For Sale: **SOLD** 2021 Martin CS D-18A 1937 VTS Shade Top -- Like New **SOLD**

brencat · #1 04-16-2023, 10:34 AM

**SOLD** 2021 Martin CS D-18 Authentic 1937 VTS Shade Top **SOLD**

Offering for sale one of the best Martins I have ever owned. This is a like new (9.9 out of 10 condition) CS D-18 Authentic 1937, dealer spec'd by Wildwood Guitars in CO and delivered before Martin reintroduced the model to its regular lineup. I am the registered original owner.

This CS offering is actually more faithful to the 1st-generation D-18A 1937s in that it has a BRW headplate and backstrip, period correct 2 5/16" string spacing, and the Authentic Script CF Martin headstock logo. 1 3/4 nut, cloth strip and hide glue construction, T-Bar neck reinforcement, and vintage gloss finish just like the production Authentics are the same. The key differences are you don't get the 'updated' vintage dread body shape, the neck block says "Custom Shop," and the bridge is not slotted -- that's it.

Beautiful woods on this one, including nice "peppery" Mahogany and a clean VTS Adi shade top with no hint of racing stripe. Action is perfect at 6/64, 4/64, with 0.007" relief.

Okay let's talk about the neck. It's a big C shape measuring 0.85" deep at 1st fret, and 1.15" deep at the 9th. I find it super comfortable despite its size, but those who prefer the skinny Taylor, Bourgeois, and Martin MLO/PA necks should probably pass on this one.

**SOLD**

Photos and sound samples below, and as always, I'm available by phone to any and all interested parties. Thanks for looking!

UncleJesse · #2 04-16-2023, 03:43 PM

Great sounding and looking guitar at a more than fair price!

jw3571 · #3 04-16-2023, 07:49 PM

Great seller, buy with confidence.

brencat · #4 04-19-2023, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleJesse

Great sounding and looking guitar at a more than fair price!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jw3571

Great seller, buy with confidence.

Many thanks Jesse and Jon for the kind words.

To the top please…

cc132 · #5 04-19-2023, 10:29 AM

Incredible. I’m not looking right now, otherwise I’d be sorely tempted by this one. It seems perfect.

Fleece · #6 04-19-2023, 11:43 AM

I suddenly almost wish I didn't own an Authentic, because this is nicer than mine and cheaper than what I paid. lmao GLWYS! Not sure how this has lasted a full minute!

llew · #7 04-20-2023, 08:42 AM

Beautiful guitar Brendan...if only I got along with that "Authentic" neck carve? Fine price too...shouldn't last long!

guitarua · #8 04-26-2023, 09:07 AM

I demo'd this guitar for WW when it came in, that's me in the video. This batch was OUTSTANDING! You can't do better for the price.

brencat · #9 04-29-2023, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarua

I demo'd this guitar for WW when it came in, that's me in the video. This batch was OUTSTANDING! You can't do better for the price.

Appreciate your comments Eric. You sure made the guitar sound great!

Okay folks, here's your 1 and only price drop: **SOLD**, or take $100 off that if you're local to central NJ and want to pick it up in person.

There will be no further price drops. After a couple weeks more, I pull the Ad and the guitar goes back into my collection, possibly never to be offered for sale again.

Tick tock...

brencat · #10 05-11-2023, 07:57 AM

PMs responded to, thanks for the interest. A few people looking at this one.

Don't let the big neck scare you off, it's one of the best Martin has ever carved IMO.

Tramstar · #11 05-11-2023, 10:04 AM

Can you send me a link to the model this is on the martin website so I can see the specs and original price?

brencat · #12 05-11-2023, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tramstar

Can you send me a link to the model this is on the martin website so I can see the specs and original price?

You will not find this specific guitar on Martin's website. As stated in the OP, it was a custom order by Wildwood Guitars, one of the limited number of designated Martin "Expert" dealers that has permission to order anything from Martin's entire lineup, including the Authentic line normally off-limits to regular dealers.

If you go to the Wildwood Guitars website, you'll see that they still have 1 left of these. The guitar below is 1 serial # away from mine and part of the same batch. You can find the specs there:

https://wildwoodguitars.com/product/...-6/?cat_id=226

jhansenku · #13 05-17-2023, 09:32 AM

Maybe a dumb question, but where is the end strap button? Looks like just a hole? Beautiful guitar! GLWTS!

brencat · #14 05-17-2023, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhansenku

Maybe a dumb question, but where is the end strap button? Looks like just a hole? Beautiful guitar! GLWTS!

Thanks. I have it and it will be included in the case at sale. Martin does not install end pins at the factory and that's a good thing, especially if the first owner wants to install a K&K or other pickup. One less step to worry about.

jhansenku · #15 05-17-2023, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brencat

Thanks. I have it and it will be included in the case at sale. Martin does not install end pins at the factory and that's a good thing, especially if the first owner wants to install a K&K or other pickup. One less step to worry about.

I see, that makes sense. No pickup in this correct?