1924 Martin 0-18K

Natural, VG++, great sounding pre ’38 scalloped braced, forward shifted X braced steel string. These koa Martins were the first to get steel strings as steel strings were only by special order unless on koa topped guitars. Then in 1926 steel strings became the standard and gut strings were by special order. Ok, that’s all the history we’ll share for now.

The 0-18K is 24 3/4” scale and 13 5/8” at the lower bout. The nut width is 1 7/8”. The original bar frets are in great shape.

This is surprisingly loud with long sustain, rather perfect for finger style playing. Also great for someone who wants to invest in a pre-war Martin. They only shipped 40 of these in 1924. We sold this guitar in the early 90’s. The woman who bought it backthen hadn’t been playing it so we are happy to see this beautiful guitar again. But sitting in a closet for 10 years it needed a little work. We reglued the back seam and the top seam crack that someone had used super glue on long ago. We cleaned that up too.

It has a nicely figured koa top, back and sides with great coffee colored grain and flame all over. The flame on the drivers side of the guitar really stands out. A joy to look at. The finish is all original with no overspray. The neck is mahogany with a V profile and the original finish. It feels very comfy. Also has an ebony fingerboard and looks to be a newer ebony bridge. It plays well. The action at the 12th fret is 5/64” on the treble side and 7/64” on the bass side. Comes with a newer hard case.