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 every bit of that low-end thump we all love so much.
By the mid-'60s, the Dreadnought body was the cornerstone of the Martin line. Because of the change to Sitka Spruce, rear-shifted bracing, and Rosewood fittings, the postwar D-18 produces a more focused, direct sound than prewar examples. In 1966, Martin made 2,176 D-18s. Later in the year, Style-18 switched over to black boltaron binding, but this '66 (#207428) still has tortoise binding and a tortoise pickguard. That obviously doesn't affect the sound, but it looks like a proper D-18.
Nevertheless, one spec that is hugely consequential for sound is the smaller Maple bridge-plate under the hood. In the late-'60s, Martin transitioned to a heavy rosewood bridge plate that sucked tone and response out of the top. Fortunately, this '66 was made before the change, so it still features the proper postwar Maple bridge plate. The lightweight plate helps the guitar have a more open, responsive feel.
Previously owned and played by Nathaniel Rateliff, this 1966 D-18 is well-traveled and has a lot of charm. While it isn't the cleanest '60s D-18 on the block, it is in excellent playing condition, and its woody, refined sound is enchanting. The neck has been properly reset to allow low, inviting action, and the frets ring clear and true everywhere on the fingerboard. The nut and saddle both look to be a well-made modern replacements.
Structural repairs include a pickguard crack on the treble edge of the pickguard. Both sides have multiple crack repairs, and the bass side has been partially rebuilt along the back edge of lower bout. There's an additional hole drilled through the end block from some old pickup system, and there's a strap button the neck heel. It sports Grover Rotomatic Tuners, which hold tuning nicely and look appropriate on the more-rounded '60s Martin headstock shape.
This 1966 D-18 is worn-in like a good pair of jeans. The good ones get played! We love the play wear around the soundhole, and it adds to the vibe of a well-loved vintage Martin. The back on this one shows some cool wavy Mahogany figuring, and we love the grain of the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. There's a mark where the finish reacted with some old guitar stand long ago (see photos). It includes a hardshell case.