Molly Tuttle is no stranger to Telluride—we've been fortunate to see her light up the stage at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Her fearless, precise flatpicking is electrifying, but when she takes the stage, she also demonstrates her depth and range as a songwriter, singer, and bandleader. With that in mind, we are excited that Martin is debuting a brand new signature model: the D-18 Molly Tuttle
Inspired by Molly’s own 1943 D-18, this signature Martin reflects the balance of power, clarity, and responsiveness that made the dreadnought a benchmark for bluegrass and flatpicking players. The D-18 Molly Tuttle is a respectful nod to the past, shaped by the needs of a contemporary, genre-defining musician. At its core is a solid spruce top paired with solid Mahogany back and sides. Just like Molly's treasured '43, the top is supported by rear-shifted scalloped bracing for added headroom and projection. The manageable 1-11/16" nut width and Authentic 1941 neck profile will feel just right to players who favor a fast neck that isn't chunky, but still gives you something to hang on to.
On the Ebony fingerboard, the D-18 Molly Tuttle sports custom Moon Phase inlays, while a silver Martin headstock logo, oval tuner buttons, and a warm vintage sunburst top reinforce its mid-century inspiration. None of these elements feel ornamental—they’re subtle, cohesive, and well integrated into the overall design.
As for sound, the D-18 Molly Tuttle delivers the dry, punchy low end and focused midrange the model is known for. With excellent note separation and balance across the strings, it cuts for solos and single-note melodies, but it still captures enough body and power to lead a ripping band like Golden Highway. This guitar ships in a vintage-style light blue molded hardshell case reminiscent of Martin cases from the 1970s, rounding out a signature instrument that feels purposeful, historically grounded, and ready for serious playing.
- Body Size: 14-Fret Dreadnought
- Top Material: Spruce
- Bracing Pattern: Rearward Shifted X Brace
- Brace Shape: GE-Scalloped
- Back Material: Mahogany
- Side Material: Mahogany
- Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
- Neck Shape: Authentic 1941
- Fingerboard Material: Ebony
- Scale Length: 25.4"
- Number of Frets Total: 20
- Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1-11/16"
- Fingerboard Inlay Style: Moon Phase Design
- Back and Side Finish: Gloss
- Finish Top: Gloss
- Top Color: Vintage Sunburst
- Finish Neck: Satin
- Bridge Material: Ebony
- Saddle: Compensated Bone
- Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear
- Pickguard: Faux Tortoise
- Case: Molded Hardshell