1934 Martin 0-18K Natural Koa 

Make: Martin

Model: 0-18K

Year: 1934

Serial: 56971

Weight: 3.6 lbs 

Case: New Martin Hardshell Case

Nut Width: 1 ⅞”

12th Fret Width: 2 39/128”

Depth at Nut:  29/32”

Depth at 12th: 1 3/128”: 

Fretboard Radius: 16”

Truss Rod Action: Non-Adjustable

Scale Length: 24.75”

Fret Size/Shape: Short height, medium width

Describe Neck Profile: Soft V

Cosmetic Condition: Guitar is in very good condition.  There are a good amount of scratches, dents, and dings throughout the guitar.  None of which are major cosmetic issues you wouldn't expect from an instrument that has been around as long as this one.  Some of the scratched areas go through the finish, all of which can be seen in our listing photos.  There are some chips on the side of the fretboard as well.

****Due to photo upload limits, we can't include every photo of the internals of this guitar that we took or all of our blacklight photos. They can be provided upon request, just send us a message! *****

SETUP & INSPECTED BY OUR LUTHIER

TECH NOTES

Playability:

The guitar plays really well with a medium to medium high action of 8/64” on the low E measured from under the string to the top of the fret and 7/64” from the bottom of the high E to the top of the high E. The relief is .008”, which is perfect to see with a non adjustable truss rod. We used 11-52 Martin Marquis strings on this guitar and it really sounds lovely with them. The neck feel smooth and comfortable up and down the board. This action is factory correct for the period. 

Authentication:

From the head of Martin guitars Archivist himself

“Serial number is a 1934. According to our records construction on it began on July 12, 1934 and it was completed on September 28, 1934. Usually all Koa models were built for Hawaiian playing but the shop order this guitar was built in were actually all Spanish models.

I couldn’t find any repair records for this guitar but I believe the neck is original. In 1934 Martin made the change to modern T-frets and a Spanish model would have a had a 16” radius fingerboard. I also believe the bridge is original, although it has been reglued. Also because this was built as a Spanish model the saddle would have been compensated not straight like Hawaiian models.” 

Modifications/Repairs:

A few things that stand out to me are the frets being in great shape which, among other reasons, indicates the neck having had a refret at some point.  Additionally, I can see the bridge has been reglued, the bridge plate has been reglued and the neck has been reset at some point for sure.  All this repair work was done by a wonderful luthier as the work is excellent. We are unsure if the tuners or saddle are original or not, but both work wonderfully.  Blacklight shows no structural repairs.