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 2023, 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 2023 D-18 has the traditional Forward-Shifted, Scalloped X Bracing.
This 2023 Martin D-18 finds us in excellent cosmetic condition. Honestly, it doesn't look like it has spent much time out of the case. If we're being picky, there is some wear to the edges of the heel cap, a faint scuff on the treble side at the waist, and a small bump on the back binding (see photos). The satin finish on the back of the neck is a little shinier than when brand new, so there are signs that this is a used guitar. But about as nice as you could as from a used guitar! The setup is excellent, and the frets are nice and clean as from the factory.
Soundwise, this 2023 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.
- 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