Martin Custom Shop D-18 Authentic Adirondack VTS / Sinker Mahogany w/case 2962017

Serial# 2962017

This Martin Custom Shop D-18 Authentic is a deeply considered build that draws directly from pre-war Martin tradition while incorporating rare materials and meticulous Custom Shop execution. Built for Tone Shop Guitars, this instrument follows authentic 1937-style construction with hide glue assembly, a dovetail neck joint, and period-correct voicing, delivering the dry power, immediacy, and headroom that define the most revered vintage D-18s.

A premium-grade Adirondack spruce top treated with Martin’s VTS process is paired with hand-selected sinker mahogany back and sides, producing a fundamental-forward voice with explosive dynamics, strong note separation, and a broken-in warmth straight out of the case. Every detail—from the scalloped forward-shifted bracing to the barrel-and-heel neck carve—was specified to maximize resonance, responsiveness, and long-term musicality .

Highlights

• Martin Custom Shop Authentic D-18-style build
• Premium Adirondack spruce top with VTS treatment
• Hand-selected sinker mahogany back and sides
• Hide glue construction with forward-shifted scalloped bracing
• 1937-style neck profile and vintage-correct appointments

Specifications

Body

• Body Shape: Authentic “D” Dreadnought
• Top Wood: Adirondack spruce (VTS, Grade 5)
• Back & Sides: Sinker mahogany (premium)
• Bracing: Adirondack spruce with VTS, forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing (Authentic 1937, 5/16")
• Rosette: Old Style 18 Boltaron
• Binding: Brown faux tortoise
• Pickguard: Faux tortoise, under finish
• Finish: Vintage gloss (Authentic low gloss)
• Top Color: Vintage toner

Neck

• Neck Wood: 12/4 genuine mahogany
• Neck Profile: D-18 Custom 1937 barrel & heel
• Neck Joint: Dovetail
• Scale Length: 25.4" (compensated 25.470")
• Fingerboard: Black ebony
• Fingerboard Radius: 16"
• Nut Width: 1 3/4"
• Fingerboard Inlay: Old Style 18 (Authentic 1937)
• Nut Material: Bone
• Neck Finish: Gloss

Hardware

• Bridge: Black ebony, Authentic belly slotted
• Saddle: Long bone, glue-in
• Bridge Pins: Ebony (no slot)
• Tuners: Waverly Relic Nickel 4076 with vintage butterbean buttons

Electronics

• Electronics: None

Miscellaneous

• Orientation: Right handed
• Frets Clear of Body: 14
• Strings: Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Medium
• Case: Martin Authentic hardshell case
• Adhesive: Vintage hide glue
• Country of Origin: USA
• Custom Shop Credentials Book: Included
• Serial Number: 2964099

Why Buy from Tone Shop Guitars?

At Tone Shop Guitars, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of instruments backed by knowledgeable staff and exceptional customer service. Whether you're shopping online or visiting us in person, our goal is to help you find the right guitar and deliver a top-tier experience every step of the way.