By the late 70’s, Martin had strayed somewhat from their extremely well guarded path, thanks to overzealous new CEOS and some misspending along the way, and took a bit of a “let’s make as many guitars as possible and never have them come in for repair” path to building that lead to many guitars in the 1970’s being extremely overbuilt, with a huge rosewood bridge plate and misaligned, oversized bridges. Early 70’s guitars tend to be hit or miss, with the structural changes taking place intermittently over the first couple years of the decade.

This 1973 000-18 suffers, thankfully, from none of the issues 70’s guitars normally have, and, as you can see, is one of the cleanest vintage Martins we’ve ever had, and one of the better sounding 70’s Martin 000’s as well. This guitar is a case queen only visually though, as it’s been loved and played since it was bought originally, with the owner keeping it without tension in the case, leading to a much better neck angle than these normally have.

Sitka top, gorgeous striped mahogany back and sides, and only one foible, a previously drilled hole on the side for a strap button. Indian rosewood bridge, fretboard, and headstock overlay. Great condition, just a few tiny dings here and there. The finish is in great shape.

Original 70’s blue Martin hard shell.