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
Excellent
$4,500–$9,000
Very Good
$2,900–$4,500
Good
$1,800–$2,900
Fair
$900–$1,800
* 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) |
| 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.