Martin 00-16 (or is it 18) C - help me read the model number

[nasonm]

I have a 67 Martin nylon string but I can't quite make out the model #. The neck block stamp either reads 00-16C or 00-18C.

Here's the neck block stamp


Now, there IS a small thin black back line where the back pieces meet but there's no back binding like I normally see on 00-18C models online.

Anyone with experience in reading the print of the neck block? I can't tell for certain if it's a 6 or an 8.

Here's some more pics

[pcf]

Gloss back/sides = 00-16C
Also I believe the 18C has top AND back binding

[TBman]

The stamped model # looks like an 00-18 C.

The left side bottom of a 6 does not bow out like that, at least not in my numerical world. Call Martin and find out.

[dosland]

Originally Posted by TBman

The stamped model # looks like an 00-18 C.

The left side bottom of a 6 does not bow out like that, at least not in my numerical world. Call Martin and find out.

I agree, that's an 8, not a 6. If it were a 6, you'd want to see something more similar to an inverted 9 (such as the one shown immediately below in your picture), not just an open-topsided 8. Guess we're up to 4 cents backing an 8...

[nasonm]

Confirmed with Martin that the serial number goes with a 00-16C that was made May 15th, 1967

[Gitfiddlemann]

Originally Posted by nasonm

Confirmed with Martin that the serial number goes with a 00-16C that was made May 15th, 1967

Wow. Then they must have botched the stamping of the number 16 on that day. It definitely looks like an 8 that's been scratched to make it appear like a 6, like the other posters said.
But that would explain the lack of binding on the back. Good thing you checked with Martin to get that confirmation.

[jvmalan]

It might be a 16 guitar but the stamp is definitely an 8!!!

[dosland]

I'd double check that it wasn't a 1987 guitar instead of 1967, just to be sure...

How nice to be able to access the Martin records for something like this!

[CCFingerstyle]

[QUOTE=dosland;6622287] I'd double check that it wasn't a 1987 guitar instead of 1967, just to be sure...

1987 would make the serial number somewhere in the high 400 thousands. Based on Martin's records, this serial number falls in the 1967 production year. I just looked at the serial number on my 16C built in 1968, it is much cleaner than this and definitely looks like a six and nothing like an 8. I agree that it could have been stamped wrong. The guitar looks like a 16C...no gloss finish and no back binding like the 18C.

[Rapido Eduwardo]

That is an 8 and not a 6, May have been stamped wrong. What does Martin have to say?

[JDaniel]

00-18C; 18=mahogany, C=classical. 00=body size. A rosewood version would be 00-28C.