One of only 575 made in 1941, this Martin D-18 is an excellent example of the last iteration of the prewar D-18. This D-18 features an Adirondack Spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It is an early example of the rear-shifted bracing that would become standard in the postwar era. Its narrower 1-11/16" nut width and 2-3/16" string spacing will be immediately more familiar to modern players, and its shallower neck profile is more comfortable and inviting than earlier examples. For a 14-fret dreadnought guitar, this D-18 feels incredibly lightweight, and its voice is loud, warm and robust.
As for unoriginal parts, this 1941 D-18 has replacement tuners, a strap button on the neck heel, and an oversized endpin (a pickup was likely installed at one time, and the original end pin is included in the sale). A for repairs, this one has had the expected refret and neck reset, which likely accompanied a fresh saddle. It also has a repaired crack on the side, and there is a small repaired top crack on the bass side of the lower bout that shows nicely in our photos.
This 1941 D-18 (serial #79612) is truly a cannon of a dreadnought. It captures every bit of the responsive, refined tone you would expect from a prewar Martin. It is consigned to Telluride Music Co. from the personal collection of Sandy Munro, Martin historian and former owner of The Great Divide Music Co. in Aspen, Colo.