FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

The D-18VS is part of Martin's Vintage series along with the HD-28VR. Like the 28, the D-18VS is not a true reissue of a pre-War 12-fret D-18, but is inspired by it. The 12-fret design was all but forgotten by Martin after 1935. The 14-fret dreadnaughts had better cutting power and became the standard for bluegrass and country music. Nevertheless, Martin would still make 12-fret models on special order. The 12-fret D-size guitar was re-introduced in the Martin catalog in the early 1960s, first on 12-string D-size models and the 6-string versions followed around 1966. With revitalized interest in vintage models, 12-fretters included, the D-18VS was introduced in 1996 and remains in Martin's current line-up. Many players, including famous ones like Norman Blake, prefer 12-fret dreadnaughts for their richer and more complex harmonics as well as more balanced tone.

 Body:  Hollow; solid 2-piece Sitka spruce top, solid 2-piece mahogany back, and solid mahogany sides; double bound top, single  bound back

 Finish:  Natural, nitrocellulose lacquer

 Neck:  1-piece mahogany, set-in; rosewood headstock overlay with decal logo

 Fingerboard:  Ebony, mother-of-pearl dot markers

 Number of Frets:  19

 Pickguard:  Tortoise, plastic

 Bridge:  Ebony with micarta saddle

 Nut:  Bone

 Tuners:  Martin "Sta-Tite" style, chrome

 Pickups:  None

 Controls:  None

 Scale Length:  25 1/2 inches

 Neck Width at Nut:  1 3/4 inches

 Body Width at Lower Bout:  15 5/8 inches

 Body Depth:  4 7/8 inches

 Weight:  n/a