1974 Martin D18 Help

IronWolf22 · #1 02-27-2018, 06:52 PM

So I went to the guitar store to test out a new Martin, and found this vintage '74 d18 hanging next to it. It beat any other guitar in the room, hands down. It was a cannon. That being said, I've never owned an 'old guitar' before. What am I getting myself into?? It is a one owner guitar that was cared for, neck is straight, action is great, plays easy, and it's in beautiful shape. My concerns are that there is no truss rod, and I live in Wisconsin which is dry in the winter and humid in the summer, and I know there are some issues with the 70's models. It's never had the neck reset, just some fret work, and all original. I do have some great luthiers around here if need be, but still I'm nervous. Vintage guys, any advice would be great. Thanks!

Shortfinger · #2 02-27-2018, 07:11 PM

If neck relief and action all check out, buy it. It's almost 45 years old, so what could go wrong?

My '72 was criminally mistreated, but is now enroute back from the 1970s specialist in Martin Ds, Mr Bryan Kimsey of Kimsey Lutherie down in NE NM.

Borderdon · #3 02-27-2018, 09:05 PM

I was in a similar situation 2 yrs. ago, walked into a store looking for something else, but after playing lots of others, saw a 1973 000-18 hanging up, tried it, and promptly took it home.
It is a gem.
BTW, they do have neck reinforcement in the form of a square tube, just not an adjustable truss rod.
Sounds like a great guitar, did you check the intonation ?

Jim in TC · #4 02-28-2018, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shortfinger

If neck relief and action all check out, buy it. It's almost 45 years old, so what could go wrong?

My '72 was criminally mistreated, but is now enroute back from the 1970s specialist in Martin Ds, Mr Bryan Kimsey of Kimsey Lutherie down in NE NM.

I seriously mistreated a 1970 D-18 without consequence (wood heat winters, hanging on the wall). Somewhere along the line I heard about the 70's Martins being lower quality, with the qualification that if it had gone 10 or 15 years without serious trouble it was probably fine. I bought mine used, mid 80's and it was fine right to the day I sold it a couple years ago. Also, it was a great sounding guitar.

redir · #5 02-28-2018, 07:41 AM

If it sounds good, plays in tune, plays well, the price is right and you like it then.... Whats the issue again?

The problems that those had was intonation mostly. So be sure to check that. Also the action might look good but isn't too. You said it had fret work, was the bridge shaved down or the fret board replaned? The ideal height of the saddle protruding from the bridge slot is 1/8th inch. The ideal height of the strings measured from the top of the guitar to the bottom of the string (6th) at the bridge is 1/2 inch.

If you see that then you won't be needing a neck reset any time soon.

It would also help to sight down the neck and look for any twist or excessive relieve.

#6 02-28-2018, 07:41 AM

The question comes up so often that I keep a "copy and paste" response. However, it seems the one your looking at already has a couple of questions answered, and seems to be free of problems in those areas. I really like the neck shapes of the period, so that and the older wood make them very attractive to me - if the required work is completed properly or in a case like yours may not be needed in the first place. FWIW, I have a '72 that I drag everywhere and it gives me zero trouble.

1970’s Martins

Martin's quality has always been very good. Even during their worst period, the guitars are very good, and this is especially true when compared to their competitors of the day. During the 1970's and into the 1980's Martin had three primary issues - two design issues and one QC issue.

1. The 3/8" square tube necks tend to end up with excessive relief, not on every guitar but far more often than with other types of neck reinforcement. This can be corrected by a number of methods, but the most common is compression fretting. If the guitar needs new frets due to wear, then this doesn’t add any additional cost to the repairs. However, you must have access to a repairman who understands compression fretting on this type of neck.

2. They have large bridge plates (3 1/4" IRW compared to the traditional 1 3/8" maple) and IMO these do not help the tone. Many examples sound good in spite of the large bridge plate, not because of it. I like to have them removed, but it’s not a necessity in every case. The HD-28 and M-36/38 are exceptions to this rule. They had small maple plates.

3. Some bridges were misplaced (the QC issue) causing poor intonation. This can be cured by moving the bridge, installing a new one, filling and re-cutting the slot, or installing a new fretboard with a slightly shortened scale length.

The best feature of these instruments may be the “full profile” necks which aren’t generally available on current guitar, not without a custom order. I use the term in quotes because there were no named, or optional, neck shapes until the Custom Shop started in 1979. The standard/normal neck was just bigger then.

Many of those guitars sound very good despite the issues. I've played several after the issues have been corrected and they can be outstanding. That's possible because the basic design and construction are so solid. It’s not necessary to avoid these guitars, but to understand the issues and costs associated with repair. If you find one you like, work out a price that accommodates needed repairs you have the opportunity to own a great older guitar that will hold its value and perform well.

zombywoof · #7 02-28-2018, 08:01 AM

The only quality issues I know of that afflicted Martins in the 1970s was the occasional misplaced bridge (caused by a worn out piece of equipment and quickly corrected) and the oversized rosewood bridge plate which more than a few guys I know with those guitars have gone ahead and had replaced.

Goodallboy · #8 02-28-2018, 08:46 AM

It’s a good thing to ask questions when you don’t know. Since those have beeen answered, if you haven’t already, get back to that shop and buy that guitar.

You don’t always get another chance at an exceptional (I’ll have to take your word for that) guitar.

westview · #9 02-28-2018, 09:01 AM

I have a 1974 D28 (bought new/original owner).
Plays and sounds great. A few years ago I had a fret job and bone nut replaced. Before that, a couple of setups. The guitar has held up well. It stays home now and is mostly used for recording and enjoyment. I agree with a lot of the advise that has been shared already. Good luck on your decision.

Dominick · #10 02-28-2018, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronWolf22

...and I know there are some issues with the 70's models.

Here's some good reading that will help-
https://reverb.com/news/70s-martins-...u-need-to-know

Biggest cost you'll likely have down the road is a neck reset, so it's smart to check to see if the time is now-
http://frets.com/FretsPages/Musician...neckangle.html

One of my favorite features on my '70s Martins (along with the tone) is the neck shape which I understand were hand carved back then. Those necks feel much better in my hand than anything they make today.

6L6 · #11 02-28-2018, 10:10 AM

Some of the best sounding Martins I've ever played were built in the 1970's.

There is a 1975 D-18 sitting on the wall at the GC in San Mateo, CA right now that blows away every other guitar in the room. Priced at $2099, they are quite high. On the other hand, that guitar KILLS! It's in excellent cosmetic shape and has zero intonation issues.

Yep, I'm a BIG fan of 1970's Martins and feel they offer the best value out there.

zombywoof · #12 02-28-2018, 01:49 PM

Only advice I can really give is do not get hung up on the idea of owning a "vintage" guitar. If you are unwashed when it comes to older used guitars it can get you in trouble quick.

I do remember though, the first time I was able to afford a new guitar was in the early 1970s. One of the guitars I was looking at was a Martin D-18. $300 brand spanking new with a "steal me" case out the door. Never did buy one though. Then again, I ended up not buying anything and just kept what I was playing at the time - a 1930s Gibson L-00.

IronWolf22 · #13 03-01-2018, 08:42 PM

Well I went back today, and gave it a thorough examination. Intonation is spot on, and all the measurements check out. Still a lot of life left in the neck of this guitar, and it sounds amazing. I’ve always wanted to get into vintage guitars because I love the sound, and they just don’t make them like that anymore. It’s a one of a kind. You have to start somewhere with vintage guitars, and so I think I’m going to start as the proud second owner of this 1974 D18. Thanks for the help everyone.