Martin D-18 Authentic 1937 VTS Aged (989)

1937 is widely regarded as one of the finest years in Martin’s history—a moment when craftsmanship, innovation, and premium materials came together to shape what would become legendary instruments. The D-18 Authentic 1937 Aged is built to those same specifications, with hide glue construction, an Authentic 1937 forward-shifted scalloped bracing pattern, and historically accurate details throughout. It features genuine mahogany back and sides paired with an Adirondack spruce top that’s been thermally aged using Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS) for the rich, open sound of a well-played pre-war guitar. What sets this model apart is its meticulously aged finish, which adds the visual character and feel of an instrument that’s been played and loved for decades. The body profile is modeled after early Golden Era Dreadnoughts for enhanced historical accuracy, and other period-correct features include an Authentic-style neck barrel and heel, along with traditional 18-style appointments. From its worn-in look to its vintage voice, the D-18 Authentic 1937 Aged delivers an experience that feels straight out of the 1930s—no time machine required.

Top Material: Adirondack Spruce w/ VTS
Finish Top: Vintage Gloss - Aged
Top Color: Vintage Toner
Top Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Top Detail: Aged
Binding: Brown Tortoise Pattern
Bridge Material: Ebony
Bridge Style: Authentic Belly | Glue-In Long Saddle | Aged
Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/4"
Bridge Pin Material: Black Plastic | Aged
Pickguard: Tortoise Pattern | Aged
Pickguard Inlay: None
Rosette: Multi-Stripe
Saddle: Bone
Saddle Radius: 16"
Body Size: Authentic D-14 Fret
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint | Hide Glue Construction
Back Material: Genuine Mahogany
Side Material: Genuine Mahogany
Back & Side Finish: Vintage Gloss - Aged
Back & Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
Back Detail: Aged
Side Detail: Aged
Back Purfling/Strip: Dark Mahogany
Back Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Side Inlay Material: None
Bracing Pattern: Authentic 1937 Forward-Shifted X-Brace
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Brace Material: Adirondack Spruce w/ VTS
Brace Size: 5/16"
Heelcap: Ebony
Endpiece: Brown Tortoise Pattern
Neck Shape: Authentic 1937
Neck Taper: Standard Taper
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Finish Neck: Vintage Gloss - Aged
Scale Length: 25.4"
Number of Frets: 20
Neck Joins Body: 14th Fret
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Fingerboard Width (12th Fret): 2 1/4"
Fingerboard Width (Nut): 1 3/4"
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Old Style 18
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Abalone
Fingerboard Binding Material: None
Side Dots: Antique White
Headstock Shape: Solid | 1937 Taper
Headplate Material: Madagascar Rosewood
Headplate Logo: Authentic Style CFM Script Overlay
Headplate Binding Material: None
Headplate Detail: Aged
Tuners: Aged Waverly Nickel Open Back | Butterbean Knobs
Nut: Bone
Case: Hardshell
Label: None
Electronics: No
Left-Handed Availability: Yes