Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 VTS aged

The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 VTS Aged is one of the most sought-after reissue models from the Martin Custom Shop – built in the style of the legendary pre-war dreadnoughts. Inspired by the original D-18 guitars from 1939, this model combines historically accurate construction with state-of-the-art finishing. This includes a traditional dovetail neck joint with hot glue, hand-carved authentic-style X-bracing and an exact replica of the 1939 neck profile.

The solid Adirondack spruce top was aged using the company’s own Vintage Tone System (VTS). This process ensures an open, well-rehearsed sound even when new. The back and sides are made of high-quality mahogany, which, in combination with the Adirondack top, delivers the typical D-18 sound: warm mids, dry, powerful basses and radiant trebles. This makes this model one of the most impressive pre-war replicas Martin has ever built.

The factory-applied aged finish is a particular highlight. It gives the guitar an authentic vintage patina with fine hairline cracks and artificially aged traces of use – visually a true pre-war classic without the instrument actually having been played for decades.

The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 VTS Aged has an impressive sound with a powerful, dynamic tone, ideal for flatpicking and chord playing, but also sensitive enough for fingerstyle. The slim Authentic 1939 neck profile with standard taper guarantees a high level of playing comfort.

The condition is – apart from factory aging – as good as new. The guitar comes in the original Martin hardshell case with all hangtags.

Specifications:

Model: D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged

Scale Length: 25.4″ (approx. 645 mm)
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16″ (approx. 43 mm)
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8″ (approx. 54 mm)
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint – Hide Glue Construction
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Top Material: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
Top Detail: Aged
Rosette: Multi-Stripe
Bracing Pattern: Authentic 1939 Rearward Shifted X Brace
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Brace Material: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
Brace Size: 5/16″ (approx. 7.9 mm)
Back Material: Genuine Mahogany
Back Detail: Aged
Back Purfling/Strip: Madagascar Rosewood
Side Material: Genuine Mahogany
Side Detail: Aged
Endpiece: Faux Tortoise
Binding: Faux Tortoise
Top inlay material: Multi-Stripe
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Shape: Authentic 1939
Neck Taper: Standard Taper
Plek: No
Groove material: Bone
Headstock Shape: Solid with 1939 Taper
Headplate material: Madagascar Rosewood
Headplate Logo Style: Script Golden Era Overlay
Heelcap: Ebony
Fingerboard material: Ebony
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Number of Frets Total: 20
Fingerboard inlay material: Abalone
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Old Style 18
Side Dots: Grained Ivoroid
Back and Side Finish: Vintage Gloss – Aged
Back and Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
Finish Top: Vintage Gloss – Aged
Top Color: Modified Vintage Toner
Finish Neck: Vintage Gloss – Aged
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Bridge material: Ebony
Bridge Style: Authentic Belly – Glue in Long Saddle – Aged
Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8″ (approx. 54 mm)
Saddle: Bone
Saddle radius: 16″ (approx. 406 mm)
Tuning Machines: Nickel Open Gear – Aged
Recommended Strings: SP Acoustic 92/8 Phosphor Bronze Medium (MSP4200)
Knob: Butterbean
Bridge Pin Material: Black Plastic – Aged
Pickguard: Faux Tortoise – Aged
Case: Ply Hardshell