This 1945 Martin 000-18 is a fine example of a late-war-era Martin guitar. Visually, the Adirondack Spruce top boasts an extremely straight and consistent grain. The mahogany back is also particularly straight with streaks of dark chocolates and golden yellows with variations in between. Tonally, this instrument is dry and woody. Exactly what you would hope for from a mid-40’s mahogany Martin. It performs well at a light touch. The top is extremely quick and responsive. This 000 can handle a harder strum as well before breaking up. The mahogany neck is topped with a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. The neck profile is comfortable and manageable with a soft centered V.

As far as condition, the instrument has been played and it shows. There is light wear at the soundhole and the instrument has its fair share of play wear and light scratches on the body, neck and headstock. The case lid latch at some point has been closed on the guitar and going through the top on the bass side below the waist. This is clean through but has no impact on the integrity of the instrument as it’s clearly been this way for quite some time. The top has some beautiful lacquer checking as well. The cowboy chord positions have some divots in the board but overall, it and the frets are in great shape. The neck has been reset in the past and very nicely at that. There is plenty of room at the saddle. The bridge has been reglued but does appear to be original. The bridgeplate is maple and appears to be original as well. At some point there was a hit to the back that left a small mark and a small crack in the grain which have been repaired and sealed since.

The instrument comes with the original case which is still functional and in decent shape for its age.

This instrument comes to us from the private collection of Brian Fallon. He purchased it last year and used it as his primary instrument in many of his home live-streams throughout the pandemic.

For more information, please contact our team at Asbury Park.