C.F. Martin D-18 (2025)
C.F. Martin D-18 (2025)
- Aarhus : Out of stock
- Copenhagen : In stock
Stock status is updated every 5 minutes
Mahogany gives the D-18 a focused tone with a strong midrange, where every note stands out clearly. The D-18 has had that sound since 1931, and with the 2025 Golden Era bracing, the top responds to even the lightest touch.
- Scalloped, forward-shifted X-bracing in a Golden Era profile
- New neck and thinner fingerboard that make it easier to play
- Supplied in a Martin hard case
Free delivery to parcel shops in Denmark over DKK 2,000Free pick-up in Aarhus or Copenhagen
Delivery to a parcel shop in Denmark costs DKK 49 and is free when your cart totals DKK 2,000 or more incl. VAT. Home delivery in Denmark costs DKK 89. Pick-up in Aarhus or Copenhagen is free. Shipping prices and delivery options for your country are shown at checkout.
For pick-up, please wait for our email saying your order is ready. If the item is in the other shop or at our main warehouse, it can take up to 4 working days.
Delivery and pick-upChecked and adjusted before shippingSo it is ready to play when it arrives.
We check and adjust the instrument before we send it to you.
Free check-up after 3–6 monthsDrop by in Aarhus or Copenhagen, no appointment needed
Free check-up of your instrument after 3–6 months. Just drop by in Aarhus or Copenhagen, no appointment needed. New strings are not included.
14-day right of withdrawalFrom the day you receive the item
You can let us know online and return the item in one of our shops or send it back. You pay the return shipping. Items made or adjusted to your specification may be excluded.
Withdrawal termsDescription
Mahogany or rosewood
The D-18 and D-28 have the same body shape, bracing, and neck profile. The main difference is the wood used for the sides and back. The D-18 has mahogany, while the D-28 has East Indian rosewood. Mahogany produces a drier tone with slightly fewer overtones than rosewood. It can sound more precise and less overwhelming, which is why many choose the D-18 for accompanying vocals.
“The guitar offers a rich spectrum of overtones without becoming muddy …”
Teja Gerken, Peghead Nation, May 7, 2025 (review)
The 2025 Update
The D-18 already featured scalloped, forward-shifted X-bracing. In 2025, it received Golden Era bracing, inspired by the pre-war guitars Martin built before World War II. The scalloping makes the top less stiff and allows it to begin vibrating with even a light touch. This results in longer sustain and a sound that approaches that of a vintage Martin.
The neck received a new profile, the Golden Era Modified Low Oval, and the fretboard was thinned with slightly eased edges. The nut now has rounded corners, the heel is slimmer, and the nut slots are now ebony instead of plastic.
Elvis's D-18
In January 1955, Elvis traded his 000-18 for a 1942 D-18. He used it on stage and as a rhythm guitar on the Sun recordings until he switched to a D-28 in the summer of 1955. The guitar is now on loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Since 1931
The first guitars stamped D-18 appeared in 1931, the same year Martin began selling the dreadnought under its own name. In 1934, the D-18 and D-28 were given the 14 open frets they have today.
Questions and Answers
What is the difference between the D-18 and D-28?
The D-18 has mahogany sides and back, while the D-28 has East Indian rosewood. The D-18 features black binding, an Old Style 18 rosette, and Old Style 18 abalone inlays. The D-28 has white binding, a Style 28 rosette, and mother-of-pearl inlays. The bracing, neck, fretboard, nut, and dimensions are the same.
What is new in the 2025 D-18?
Golden Era profile on the scalloped, forward-shifted X-bracing, new neck profile, thinner fretboard with eased edges, nut with rounded corners, slimmer heel, and ebony nut slots. The scalloping and forward-shifted X-bracing are retained from the previous version.
Is the top Sitka?
It may be. Martin only specifies spruce for the Standard Series, and the top is either Sitka or Lutz spruce. Both are solid spruce.
Does it come with a case or gig bag?
Yes, Martin's hard case is included.
Specifications
| Body | Dreadnought, 14 open frets |
| Top | Solid spruce, gloss finish, Aging Toner |
| Sides and back | Solid mahogany, gloss finish, Dark Mahogany |
| Bracing | Forward-shifted X, Golden Era scalloped, 5/16" |
| Neck | Select hardwood, Golden Era Modified Low Oval, High-Performance Taper, satin |
| Fretboard | Ebony, 20 frets, Old Style 18 abalone inlays, Plek-treated |
| Scale length | 645 mm (25.4") |
| Nut width | 44.5 mm (1 3/4") |
| Nut | Ebony, Golden Era Modern Belly, compensated nut insert in the heel, ebony nut slots |
| Binding and rosette | Black binding, Old Style 18 Multi-Stripe rosette |
| Tuners | Nickel, open |
| Strings | Martin Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0, phosphor bronze, medium |
| Case | Martin's hard case is included |
Specifications
| All Solid | Yes |
|---|---|
| Body Size | Dreadnought |
| Top Wood | Spruce |
| Back & Sides Wood | Mahogany |
| Construction | Dovetail |
| Bracing | Golden Era Forward Shifted X-bracing |
| Bracing | Scalloped |
| Finish | High gloss |
| Colour | Natural |
| Neck material | Select hardwood |
| Neck profile | Golden Era Modified Low Oval - High-Performance Taper |
| Cutaway | No |
| Electronics | No |
| Radius | 16" |
| Fingerboard material | Ebony |
| PLEK processed | Yes |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Scale length | 25.4" (645mm) |
| Nut width | 1.75" (44.45mm) |
| Nut material | Bone |
| Saddle material | Bone, compensated |
| Bridge material | Ebony |
| Tuners | Nickel Open-Geared with Butterbean Knobs |
| Strings | CF Martin MA550T Authentic Acoustic Lifespan® 2.0 Medium (.013 – .056) 92/8 Phosphor Bronze |
| Case/gig bag | Hardshell Case |
Questions and answers
Questions about this product?
Write or call us – we are happy to answer and help you choose.
About C.F. Martin & Co.
C.F. Martin & Co. is one of the most respected makers of acoustic guitars. Since 1833, Martin has shaped the development of the steel-string acoustic guitar, and for many guitarists around the world a Martin is the one to own.
Akustikken has been the Danish importer and distributor of C.F. Martin & Co. since 1984.