Martin / 1935 00-18
Are you tempted by the ultimate vintage tone that prewar original Martins produce, yet hesitant to buy because the large dreadnought body is still too much for you, or because you’re concerned about the practicality of an expensive museum piece?
Among the most highly regarded instruments in the history of acoustic guitar, examples from the 1930s are the stuff of dreams—something every player wants to own at least once.
However, on large-bodied guitars, fine fingerpicking and blues can sometimes cause the low end to bloom too much, making control difficult.
At the same time, even if you have a superb recent reissue model in hand, you will never get the raw, aged resonance and featherlight, overwhelming response of a true instrument that has been given nearly a century to mature.
The ultimate masterpiece that satisfies a player’s longing while combining historical value with perfect real-world playability is this 1935 Martin 00-18.
⚫︎Historic High Point of the Acoustic Guitar: The Golden Era
The 1930s are called Martin’s golden age and are the most historically important decade, when the basic structure of the modern acoustic guitar was perfected.
This 1935 example embodies the uncompromising craftsmanship of the era, packed with details such as the deeply scalloped X-bracing unique to prewar instruments and an astonishingly light body construction, giving it priceless value as a historical artifact.
⚫︎The ultimate aged tone developed over nearly 90 years
Nearly 90 years have passed since its manufacture in 1935, and the carefully selected top spruce and mahogany for the back and sides have aged to the limit, bringing the entire instrument together as one resonant body.
The astonishingly quick response that lets even the lightest touch make the air tremble, and the warm, dry, woody tone unique to mahogany, have reached a realm that cannot be reproduced, no matter how advanced the technology used today may be.
⚫︎The perfect balance only a 00 size can provide
The 00 size, which fits the body comfortably and naturally, places no strain on the player even during long sessions.
And thanks to the prewar model’s unique construction, it proudly delivers explosive volume and a complete, well-defined sound balance that you would never imagine from such a small size, bringing out the full expressive power of blues, ragtime, and delicate solo guitar.
Original Martins made during the golden era of the 1930s are now sought after by collectors around the world, and the number appearing on the market has already dwindled to near exhaustion.
Among them, the 1935 00-18, which still retains a condition capable of withstanding modern playing, is extremely rare, and if you miss this chance, there is no telling when you will encounter another—truly a once-in-a-lifetime find.
Please experience the prewar aura that is the very history of acoustic guitars, and the ultimate vintage tone nurtured over nearly 90 years, with your own fingertips.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about the condition or to request a test play.
[Specifications / Included Case]
TOP : Spruce
BACK/SIDES : Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE：Rosewood
NECK：Mahogany
NUT WIDTH : 44mm
SCALE : 634mm
CASE : Non Original Hard Shell Case
[Repair / Modifications / Appearance Condition, etc.]
※The information below is based on what we can determine through inspection of the pre-owned/vintage item in our store.
Please understand this in advance.
This is a condition that shows the care it has received over its long history, such as minor weather checking and scratch marks from playing.
- The saddle and frets have been replaced.
[Playing Condition]
- String height at the 12th fret: 2.5mm on the 6th string, 2.0mm on the 1st string
- Saddle protrusion: approx. 1.5mm to 2.0mm
There is no note choking or buzzing, and the playing condition is good.
[安心保証：6ヶ月]
[Mail-Order Peace-of-Mind Service]
For mail-order sales, we cannot provide an opportunity for the customer to try the instrument, so we offer a 6-day trial period after delivery.
If you carefully try the product at home and are not satisfied, we will refund the product price.
※Round-trip shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility.
