USED Martin / D-18GE Special Edition Golden Era 2003 [10]

A 2003 D-18GE from the Special Edition series has arrived!

We have received a 2003 Martin Special Edition Series D-18 Golden Era.
This is a reissue of the legendary 1934 D-18, which was built during what is considered the golden age of vintage Martin guitars.
It is a classic model highly praised by bluegrass Martin players for its superb sound.
It is also from the period when these guitars were originally equipped with the high-end Waverly open-gear tuning pegs.
This is your chance to purchase a high-grade used instrument—a top-tier specimen—at an optimal used price!
The D-18 Golden Era models of that time featured rich, attractive materials, and as the de facto flagship model among the mahogany back and side models, you’ll be able to experience firsthand the image that so many have long admired.

Key Details, Specifications, and Materials
・Top: Premium solid Adirondack spruce, a rare wood essential to pre-war Martin guitars
・Body Back & Sides: Carefully selected solid mahogany (Genuine Mahogany)
・Internal Bracing: Adirondack spruce (forward-shifted, scalloped X-bracing)
・Fingerboard & Bridge: Premium ebony
・Neck Profile: Modified V (a V-shaped grip designed to recreate a vintage-style feel)
・Saddle: Long through saddle
・Tuning Pegs: Waverly Open-Back Butterbean Buttons

Overall Condition
This instrument is now in its 23rd year.
While there are some signs of wear, such as scratches and dents, from its age, they are few enough that you’d have to look closely to count them, so it’s in excellent condition.
There are buckle marks on the back of the body, but they are not sharp and are relatively mild in appearance.
The nickel-plated tuning pegs have developed a slight patina, but please consider this a desirable sign of aging, typical of vintage guitars.
While it is by no means in like-new condition, given that it was a high-end model within the 18-series lineup at the time, there are clear signs that it was played and handled with great care.
The instrument maintains a clean appearance down to the finest details, suggesting that the previous owner performed meticulous maintenance.
An additional strap button has been installed at the neck heel, making it a reliable choice for standing performances right out of the box.
Furthermore, it’s as lightweight as a genuine vintage Martin, so I can’t help but feel this is a truly rare find!

Condition Grade: B+: Some minor scratches, but no issues for normal use

Serial Number: 934588
Year of Manufacture: 2003
Country of Manufacture: USA
Case: Hard case (genuine accessory, made by TKL at the time; exterior fabric: has dust, minor stains, and damage; interior fabric: discoloration due to age)
Accessories: English quick start guide, English Special Edition model booklet, hard case key
Truss Rod: No issues; rod movement checked up to 60 degrees to the left and right with no problems
Fret Wear: Within normal limits; fret height is sufficient for playable conditions
String Height (Low-String Side): 2.6 mm at the 12th fret
String Action (Treble Side): 2.0 mm at the 12th fret
Nut width: 44.5 mm
Neck thickness near the 1st fret: 21.8 mm
Neck thickness near the 12th fret: 24.6 mm
Scale: 645 mm (25.4")
RADIUS: 406 mm (16")
Strings at Setup: D'Addario EJ-16 / .012-.053 set
Repairs and Maintenance Performed: Cleaning, string replacement, truss rod adjustment, octave adjustment, action adjustment

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, or other imperfections that are not clearly visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any listed measurements for the truss rod, remaining fret depth, string action, etc., were taken by our staff during setup and are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be identical when the item arrives.

* This item is a one-of-a-kind piece currently listed simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. While we strive to promptly remove product listings upon sale, updates may not always be made in real time.
We sincerely apologize if the item happens to be sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding.