1946 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
An early post-war D-18 — non-scalloped bracing and simplified binding but the same mahogany tone. Post-war D-18s are excellent player instruments at a fraction of pre-war prices.
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 — post-war, non-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 | 640 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic flat-top.
What Changed in 1946
Post-war D-18 production resuming at full capacity. Non-scalloped bracing is now standard. Simplified binding. Still excellent instruments — the mahogany tone is immediate and punchy.
Collector's Notes
Early post-war D-18s still have ebony fingerboards and excellent construction. The price drop from pre-war is dramatic and represents outstanding value for players.
How to Authenticate a 1946 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 1946, the number should fall within the documented range. Mahogany back and sides with spruce top. Non-scalloped X-bracing pattern for this era — verify through the soundhole. Mahogany (not rosewood) back and sides — verify correct wood species. Simpler appointments than D-28 (no herringbone). 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.