Martin Custom Shop D-18 1937, Adirondack Spruce/Mahogany, Stage 1 Ambertone w/Case Martin Guitars

Russo Music is fortunate to be one of a handful of Martin Custom Shop expert dealers, and as a result we’re sent guitars like this one from Martin. The Martin Custom Shop D-18 is a staple in the legacy of Martin’s Dreadnought acoustic guitars, and a pinnacle of flat-top acoustic guitar design. This Dreadnought beauty comes to us in this beautiful Stage 1 Ambertone, as well as a Natural finish with the same spec. 

The body of this D-18 1937 adheres to the classic Dreadnought style, featuring an authentic D-14 Fret body size. Complementing the top, its back and sides showcase a deep, resonant mahogany, a common pairing in many Martin Custom Shop creations. On the rear of the body, bookmatched mahogany creates a beautiful, vertical woodgrain work of art, with no back purfling dividing its two halves. The implementation of a scalloped, forward shifted X-bracing system is largely responsible for this guitar’s resonant properties, allowing the soundboard to vibrate freely and produce a rich, classic Martin tonal palette. 

Cut to a Modified Low Oval profile from genuine mahogany, the neck of the D-18 1937 features a Standard Taper. The fingerboard made from ebony, offers a super tight wood grain and a naturally deep, dark color, broken up by 20 frets, and with a width of 1.75″. Old Style 18 fingerboard inlays add a touch of vintage elegance to the fingerboard, paying respect to the heritage of Martin guitars, and the total scale length is 25.4″. 

Finished with a strategically aged to Martin’s “Stage 1” on its top, back, sides, and neck that offers a tasteful patina to this guitar, it comes resembling vintage instruments from the ’30s that have stood the test of time, with a slight checking on the body’s finish. The Ambertone top color is a modern twist on the otherwise vintage aesthetic. The finish of the top reveals grains that are inherent to Adirondack Spruce, reminding us of why it’s such a sought-after wood choice.

This guitar comes without any electronics, and a Martin Custom Shop fitted hardshell case is included. 

Most new Martin Guitars ship with the original endpin not installed, if you’d like us to install one for you before shipping, please let us know and we’d be happy to. 

• Adirondack Spruce Top, Mahogany Back & Sides
• Authentic D-14 Fret Size, Classic Dreadnought Shape
• Scalloped, Forward Shifted X-Bracing
• Ebony Fingerboard with Old Style 18 Inlays
• Stage 1 Ambertone Finish
• Standard Taper Neck
• Modified Low Oval Neck Profile