Martin 5-18
This Martin 5-18 dates from 1958, and was the smallest guitar made by the company, with a 21 3/8" scale. Spruce top, mahogany back and sides, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original Grover tuners.
Martin 5-18s are sometimes referred to as terz (German for 'third') guitars as they were usually tuned a minor third above standard pitch. Although they work fine at standard pitch (I use a 13-56 phosphor bronze set for that) they sound best when tuned up and string with regular light gauge 12-53 strings - they have a distinctive bell-like sound which has been popular with quite a few famous singers. A 5-18 was Marty Robbins' favourite and Bobbie Gentry played one on Ode to Billy Joe. Dolly Parton was also seen playing one in a recent BBC documentary. They are also great for playing with jazzers - as it's a minor third up, a G chord is B flat and a C chord is E flat ... very handy for cheaters like me. In addition, they are ideal if you want to curl up on the couch with a guitar - and they sound far superior to most of the modern 'parlour guitars'.
This guitar has had a thorough overhaul and is in very good playing condition. It's had a neck reset and refret, and a new cut-through saddle to give it a good playing action. There's plenty of height left on the new saddle if you want to lower it further.
Cosmetically, it's been well used, with a number of scratches in the lacquer and a small patch on the back where something stuck to the lacquer. Additionally, the lacquer on the treble side was peeling off, and has been oversprayed to stabilise it.
Taken together, though, this is an excellent player at a very affordable price.
With original fibre fitted case in fair condition - handle is intact and all catches work.
**SOLD**
