This Martin 00-18 Authentic is in Mint condition. There are no marks on the guitar. I have only used this guitar for finger style, without a pick. The pick guard shows a few very faint swirls when viewed in just the right light. It still smells like a new guitar when you open the case. It is the best sounding, lightest, most resonant guitar I have ever played. The sound is bold and powerful. On my digital postage scale it weighs about 3 lbs, 9 oz. The fact that it is as close to a 1931 00-18 as Martin has ever made adds a feeling of historic authenticity that you won’t get from other non-Authentic series instruments. It is simply an incredible guitar that is eye opening if you have never experienced a guitar made like this. The full hide glue construction and the light Authentic bracing gives this guitar a tone and response unlike other non-Authentic instruments. It is the pinnacle of Martin guitar craftsmanship, and a delight to hold and play.
Along with the authentic construction methods is the Authentic 00-18 neck profile, which includes a 1 7/8” nut, which is excellent for fingerstyle but also works great for flat picking. Because this guitar is in such nice condition, I am reluctant to play it casually. It's been stored in its case with the strings loosened. I don’t think you can get better than this instrument in a 00 size. I am purchasing a new home and it's requiring me to sacrifice a few of my most prized instruments.
The case is a mint, and the guitar still smells like new when you open the case. The Authentic cases are also a step above the regular 500 series five ply case. The 00-18 Authentic is just an incredible instrument that Martin no longer makes.
· Adirondack Spruce top with VTS
· Mahogany back and sides
· Authentic 1931 X-bracing
· Mahogany neck
· Ebony fretboard
· Dovetail neck joint construction
· Neck meets body at 12th fret
· Authentic 1931 neck profile
· 24.9" scale length
· 1-7/8" nut width
· Golden age brass tuners
· Three pounds, nine ounces. Superlight and highly resonant.
· Includes the original hardshell case