1935 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A mid-1930s pre-war D-18 — the golden era of Martin dreadnought construction. Scalloped bracing and Adirondack spruce deliver exceptional tone in the mahogany format.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Mahogany (back and sides — scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 115 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top.
What Changed in 1935
Mid-1930s pre-war D-18 — scalloped bracing, Adirondack spruce, mahogany. Production increasing as the dreadnought format gained popularity. These are golden-era instruments of exceptional quality.
Collector's Notes
Mid-1930s D-18s with scalloped bracing are highly valued. The mahogany tonewood means these are less expensive than equivalent D-28s but tonally superior for many applications.
How to Authenticate a 1935 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
Martin serial numbers are the most reliable in the industry — verify the number stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) against Martin's published tables. For 1935, the number should fall within the documented range. Mahogany back and sides with spruce top. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. Mahogany (not rosewood) back and sides — verify correct wood species. Simpler appointments than D-28 (no herringbone). Pre-war scalloped bracing makes these highly sought-after. Check for neck resets, top cracks (especially near soundhole and bridge), and bridge plate condition. Tuners should be Grover Sta-Tite. Finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer with age-appropriate wear. Original case adds value.