C. F. Martin 5-18 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1952)
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Item # 8507
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C. F. Martin 5-18 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1952), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 123182, natural lacquer finish, mahogany body and neck, spruce top; Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge, original black chipboard case.
The model 5-18 is Martin's entry into the all-time cutest guitar sweepstakes. Despite its diminutive size, the 5-18 is a very playable and good-sounding instrument, with a bigger sound than one might expect. The "modern" (20th century) 5-18 is based on Martin's 19th century terz guitar patterns, with an 11" body and very short scale at just over 21". With appeal beyond its obvious suitability for young students, the 5-18 was steadily produced -- albeit in small numbers -- for much of the 20th century. The guitar was a solid seller through the 1950s, averaging well over 100 units per year until 1959 -- 151 left the factory in 1952.
With a sparkling sound and unmatched portability, this littlest Martin remains a well-regarded instrument today for travel, recording, and even live use. Dolly Parton is a longtime fan, and has been seen with the 5-18 over the years. Marty Robbins was particularly fond of this model in the late 1950s and was often seen with one, sometimes strumming and sometimes paddling up an imaginary stream! This is one of the nicer 5-18s we have had, and makes for a delightful package of sight and sound.
Overall length is 33 in. (83.8 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 21 1/4 in. (540 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This guitar shows some general wear but remains all original with no major finish loss or damage. There are light pick scratches to the top on both sides of the sound hole and some worn-away areas down to the wood on its lower rim. There is a sealed grain crack to the top on the upper edge of the celluloid pickguard in the standard spot. The bridge looks to have been lowered a bit but still has decent height, and this is a good-playing and sounding example of this diminutive gem, complete in the worn but functional original chipboard case. Overall Excellent Condition.
The model 5-18 is Martin's entry into the all-time cutest guitar sweepstakes. Despite its diminutive size, the 5-18 is a very playable and good-sounding instrument, with a bigger sound than one might expect. The "modern" (20th century) 5-18 is based on Martin's 19th century terz guitar patterns, with an 11" body and very short scale at just over 21". With appeal beyond its obvious suitability for young students, the 5-18 was steadily produced -- albeit in small numbers -- for much of the 20th century. The guitar was a solid seller through the 1950s, averaging well over 100 units per year until 1959 -- 151 left the factory in 1952.
With a sparkling sound and unmatched portability, this littlest Martin remains a well-regarded instrument today for travel, recording, and even live use. Dolly Parton is a longtime fan, and has been seen with the 5-18 over the years. Marty Robbins was particularly fond of this model in the late 1950s and was often seen with one, sometimes strumming and sometimes paddling up an imaginary stream! This is one of the nicer 5-18s we have had, and makes for a delightful package of sight and sound.
Overall length is 33 in. (83.8 cm.), 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 21 1/4 in. (540 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This guitar shows some general wear but remains all original with no major finish loss or damage. There are light pick scratches to the top on both sides of the sound hole and some worn-away areas down to the wood on its lower rim. There is a sealed grain crack to the top on the upper edge of the celluloid pickguard in the standard spot. The bridge looks to have been lowered a bit but still has decent height, and this is a good-playing and sounding example of this diminutive gem, complete in the worn but functional original chipboard case. Overall Excellent Condition.