Description
Description & Specifications
1932 Martin OM-18 – Shadetop – Pre-War
We present an original 1932 C.F. Martin OM-18 in its original Shadetop finish. Made in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
This pre-War OM model is exceptionally special, as it’s widely regarded as one of the best-sounding and best-playing non-dreadnought Martin guitars of its time. With a long scale length of 25 1/4 inches (641 mm), it delivers enhanced bass response and greater tonal clarity. These models were produced only for a few years during a pivotal transition into the steel-string acoustic guitar era. This particular guitar is a standout in Martin’s history: an early OM-18 featuring the rare “Shadetop” option.
This 1932 Martin OM-18 retains the original silk-screened gold “C.F. Martin” headstock logo. The top finish is original, showcasing a beautifully blended sunburst shading into a rich, transparent brown at the edges. It features natural mahogany back and sides paired with a stunning spruce top. The mahogany neck is fitted with an ebony fingerboard. Original components include the ebony bridge, ebony nut, bridge plate, pickguard, and Grover large square plate tuners.
Overall, this pre-War Martin flat-top is in exceptional condition for its age. It shows honest playwear with nicks, dings, and typical cosmetic wear on the body and neck— evidence of a lifetime of music and care.
Comes with a newer hardshell case. Latches and handle are in perfect working order.
Repairs that has been done by the most respected and accomplished Martin luthier; TJ Thompson.
- Saddle: TJ Thompson replacement saddle during neck reset.
- Frets: TJ Thompson Plek refret with vintage correct bar fret material.
- Bridge pins: modern replica pins.
- Side crack repairs.
History about shaded top.
The C.F. Martin company finished most of their guitars in a clear natural finish, but some of them received the coveted shaded top (or sunburst) finish. Martin did far fewer sunburst guitars than Gibson back in the Golden Era of acoustic guitars but they were equally as beautiful. They’re also far more coveted by collectors than their natural finished counterparts and therefore more susceptible to wild price fluctuations and hidden surprises. This was made standard on its new archtop instruments in 1931 and on flat tops as a catalog option. In practice it was rarely ordered, and these “shaded” Martin flat tops (the company never used “sunburst”) have become a much sought after rarity in the decades since.
