Martin D-18 1943, Natural

It may have been produced in the middle of WWII, but this one didn't see heavy combat. This incredibly clean and great sounding Martin D-18 from 1943 has had recent work to make it an excellent player. A fresh neck reset to a full height Martin-spec bridge is exactly what you want to see. This example also notably has a beautifully light Adirondack top with balanced scalloped X-bracing. Its not often you find 83 yr old crack-free Martins, but this one would come pretty close to qualifying, with only a minor rosette crack and pickguard shrink pull near the waist. The top had a very light overspray near the fingerboard extension (notice how its lighter), but its all very old work and the original checking is present throughout the top, so you'd almost miss it. The bridge plate appears to be original to the guitar, but repaired and reglued back in with hideglue. It's hard to ask much more from a wartime D-18. Its exceptionally light, thanks to the ebony rod, and sounds like a cannon.