1952 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
Post-war D-18 — the bluegrass flat-picker's guitar. Mahogany back/sides deliver the punchy, cutting midrange that flatpickers prize. Outstanding value compared to rosewood models.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$5,000–$10,000
Very Good
$3,200–$5,000
Good
$1,900–$3,200
Fair
$950–$1,900
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Mahogany (back and sides — post-war, no herringbone) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (transitioning from ebony) |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Rosewood belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 1,800 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1952
Post-war D-18 with simplified binding and non-scalloped bracing. The affordable Martin dreadnought that became a bluegrass staple. Highly playable with the cutting mahogany midrange tone.
Collector's Notes
The D-18 is often more playable than the D-28 for bluegrass flat-picking — less bass, more midrange cut. Many 1950s D-18s are in excellent shape as bluegrass players maintained their instruments well.