1956 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A mid-1950s D-18 — the affordable professional Martin at its finest. Consistent construction, excellent mahogany tone, and growing status as the musician's workhorse acoustic.
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) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Rosewood belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 2,200 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1956
Mid-1950s D-18 — production high, quality consistent. Rosewood fingerboard now standard. The D-18 was the workhorse Martin for country, bluegrass, and the emerging folk scene.
Collector's Notes
Mid-1950s D-18s are plentiful and represent strong value. Rosewood fingerboard now standard. Check bridge condition and neck angle — standard vintage maintenance issues.
How to Authenticate a 1956 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 1956, 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.