1968 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A 1968 D-18 — the counterculture era. High production, consistent mahogany tone, and the most accessible vintage Martin. The D-18 was unchanged by the Brazilian rosewood transition that affected other models.
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 | 4,600 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1968
Late 1960s D-18 at high production. The counterculture era brought new audiences to acoustic music. The D-18 remained the affordable Martin dreadnought for working musicians.
Collector's Notes
Late 1960s D-18s are plentiful and represent strong value. No materials transition to worry about. Check for standard vintage issues: neck angle, bridge condition, fret wear.
How to Authenticate a 1968 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 1968, 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.