1960 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A 1960 D-18 at the dawn of the folk revival — the professional musician's affordable Martin. The mahogany tone complements vocals beautifully and projects in performance settings.
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 | 2,800 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1960
The folk revival era begins. D-18s were the working musician's Martin — more affordable than D-28s and tonally suited to vocal accompaniment. Production increasing with demand.
Collector's Notes
Early 1960s D-18s are excellent player instruments with folk revival cultural significance. Widely available. Condition varies — many were used hard by working musicians.
How to Authenticate a 1960 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 1960, 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.