1933 Martin M-18 “Pre War”
Back and sides: Mahogany
Scale: 25.4
Origin: USA
Price: $16,950
A strum across the strings reveals a very open, resonant lovely tone, it is very light and responsive.
Only about 200 of these were made that year, in 1934 Martin switched to the “000-18” designation.
This guitar has the much desired forward shifted scalloped braces.
The guitar has been refinished at some point, the finish is thin enough so that when you rotate back and forth in a good light while viewing the top you can see the ribs of the individual grain, probably why it still sounds so open. There are 2 cleats on each side of the neck, appears stable, according to the owner the neck was likely re set, the bridge replaced at some point, thought the bridge plate itself ‘could’ be original. Tuners work fine though the 3rd string is a bit cranky yet works fine.
Oh and the neck shape is sooooo easy to play as well.
Superb players grade 1933 Martin that won’t break the bank.
