Martin D-18 1963 Vintage Acoustic Guitar – Mahogany & Spruce, Classic Tone

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1963 Martin D-18 is a beautifully preserved example of one of Martin’s most iconic dreadnoughts, offering the sought-after tone, feel, and craftsmanship of the golden-era Martins. Built with a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, this vintage D-18 delivers the balanced, punchy tone that has made it a favorite among folk, bluegrass, and Americana players for decades.

This is a really, really good example.  It has never had a neck reset, and it is not close to needing one.  The original frets are in beautiful shape.  The finish is original, and it is also in outstanding condition.  There are no cracks anywhere on the guitar. 

The changes to the guitar include the bridge and the bridgeplate.  I find it somewhat inexplicable that anything had to be changed on this guitar.  It is in excellent condition with no sign of having been subject to any abuse, extreme temperature or extreme humidity conditions.  Perhaps it was a Martin warranty job.  The big rosewood bridge plate is very indicative of their work, post 1968.  The bridge was once a slot-through version, which was filled to accomodate a shorter, modern style saddle.

The tone is fabulous.  It is bigger, fuller and more balanced than other D-18s I've found with rosewood bridge plates.  

The Ess & Ess case is period correct, but it is not original to the guitar.  I took it from my stash to round out the package.

The original Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, classic tortoiseshell pickguard remain intact, highlighting Martin’s meticulous mid-century craftsmanship. The neck features a comfortable carve with a Brazilian fingerboard and original frets that play cleanly up and down the neck. Tonally, this 1963 D-18 exhibits warm lows, articulate mids, and sparkling highs with the dry, woody character only decades of natural aging can produce.

This guitar is in excellent vintage condition, showing far less playwear than most, and natural checking without structural issues or modifications. Whether you’re a vintage collector or a player seeking that unmistakable Martin dreadnought sound, this 1963 D-18 is a time-tested, tone-rich instrument ready for the stage, studio, or collection.

• Color: Natural
• Weight: 3lbs 15oz
• Top: Sitka Spruce
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
  
• Fretboard: Rosewood
• Inlays: Pearl Dot
• Frets: Original
• Fret count: 20
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
• Scale: 25.4"
• Radius: 16"
• Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .825"
• Neck thickness at 10th Fret: .99"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32 "
• Overall length: 40-1/2"
  
• Body length: 20"
  
• Lower bout: 15-3/4"
  
• Waist: 10-3/4"
  
• Upper bout: 11-5/8"
  
• Body depth/thickness: 4-3/4"
  
• String gauge: .012-.053
• Pickguard: Original
• Bridge: Likely changed. Through saddle filled / replaced
• Tuners: Original
• Case: Non Original 60s Ess & Ess HSC
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

There are two shipping cost options for purchases made on our site for these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas.  Select Standard shipping at checkout and your item will be shipped via UPS three-day-air.  Select Economy shipping and your item will ship via UPS ground.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.