NGD: Don’t judge a book by its cover

[pagedr]

I recently found myself on the website of a small guitar shop somewhere in Washington - not even sure it's truly a shop actually, might just be an individual seller buying and selling guitars. I couldn't even tell you how I ended up there, but listed was a 1955 Martin 0-18 at an insanely good price. The catch - it's in rough cosmetic shape. Really rough cosmetic shape. The pictures show it - every inch of the top and sides is covered in finish checking, there are repaired cracks galore, there's a patch of some kind on the side, the back has been covered in some sort of black finish, and then someone tried to unsuccessfully chip that off, leaving it looking even worse.

I corresponded a bit with the seller and ended up deciding it seemed like an interesting project. Despite the many, many cosmetic issues, it actually doesn't need a neck reset, which is kind of amazing. I was a little nervous but I like a risk every now and then and figured absolute worst case I could get some work done to it, and would be able to make my money back considering the low price I paid.

Here's the thing though - it sounds amazing. Like so good. Even better than my '51 00-18, which I previously thought was the best sounding 18 series Martin I'd played. If you aren't into smaller and/or vintage guitars then you'll probably be wondering why the heck anyone would willingly pay for something that looks like this. But if you are, and you know how good an old Martin can sound, this is the cream of the crop. I've always thought that ugly old guitars sounded better than their clean counterparts, and this just continues to prove that point. Needless to say, I will not be attempting to flip this ugly duckling. Enough babbling, here are some pictures if you can stomach them.

[aeisen93]

Awesome! Post some videos of its sound too. Enjoy it!!

[Dogma]

You said it seemed like an interesting project. Are you going to do or have some work done on it or just enjoy it as is? Inquiring minds and all...

[pagedr]

Originally Posted by Dogma

You said it seemed like an interesting project. Are you going to do or have some work done on it or just enjoy it as is? Inquiring minds and all...

For now just going to enjoy it as is. It really isn’t as much of a project as I was expecting it to be. Definitely will need to get that area on the back patched up as there’s an actual hole in there. Also need to get the cracks under the bridge looked at, I think they are stable but not sure. There’s also a crack under the pickguard that needs to be addressed. But it seems stable as is so I’m not in any rush.

[jweave69]

It's definitely got character! I'd love to hear it! Congrats!

[pagedr]

Appreciate it folks. I uploaded a quick sound clip - recorded straight into my Spire Studio and uploaded straight to Soundcloud. Also forgive the ringing on the high E in a few spots, that nut slot needs some work. Another project!

[Iain1231]

Is that Cuban mahagony on the back? Sure looks like Cuban by that pinkish hue its a winner!

[pagedr]

Originally Posted by Iain1231

Is that Cuban mahagony on the back?

That I don’t know, I’m not really sure what specific type of mahogany Martin was using back in the 50s. But if anyone does know please chime in.

[JayBee1404]

Are those MOP dots on the bridge to cover up screw-heads?

[Kh1967]

That does sound great. Good for you on the find!

[edcmat-l1]

Originally Posted by JayBee1404

Are those MOP dots on the bridge to cover up screw-heads?

That's what I was thinking. Bridge looks relatively new compared to the rest of the top. Something like a bridge doctor installed maybe?

To the OP if you love the way it sounds and are thinking of a refinish I'm sure you know the potential effect that may have on the sound. Could make it better or worse. The finish looks super thick on it especially the back.

[Joe Sustaire]

All those cracks in the finish are how the great sound gets out!

I love the guitar myself, and I even love the black back..........

[Greyhound]

Sounds great! But...the story isn’t complete without the punchline!! What is a ridiculous price on such a thing? $100...500...1000...5000. Give us a clue...we all want to know...so I’ll be the rude one to step up and ask. Great find.

[EZYPIKINS]

I've always found looks to be secondary to tone. Nicest acoustic I've every played/heard. Was a 50's J-200 that used to belong to a hall of fame country singer. Binding was falling off all over. Finished looked much like your new gem. But the tone was to die for.

[1Charlie]

I’d strip and refinish the back only, and let the rest be.

A Bridge Doctor would have only one screw and MOP dot dead center on the bridge behind the pins. This bridge looks like it had been given the Gibson treatment.