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

Excellent
$40,000$80,000
Very Good
$25,000$40,000
Good
$15,000$25,000
Fair
$7,500$15,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodSpruce (top), Mahogany (back and sides — scalloped bracing)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardEbony
Scale Length25.400"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigNone (acoustic)
BridgeEbony belly bridge
TunersGrover Sta-Tite
Finish OptionsNatural
Est. Production115

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.