Martin D-18 (1944) “Owned and Played by Peter Fonda” [Free Shipping through August 31]

Martin / 1944 D-18 "Owned and Played by Peter Fonda"

[Demo Video]

—A miraculous instrument where Hollywood legend and wartime history intersect

Are you searching for the ultimate vintage Martin, yet struggling to find a guitar worthy of being called a “lifetime instrument”? There are many passionate collectors and players seeking a guitar that offers more than
just the value of an old instrument—one that carries a “true story” passed down through the generations and produces the ultimate tone as your own special instrument.

However, among the vintage acoustic guitars on the market, the odds of finding one with a clear provenance—and one that was actually cherished by a world-famous star—are astronomically low.
Furthermore, D-18s manufactured during the early 1940s—a period of immense significance in Martin’s history known as “wartime”—are so prized by enthusiasts for their superb sound that they are reluctant to part with them, and well-preserved examples are already disappearing from the market.
The reality is that finding a guitar that combines both “historical value” and “superb tone,” and also boasts a “legendary story,” has become an extremely difficult task today.

Here is a truly one-of-a-kind instrument, worthy of being called a “museum piece,” that satisfies that endless longing: the
“Martin 1944 D-18 ‘Owned and Played by Peter Fonda.’”

The greatest highlight of this guitar lies in its overwhelming historical background. The late Peter Fonda, a symbol of American counterculture and legendary actor who captivated the world in the film *Easy Rider*.
This instrument boasts an unparalleled and verifiable provenance: it was actually owned and cherished by him personally.

Furthermore, the guitar’s historical value as an instrument is immeasurable.
The year 1944 was a special period when, due to severe metal shortages caused by World War II, ebony rods were used for neck reinforcement instead of iron T-bars. It
also marks the final period during which scalloped X-bracing was used (the transition to non-scalloped bracing began in the latter half of that year).
The sound produced by the highest-grade mahogany and Adirondack spruce—dried to the absolute limit—combined with the unique lightness of the ebony rod, is simply breathtaking. An
incredibly light, rich, dry, and powerful “vintage mahogany sound” fills the room.

That tone, once played by the fingertips of a great Hollywood star, has lost none of its luster to this day and possesses a nostalgic resonance reminiscent of the dry American landscape. The
playability has been meticulously set up, allowing it to realize its full potential not only as a showpiece but also as a “practical instrument” capable of producing the finest vintage sound.

Born in 1944—a turning point in history—
the D-18 embodies the spirit of Peter Fonda. This is a “truly one-of-a-kind” work of art, a piece of American cultural heritage, with no other like it in the world. As an actual instrument owned by a celebrity—and one from Martin’s golden age, no less—its value continues to rise year after year. There is no guarantee that another specimen of this caliber will ever reappear on the market.

This miraculous guitar represents the intersection of Hollywood legend and Martin’s history. You may be the one to carry on the story of this guitar and weave the next chapter of its legacy.

[Specifications/Included Case]
BRACING: Non-Scalloped Rear-Shifted X-Bracing
TOP: Adirondack Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Mahogany
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany / Ebony Truss Rod
NUT WIDTH: 42mm
SCALE: 647mm
WEIGHT: 1.70kg
CASE: Hard Shell Case

[Repair/Modification History / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition, etc.]
*Please note that as this is a used/vintage item, the information provided is based on our inspection.
- The neck has been reset and the frets replaced
in the past; it is in excellent playing condition.
- There is a slight Martin crack on the front right side of the pickguard. -
Frets and saddle have been replaced.
- There is some over-lacquer near the neck joint.

[Playing Condition]
- String action at the 12th fret: 2.5 mm on the 6th string side, 2.0 mm on the 1st string side-
Saddle projection: approx. 2 mm to 3 mm- There is no muffled
sound or buzzing, and the instrument plays well.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 Months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we are unable to offer customers the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives. Please take your time to try out the product
at home, and if you are not satisfied,
we will refund the purchase price. *The customer is responsible for round-trip shipping costs.