Martin dreadnought guitar with a pre-war approach
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged is a D-14 Fret dreadnought acoustic guitar based on a 1939 D-18 from the Martin museum. Within the Martin Authentic Series, this model is built in the traditional way with hide glue and historically accurate details confirmed with the help of a CAT scan machine at the Smithsonian Institute.
That historical approach continues in the authentic 1939 rearward-shifted X-brace with scalloped brace shape, the Authentic 1939 neck and heel, and the period-correct 18-style features. This is a purely acoustic Martin, so there are no electronics, which suits players who want to use the guitar unplugged or choose their own recording or stage solution.
Construction, tonewoods and Martin Vintage Tone System
For its tonal foundation, Martin combines an Adirondack spruce top with VTS and mahogany back and sides. VTS, Martin Vintage Tone System, is based on a historical torrefaction concept in which the top and bracing are aged in a targeted way to approach the appearance and tones of an older instrument.
The vintage finish on the top and body matches that visual direction. The dovetail neck joint, hide glue construction, and pocketed hand-shaped bracing from the Authentic Series also fit the traditional character of this Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged.
Playability and version of the Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged
With a 25.4" scale length, a 1 11/16" nut width, and a Standard Taper neck, this dreadnought follows the dimensions listed for this model. The neck has the Authentic 1939 shape, and the guitar comes strung with Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 (MA550T) in 13-56.
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged is available in both right-handed and left-handed versions and includes a case. At Magna Music, you can also count on personal advice from staff who play themselves when comparing high-end acoustic guitars like this with other Martin models.
