1970 C.F. Martin & Co. D-18
A 1970 D-18 — uniquely unaffected by the rosewood transition that changed the D-28 and D-35. The same mahogany construction throughout its history means consistent tone across all eras.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$2,800–$5,500
Very Good
$1,800–$2,800
Good
$1,100–$1,800
Fair
$550–$1,100
* 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 | 5,200 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic.
What Changed in 1970
The D-18 was unaffected by the Brazilian-to-Indian rosewood transition since it uses mahogany back and sides. Production continued increasing. The singer-songwriter era kept demand high.
Collector's Notes
The D-18 is the one major Martin model where the 1969-1970 rosewood transition is irrelevant — mahogany back/sides throughout. Value differences across eras are based purely on age and scarcity.