Martin 00-18 Vintage Steel String Acoustic Guitar 1969 – Natural

Description

On consignment we have a one owner 1969 Martin 00-18 steel string acoustic guitar w/vintage case and original sales receipt and warranty card. This guitar is in fair but playable condition, please read the condition section carefully. This guitar was bought new by my client at Al Lucia’s Music Studio in Warren, PA as a “self gift” for graduating high school in 1969, and was her primary player for years to come, unfortunately no longer played due to health. This guitar has been lightly cleaned, and set up with low tension DR Rare .12s with a 12th fret string action (from top of fret crown to bottom of string) of about 2.6 mm (see photo). This guitar is fun to play, and although currently asleep has a warm , projecting and pleasing tone that will play back open quite well. I love a 00 as you just don’t see them every day, are super comfie and sound sweet. This guitar has nor has it ever had a pick up installed in it. Link for shipping via Reverb.com- https://reverb.com/item/82299948-martin-00-18-vintage-steel-string-acoustic-guitar-1969-natural

Condition– please read this section carefully, and feel free to ask any questions.

• Although fun to play (and loves a capo) the action on this guitar could be lower, which would require a neck re-set. My client has never had this done to this guitar. Please note that the saddle is as low as possible. This guitar does not have a truss rod, however the neck is not bowed or warped. Some finish wear on the back of the neck, but none to the wood. No ring rash or abuse.
• The nut appears to be original and is healthy. Fingerboard and dot inlays are sound and healthy. Original frets are about 85% and currently play well.
• The headstock shows some age and small dings, but no repairs. The tuners are original, work well, and have a vintage, aged patina.
• The bridge is original and is not lifting. Shows some wear but no cracks and works well with replacement pegs from way back when. No problem on the re-string. This guitar has a rosewood bridge plate. As stated above, the saddle, which appears original, is as low as it can go, you can not lower it anymore to lower the action if desired.
• Top and back binding are healthy and look great.
• The finish on this guitar definitely has that vintage look, the gloss is pretty well worn to more of a flat finish, this was no case queen. Lots of lacquer crazing. Some small scratches and dings from use, but no abuse. There is some etching going on on the guitar, perhaps from sweat, who knows. I tried to catch some of it with my camera, please expect more.
• The top, basically under the pickguard, has a small crack that was cleated and repaired well years ago. There is a small (not through the body so not cleated) crack on the base of the guitar (see photo).
• The original pickguard has shrank and is “taco’d” and will need replacement.
• The case, bought new with this guitar, is in good shape, serves this guitar well with no smells.