USED MARTIN / 1960 5-18 [05]

We are pleased to announce the arrival of a 1960 Martin 5-18 in excellent condition!

This is Martin's smallest guitar, with a lower width of only 11 1/4". The body is smaller than the current Little Martin model.

The size 5 was originally designed as a German-style "Terz" guitar. C.F. Martin was greatly influenced by 19th century German luthiers such as Johann Stauffer, who was known for his Terz guitars, and many early Martin Many of the early Martin guitars were built to Terz specifications.

The size 5 body shape continued through the period when parlor guitars became popular in the U.S., and was marketed as the "junior" or "3/4" size in the early 20th century. 5-18 models were introduced in 1898 and became popular in the 1950s and 1960s when country singer Marty Robbins used one. The 5-18 model was sold as a "3/4 size" model.

It boasts a rich volume and response that is hard to imagine from its compact size, and its tone is clear and balanced on all strings. When played with a pick, it has the sparkle of a mandolin, and when fingerpicked, its sweet and smooth high register is pleasantly resonant, allowing for a richly nuanced performance.

It shows its age, with scratches, dings, and some chipping in the binding, but it has a nonetheless nonchalant look and feel.

The neck is slightly warped, but there is almost no bulge on the top and the string height is not too high.

Specs

Top: Sitka spruce (X-braced)
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany (soft V shape)
Fingerboard & Bridge: Brazilian rosewood
Nut: Bone (replacement)
Scale Length: 21.4"
Weight: 1.09 kg
Tuning: G to G (12-53 strings)
Tuners: Grover open-gear

Item Rank: B+: Some scratches, but no problem for normal use.

Serial number: 171502
Year of manufacture: 1960
Country of manufacture: USA
Case: Semi-hard case (not genuine)
Accessories: None
Weight: 1.09kg
Truss Rod: None
Fret Height: No problem, enough fret height.
String Height: Bass string side: 2.5mm above 12th fret
String Height: 2.0mm above the 12th fret
Nut width: 41.0mm
Neck thickness near 1st fret: 21.6mm (.850)
Neck thickness near 9th fret: 27.6mm (.090)
Scale: 543mm (21.4")
Strings in setup: .012-.053 set

* This is a used item and may have scratches, dents, etc. that are difficult to see in the photos or other blemishes not shown in the description. Please note that there are scratches, dents, etc. that are difficult to see in the photos.

* The truss rod, remaining frets, and string height are measured by our staff at the time of setup, and may change due to climate, humidity, and other environmental factors.
The values are intended to be used as a reference at the time of purchase, and we do not guarantee that they will be the same when you receive the instrument.

* This item is a one-of-a-kind item and is listed on multiple malls at the same time, including in-store displays. We try to delete product information as soon as possible, but this is not always in real time.
We apologize in advance if the item is sold out after you place your order.