For Sale: Martin '67 D-18-45

[s4rest]

I bet this title got your attention! D-18-45? No such thing! I never thought I’d sell this instrument, but I’m playing other instruments now, and I’m hoping someone new will enjoy!

Here’s the story. I purchased this guitar in the early ‘80’s from a gentleman in Fullerton, CA. He worked for West LA Music in the early 70’s and became friends with the current CF Martin, who at that time was doing some type of internship at the store. The seller owned this ’67 Martin, and with CF’s connection was able to order a D-45 headstock veneer and fretboard. West LA repairmen replaced the original headstock veneer and fretboard and added an attractive binding combination more appropriate for the 18 model. I used to have the receipt from Martin for both the headstock and fretboard, but I've lost it over the years.

I used the guitar extensively when I was in college. Unfortunately, the bridge split and a luthier friend replaced the bridge with an ebony bridge + pearl bling. In the 90’s I had the curling pickguard replaced and also replaced the grover rotomatics with butter bean Martin tuners. I also had the b string crack fixed along with a center seam crack.

Although this guitar does have significant 'frankenguitar" characteristics, this ’67 with it’s original maple bridgeplate has been played a lot and sounds wonderful. It plays well and doesn't need a reset and has a significant amount of saddle remaining.

It comes with a newer hardshell case. I’m a bit at a loss on how to price, but let’s start at $2,100 plus shipping from Atlanta, GA.

I’ll add a video later. I have lots of references, and I do think you’ll really enjoy this guitar as much as I have over the last 40 years!

More pictures here:

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AoYYVwal7eJOgtlsq2_W3Irwgo7vkg

Nothing says Happy Holidays like a '67 D-18-45 for that special someone!!! PM me with questions.


Steve

[s4rest]

Here’s a video of the instrument

https://youtu.be/Yras0qNhEcY

[bobbyg67]

i've been trying to figure out what i feel about this guitar. still figuring.

[UncleJesse]

I bet this goes quickly. I wish I was in the position to get it. Sounds great!

[s4rest]

Originally Posted by bobbyg67

i've been trying to figure out what i feel about this guitar. still figuring.

Well, I've done the same thing bobbyg67. As a 22 year old kid with bluegrass aspirations I thought this guitar was pretty cool since it looked like a D-45 (kind of...) and it sounded great. Of the many silly and stupid things I've purchased over the years (which is considerable), this certainly is not one of the stupidest. The work was done very well at West LA (maybe it was Westwood...) Music by actual luthiers. I've seen examples where folks have "enhanced" instruments with disastrous results, and this is not one of them. In my 59th year after spending way to much time on forums learning about bridgeplates, forward shifting, etc. I may have counselled my young self to save a bit more and get an original 40's or 50's D-18...but I probably wouldn't have listened anyway!

I think someone will have a really nice 60's D-18 with bling...but at least it's Martin bling!

[s4rest]

On hold!!!

[Mr. Paul]

Nobody will ever say "oh yeah, I have one of those" 👍

[Stevien]

A one-of-a-kind "Martinstein!" I love it!
Steve

[Schott1984]

Let me know if hold comes off!