1937 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
Pre-war herringbone D-18 — the mahogany dreadnought at its finest. Scalloped bracing, ebony fingerboard, and herringbone purfling on the most affordable dreadnought Martin made. Still enormously valuable by any standard.
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 — herringbone trim, 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 | 250 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top.
What Changed in 1937
Pre-war D-18 with herringbone trim and scalloped bracing — the mahogany sibling to the rosewood D-28. Despite being the 'lesser' model, pre-war D-18s with herringbone and scalloped bracing are extremely valuable.
Collector's Notes
Herringbone trim on a D-18 is the pre-war identifier (same as D-28). Post-war D-18s have the simpler black/white binding. Mahogany back/sides vs rosewood changes the tonal character — focused midrange, slightly drier response.
How to Authenticate a 1937 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 1937, 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.