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Average Price: $2,551

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$601+

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Description

Experience the harmonious blend of history and craftsmanship with the Martin D-18S 12-Fret, a guitar that captures the essence of vintage acoustics. Crafted between 1967 and 1994, this timeless instrument is a throwback to Martin's original dreadnought design, featuring a 12-fret neck that offers a rich tonal palette and enhanced playability. Whether you’re picking in your living room or serenading a crowd, the warm, resonant sound of the D-18S is both captivating and inspiring.

Constructed with a Sitka Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides, the D-18S delivers a balanced tone that’s perfect for both strumming and fingerpicking. The slotted headstock adds a touch of classic elegance while providing a comfortable playing experience. Its one-piece Mahogany neck ensures stability and smooth action, making this guitar a reliable companion for any musician. The D-18S isn’t just an instrument; it’s a piece of musical history that invites you to explore its rich heritage every time you play.

Key Features:

  • Production Years: 1967 - 1994
  • Body Style: Dreadnought
  • 12-Fret Neck Design
  • Slotted Headstock
  • Wood Composition: Sitka Spruce top, Mahogany back and sides, 1-piece Mahogany neck

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model D-18S 12-Fret
Finish Natural
Year 1967 - 1994
Made In United States
Categories Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Dreadnought
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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 Post-War Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What makes the Martin D-18S 12-Fret 1967 - 1994 unique compared to other Martin guitars?

The Martin D-18S 12-Fret features a 12-fret neck joint, which brings the bridge closer to the center of the soundboard, enhancing bass response and providing a warm, resonant tone. Its mahogany back and sides contribute to a rich, balanced sound ideal for fingerstyle playing.

Is the Martin D-18S 12-Fret suitable for fingerstyle guitar playing?

Yes, the Martin D-18S 12-Fret is well-suited for fingerstyle playing due to its 12-fret neck design, which offers a more comfortable playing position and enhances the guitar's tonal warmth and resonance.

What type of wood is used for the Martin D-18S 12-Fret's top, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin D-18S 12-Fret features a spruce top, known for its bright, clear tone and dynamic range. This wood choice complements the mahogany back and sides, providing a balanced sound with articulate highs and pronounced lows.

Does the Martin D-18S 12-Fret have any built-in electronics or pickups?

No, the Martin D-18S 12-Fret does not have any built-in electronics or pickups, making it a purely acoustic instrument that emphasizes natural sound quality.

How many frets does the Martin D-18S 12-Fret have, and what is its neck material?

The Martin D-18S 12-Fret has 20 frets and features a neck made of mahogany, which adds to the guitar's warm tonal characteristics and provides a smooth playing experience.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone and balance that improves with age

  • Comfortable modified C-shape neck for easy playability

  • High-quality construction typical of vintage Martins

  • Full, crisp bass and clear highs

  • Comes with original case and additional tuners

  • Well-maintained with recent professional refurbishments

  • Historic and aesthetically appealing design

CONS

  • High maintenance costs due to necessary upgrades and refurbishments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-18S 12-Fret 1967 - 1994.

Setup and maintenance

  • Action height should be 3/32” on bass and 2/32” on treble; concerns noted about higher action affecting playability across the neck.

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  • Replacement pickguards, especially those not fitting the rosette contour properly, might indicate modifications or repairs.

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Features and functionality

  • The D-18S's slotted headstock is highlighted as a key feature, contributing to its uniqueness and value.

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  • Original period-correct Grover tuners are seen as a positive indicator of authenticity.

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Comparisons

  • 12-fret Dreadnoughts like the D-18S have lower demand compared to 14-fret models, due to wider neck and different playability.

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Use cases and applications

  • Norman Blake's use of a 12-fret D-18 for 70s recordings has piqued interest, despite its uncommon status.

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Value and pricing

  • A new D-18 ranges from $3,500 to $4,500, with lifetime warranties, contrasting with the aged tone of 70s models.

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  • Vintage D-18S models in good condition generally valued at $2,000 to $3,000 in the US market.

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Build quality

  • Concerns raised about non-book matched tops, which are unusual for Martin guitars from this era.

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  • Some users noted that the top color of certain models seems off for their age, raising authenticity questions.

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Artist usage

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See how Frank Zappa uses Martin D-18S 12-Fret 1967 - 1994

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via YouTube

This short scale Martin acoustic guitar was used as the lead guitar solos in "Sleep Dirt" and "Blessed Relief" through a wah pedal.

Album Usage

The Martin D-18S 12-Fret 1967 - 1994 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

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