Description
Description & Specifications
1937 Martin 0-18 Shadetop – Pre-War
We present an original 1937 C.F. Martin 0-18 in its original Shadetop finish – a pre-War gem from Martin’s legendary Golden Era. Handcrafted in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
This rare flat-top acoustic guitar is exceptionally sought after, with very few ever reaching the market. So much tone packed into such a small body – this is undoubtedly one of the finest periods in C.F. Martin’s storied history. In 1937, only 13 Shadetop 0-18s were produced, making this a truly scarce collector’s piece.
This pre-War Martin features full period-correct specs, including an Adirondack spruce top, 1-3/4″ nut width, and original Grover tuners. The guitar boasts an ebony fingerboard and bridge, with beautiful mahogany back and sides, all showcasing classic Martin craftsmanship.
The guitar is in excellent condition for its age, displaying attractive vintage playwear with expected nicks, dings, and honest cosmetic wear. It has undergone essential professional maintenance: a neck reset, new frets, and a new nut. The ebony bridge has been cleaned and reglued with a new bone saddle. Only a few minor crack repairs have been carried out. Importantly, there is no overspray, no touch-up—all finish is original. All restoration work was performed by TJ Thompson, one of the most respected and skilled Martin luthiers in the world.
This Martin 0-18 comes in an original 1950s-era Harptone/Martin hardshell case, with fully functional latches and handle.
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.
