Martin D-18 Authentic 1937

1937 is widely regarded as one of the finest years in Martin’s history—a moment when craftsmanship, innovation, and premium materials converged to create instruments that would become true legends.

The D-18 Authentic 1937 is built to those same celebrated specifications, using hide-glue construction and historically accurate detailing throughout. Genuine mahogany back and sides pair with an Adirondack spruce top, supported by an Authentic 1937 forward-shifted scalloped bracing pattern that produces the dry, punchy response and remarkable clarity associated with the Golden Era. The body profile mirrors early pre-war Dreadnoughts for heightened historical accuracy, complemented by an Authentic-style neck barrel and heel, traditional 18-style appointments, and a full suite of period-correct materials and methods. Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS) is applied to both the top and braces to replicate the mature, open character of a well-preserved pre-war instrument.

Built by hand with deep respect for Martin’s heritage, the D-18 Authentic 1937 offers the tone, feel, and aesthetic of a vintage classic—without the decades-long wait.

Specs: Solid Adirondack spruce top with Vintage Tone System treatment; genuine mahogany back and sides; forward-shifted Authentic 1937 scalloped X-brace pattern with Adirondack spruce braces approximately 5/16″ thick and treated with VTS; hide-glue dovetail neck joint construction; brown tortoise-pattern binding; faux tortoise pickguard; multi-stripe Old Style 18 rosette; ebony bridge with long-saddle bone design on a 16″ radius and 2 5/16″ string spacing; black bridge pins with no inlays; genuine mahogany neck with Authentic 1937 barrel and heel profile and standard taper; ebony fingerboard with Old Style 18 abalone dot inlays; bone nut; 1 3/4″ nut width, 2 1/4″ width at the 12th fret, and 16″ radius; white side dots; solid headstock with 1937 taper and Madagascar rosewood headplate featuring the script old-style logo; Waverly nickel open-gear Butterbean tuners; ebony heelcap; brown tortoise-pattern endpiece. Nitrocellulose lacquer Vintage Gloss Natural finish. Hard hell case included..