1939 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A 1939 pre-war D-18 — peak golden-era production. Scalloped bracing and Adirondack spruce in the mahogany body. The archetypal country and bluegrass guitar at its finest.
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 | 320 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top.
What Changed in 1939
Peak pre-war D-18 production. Scalloped bracing, Adirondack spruce, mahogany. The dreadnought was becoming the dominant acoustic guitar body style. These guitars would define the sound of American country and folk music.
Collector's Notes
Late 1930s D-18s are the most available pre-war examples. Still scalloped bracing and fully pre-war specs. Excellent value compared to same-era D-28s — typically 40-50% less.
How to Authenticate a 1939 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 1939, 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.