War Guitars Company Model D.

    Source
  • Users report that the guitar maintains clarity and volume, even when played at live performances.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user mentioned a preference for mahogany over rosewood after comparing a D-18 with a D-28, noting a richer tone in the D-18.

    Source
  • One owner compared it to a Pre-War Guitars Company Model D, noting the Jason Isbell D-18 surpassed it in both volume and tone quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Martin D-18 Jason Isbell model typically sold for around $5,000 new, with used purchases still fetching near that price due to its desirability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The guitar features an Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides, rearward shifted braces, and a pyramid bridge for enhanced sound projection.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners find it excels when played plugged in during gigs, particularly on songs like "Alabama Pines" and "Speed Trap Town."

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jason Isbell uses Martin D-18 Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell

Guitarist, Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from 2017 NAMM Isbell is introducing his signature Martin D-18 - stating that he has kept one for himself.

More Martin Steel-string Acoustic Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    lexman
    lexman

    Gear IQ 6823