One of our favorite Martin guitars is the 000-18. The 000-18 was a less sought after model during the 1960’s, at a time when large guitars like the Martin D-18, Martin D-28 and Gibson J-45 were more popular.

The 000-18 was perceived to be a lesser Martin. Yet in the hands of Davy Graham, Alexis Korner, Martin Carthy, and Richard Thompson, the 000-18 defined the sonic DNA of celtic and contemporary English folk music.

On the other side of the Atlantic, contemporaries such as Ry Cooder were redefining blues with the 000-18.

We were delighted a couple of years ago when Martin decided to redesign the 000-18. Taking their cues from the 1930’s, Martin gave the 000-18 a 1 ¾” nut, ebony fingerboard and bridge and “tortus” body bindings and pickguard. The vintage style “Waverly” inspired tuners used on the 000-18 take weight off the headstock and create excellent body to neck balance to this already very light weight guitar.

The 000-18 is sonically open, yet balanced with a dry, haunting woody tone. These characteristics are sought after in vintage Martin 000-18’s, which sell for 10x the price of a new 000-18.