Here to remind you why you fell in love with us in the first place, the new Authentics are constructed the old way – with hide glue, throughout, and historically-accurate detailing confirmed by using a CAT scan machine located at the Smithsonian Institute. Based on a 1939 D-18 in our museum, this guitar features genuine mahogany back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top, using an authentic circa 1939 bracing pattern. Period-correct “18” Authentic-style appointments, with an Authentic neck barrel and heel, complete this piece. Martin’s new Vintage Tone System (VTS) is employed for the top and braces.

The new Martin Vintage Tone System (VTS) uses a unique recipe that is based on the historic torrefaction system. The VTS acts much like a time machine in which Martin can target certain time periods and age the top/braces to that era. This focused method allows Martin’s craftsmen and women to recreate not only the pleasing visual aesthetics of a vintage guitar, but also reproduce the special tones previously reserved for vintage instruments.

Specifications Overview

BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
FINISH TOP: Vintage Gloss
CONSTRUCTION: Dovetail Neck Joint – Hide Glue Construction
BACK & SIDE FINISH: Vintage Gloss
BRACING PATTERN: Authentic 1939 Rearward-Shifted X-Brace
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4″
BRACE SHAPE: Scalloped
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1 11/16”
TOP MATERIAL: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
NECK SHAPE: Authentic 1939
BACK MATERIAL: Genuine Mahogany
NECK TAPER: Standard Taper
SIDE MATERIAL: Genuine Mahogany

Full Specifications

TOP
TOP COLOR: Clear
BRIDGE STYLE: Authentic Belly – Glue in Long Saddle
BINDING: Faux Tortoise
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2 1/8”
TOP INLAY MATERIAL: Multi-Stripe
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Ebony
TOP DETAIL: None
BRIDGE PIN MATERIAL: None
PICKGUARD: Tortoise Pattern
BRIDGE PIN DOTS: N/A
PICKGUARD INLAY: N/A
SADDLE: Bone
ROSETTE: Old Style 18 Multi-Stripe
SADDLE RADIUS: 16″

BODY
BRACE MATERIAL: Adirondack Spruce with VTS
BACK & SIDES COLOR: Dark Mahogany
BRACE SIZE: 5/16″
BACK DETAIL: None
BACK PURFLING/STRIP: Madagascar Rosewood
BACK INLAY MATERIAL: None
HEELCAP: Ebony
SIDE DETAIL: None
ENDPIECE: Faux Tortoise
SIDE INLAY MATERIAL: None
ENDPIECE INLAY: None

NECK
NECK MATERIAL: Genuine Mahogany
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Ebony
FINISH NECK: Vintage Gloss
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2 1/8”
NECK COLOR: Dark Mahogany
FINGERBOARD INLAY STYLE: Old Style 18
NUMBER OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD INLAY MATERIAL: Abalone
NECK JOINS BODY AT: 14th Fret
FINGERBOARD BINDING MATERIAL: None
SIDE DOTS: Grained Ivoroid

HEADSTOCK
HEADSTOCK SHAPE: Solid with 1939 Taper
TUNING MACHINES: Nickel Open Gear
HEADPLATE MATERIAL: Madagascar Rosewood
KNOB: Butterbean
HEADPLATE LOGO STYLE: Script Golden Era Overlay
NUT MATERIAL: Bone
HEADPLATE BINDING MATERIAL: None

MISC
CASE: Ply Hardshell
LEFT HANDED AVAILABILITY: Yes
LABEL: None
PLEKED: No