No guitar demonstrates the sweet, classic "Martin Sound" quite like a good D-18. Since 1934, the 14-fret D-18 has been Martin's flagship mahogany dreadnought. Its voice is powerful and well-balanced with treble that cuts and the familiar low-end thump we all love so much.
This D-18 was made in 2021, and it is an excellent example of the "Reimagined" Standard Series Martin offered from 2017 to 2024. It features the iconic 14-fret dreadnought body built with a solid Sitka Spruce top and solid Mahogany back, sides, and neck. The result is a fat, powerful, and cutting tone that is rich in woody mahogany character. Like the models of the ’30s, it is set up with a 1-3/4″ nut width and a 25.4″ scale length. Its Modified Low Oval neck is comfortable, and Martin’s High Performance taper allows players to get up the neck quickly and easily. Starting in 2025, Martin announced changes to the Standard Series bracing, but this 2021 D-18 has the traditional Forward-Shifted, Scalloped X Bracing.
This 2021 Martin D-18 finds us in excellent cosmetic condition. It shows some minor playwear, and there is a small stretch of back binding along the waist that looks like it has been re-glued and shows some wear (see photos). There is also some wear to the edges of the headstock, and also a small ding on the back worth mentioning. The setup is excellent, and the frets are nice and clean.
Soundwise, this 2021 D-18 is really starting to come into its own. The Martin dreadnought is the swiss-army knife of acoustic guitars, and this D-18 is no exception. A great all-around guitar that includes its original hardshell case. The previous owner installed a K&K Pure Mini pickup, so this Martin is ready to plug in.
- Body: 14-Fret Dreadnought
- Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
- Top: Sitka Spruce
- Back & Sides: Genuine Mahogany
- Bracing: Forward-Shifted, Scalloped X Brace, 5/16″
- Neck Profile: Modified Low Oval with High Performance taper
- Nut: 1-3/4″ Bone
- Saddle: Bone, 2-5/32″ spacing
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Solid Ebony
- Tuning Machines: Open-gear Grover with Butterbean knobs