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 different sound from 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 (#211608) 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.
This 1966 Martin D-18 finds us in great shape. Over the years, it has had a neck reset, and the fingerboard has been refretted. The bridge appears to have been reglued, and the current saddle is not original. It has one top crack on the bass side of the fingerboard extension, running from the side to the soundhole—it has been neatly repaired. There is also a short ~2" crack on the bass side that has been repaired.
This '66 D-18 has been played, so it shows the expected wear and tear of a treasured vintage Martin. All in all, it's in nice cosmetic condition, and the setup is excellent. The neck profile is a little bigger than modern Martins, and it feels just right. Tonewise, this D-18 has a powerful voice that is rich in woody character. It's a great-sounding Mahogany Dread with a lot to offer. It includes a modern hardshell case.