1928 Martin 0-18 Steel String Acoustic – Used

This 0-18 is from the period when Martin was building 12-fret guitars much as they had for decades, but with slightly thicker woods and stiffer top bracing so these lightweight models could handle the extra tension of steel strings. This example has the old-style shellac varnish finish and rosewood binding. All internal bracing is original as are the tuners and it has the original bridge. It has a new ebony nut but the original is in the case. Although there’s a fair amount of playing wear to the top (Martin wasn’t using pickguards on guitars at this time unless they were requested), this 0-18 has remained free of cracks.

Changes include a neck reset and refret with bar stock frets, plus a new saddle and bridge pins. The original bridge pins didn’t have abalone dots but these match the neck inlays and we couldn’t resist. It’s amazing how much volume a lightly constructed 0-size Martin can deliver, this guitar is alive in your lap and makes even simple back-up rewarding to the player. Includes a hardshell case that is not original but it dates from a similar period.