NGD: 2007 Martin 000-18 Authentic

[brencat]

I was about to pull the trigger on a Pre*War Guitars Co. 000 when this opportunity came up and I'm glad I took the chance. Been tempted by these Martin 000-18 Authentics a bunch of times as they've come up for sale here over the years (only 96 were ever made), but always found one excuse after another not to proceed...bad timing, no adjustable truss rod, not sure if I'll like the neck, not sure if I wanted to adapt to 2 5/16" string spacing, blah, blah.

Well I could finally hold out no longer. This is a 2007 that I bought from forum member (kiva238) -- thanks again John, spectacular instrument! The Adi top is completely broken in, resulting in a warm, smooth tone that is to die for. Absolutely no edginess, punchiness, or harsh Adi sound anywhere. The setup is spot on (~ 5.5/64" low E, 4/64" high e, neck dead straight with almost no relief) and playability is effortless and among the best of any instrument I've ever owned. My wife loves the tone too..."rich sounding and mellow -- nice," she says.

I was worried I'd hate the neck, since I've ended up hating almost every Martin neck eventually. As it turns out, I LOVE this neck. It's a deep C to V shape. The depth is the key here, and works perfectly with how I play and grip the neck. There is not another neck like this in Martin's modern lineup and that's a shame, except maybe the discontinued D-18 Authentic 1937 which I'm told has a similar neck.

Sidebar: Anyone wondering about the necks on the Pre*War Guitars Co OM ? It feels like an exact copy of the neck on this 000-18 Authentic.

Pictures and sound sample below. Strings are DR Sunbeam 12 - 54s, pick is a BlueChip TD-50 -- one take, mistakes and all. Thanks for reading...

[BrunoBlack]

That looks and sounds terrific Brendan. You should be a happy player indeed. Even the neck feels right! Enjoy my friend.

[Jaden]

Wow! What a beautiful instrument, and I’m guessing you’ve found the One, the Martin, to fulfill your aspirations. It would be a no1 for me too, but I’m dealing with a 2018 reimagined 000-18 that is exhibiting over exuberant overtones this time around.

Congratulations!

[IndyHD28]

Congrats. Love the 000 in all configurations. Listened to your sound clip with headphones and really enjoyed it. You can blame any imperfections on that bottle on the table!

[jimcaleca]

Beautiful! Some day I'd love to own one. Congratulations!!

[lamboy1]

WOW! and congrats
Beautiful Guitar

[kiva238]

Brendan,

Thanks again for a seamless deal.

It's surely a special instrument and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

John

[doublescale1]

Congrats on the acquisition on a wonderful Martin 000-18. They are such great guitars to play and listen to as well.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by Haasome

That looks and sounds terrific Brendan. You should be a happy player indeed. Even the neck feels right! Enjoy my friend.

Appreciate it Paul. Who knew Martin could still make great guitars?

Originally Posted by Jaden

Wow! What a beautiful instrument, and I’m guessing you’ve found the One, the Martin, to fulfill your aspirations. It would be a no1 for me too, but I’m dealing with a 2018 reimagined 000-18 that is exhibiting over exuberant overtones this time around.

Congratulations!

Thanks. I love the Martin tone, but the Martin necks have always been tricky with me. I think I finally found a keeper.

Originally Posted by IndyHD28

Congrats. Love the 000 in all configurations. Listened to your sound clip with headphones and really enjoyed it. You can blame any imperfections on that bottle on the table!

Ha, thanks! That soundcloud picture is at least 5 years old, and the guitar I was playing when my wife snapped that photo was a 2011 Collings OM1. That was a ridiculously loud guitar, a great flatpicker too, probably should have kept that one...

Originally Posted by kiva238

Brendan,

Thanks again for a seamless deal.

It's surely a special instrument and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

John

Many thanks for everything, John. I promise she will get tons of playtime. I've already logged 12 hours since receiving it Friday night. Awesome...

[51 Relic]

Lovely guitar [emoji106]

[Jim Owen]

Hi Brencat,
That's a stunner; it would click all the boxes for me. My favorite Martins of days gone by were the 000 18s. I know you'll enjoy this one.

[Mr. Paul]

Mahogannerriffic, glad you found one that fits. Sounds great.

[Kh1967]

Sounds, terrific - congrats, Brendan!

[Goat Mick]

Congratulations!! That is a magnificent guitar.

[howard_c]

Beautiful guitar!

And yes....Martin can still make great guitars!

OM-18A 1933 Authentic