Introduction
Martin Guitars has built some of the most iconic and beloved acoustic guitars over the company’s nearly 200-year history. From legends like Eric Clapton to modern stars like Ed Sheeran, Martin’s reputation for impeccable craftsmanship and tone is unmatched. Among their many models, the 0-18 acoustic guitar stands out as a small-bodied classic. With its balanced sound, easy playability from the short scale neck, and vintage-inspired aesthetics, the 0-18 offers an exceptional experience for fingerstyle players and recording artists.
Though not as boomy as a dreadnought, the 0-18 produces a focused, nuanced tone perfect for blues, folk, and other mellow genres. The all-mahogany construction provides warmth and resonance, while the spruce top lends crispness and clarity to each note. Whether you’re a lifelong Martin fan or new to their guitars, the 0-18 exemplifies everything that makes Martin acoustics so special. Its rich history and musical voice continue to inspire players nearly a century after its introduction.
The History of the Martin 0-18
The 0-18 model can trace its origins back to Martin’s early 20th century small-bodied guitars. First introduced in 1902 as the 2-18 model, it had a smaller 0-size body than Martin’s larger guitars of the time. This compact body produced a focused, articulate tone.
Over the next few decades, the 0-18 design evolved with changes like switching from 12-fret to 14-fret necks in the 1930s. By the late 1930s it was known as the 0-18 model. Pre-war 0-18s from the 1930s and earlier are now highly coveted for their tone and craftsmanship.
After World War II, Martin resumed 0-18 production but with some modifications from the earlier pre-war guitars. Modern 0-18s tend to use alternative tonewoods to rosewood for the back and sides. Scalloped bracing patterns also changed compared to vintage models.
Still, the 0-18 maintained its reputation over the decades as an excellent fingerstyle guitar. Both vintage and modern 0-18 models are prized for their balanced tone, playability and compact size. From early blues players to modern folk and indie artists, the 0-18 has been a small-bodied acoustic icon.
Construction and Materials
The Martin 0-18 features premium tonewoods selected for their acoustic properties and contribution to the guitar’s overall balanced tone. The top is made from solid Sitka spruce, a lightweight and responsive wood prized for its strength and clarity. Sitka spruce emphasizes the midrange frequencies, resulting in crisp articulation and note separation.
The back and sides are solid mahogany, which imparts a pleasing warmth and richness to the 0-18’s voice. Mahogany adds depth and fullness to each note, complementing the articulate highs of the spruce top. Its beauty is also evident in the guitar’s timeless appearance.
Inside, scalloped X-bracing provides structural support while allowing the top to vibrate freely. This specialized bracing pattern maximizes resonance and sustain. The thin braces aid in projection while minimizing dampening of the top’s natural vibrations.
The ebony used for the fingerboard and bridge is dense and rigid for excellent intonation and sustain. Its hardness also provides a smooth feel during fingering and picking. Ebony’s deep black color contrasts beautifully with the lighter spruce top for a timeless aesthetic.
From the selection of tonewoods to the scalloped bracing, the 0-18’s construction exemplifies Martin’s meticulous craftsmanship and acoustic engineering. Each element contributes to the balanced and responsive tone that makes this small guitar sing.
Sound and Playability
The Martin 0-18 produces a balanced, warm tone with pleasing high end sparkle and articulate mids. The mahogany back and sides provide a rounded low end, while the Sitka spruce top delivers crisp treble notes. There’s a dynamic responsiveness across the tonal spectrum, allowing the 0-18 to easily shift from gentle fingerpicking to more aggressive strumming.
The short 24.9" scale length contributes to the 0-18’s ease of playability. The compact neck width and low action facilitate comfortable fretting and chord changes. The ebony fingerboard is smooth and fast. These attributes make the 0-18 a remarkably playable guitar for fingerstylists who need to navigate up and down the neck with speed and precision.
Yet despite its diminutive size, the 0-18 projects with volume and authority. Players can dig in confidently when strumming, knowing the 0-18 will respond with ample punch and presence. The balanced tone remains clear even during aggressive flatpicking. For recording applications, the 0-18 has excellent feedback rejection so it can be played loud in the studio. The focused midrange cuts through a mix while the warm lows fill out the sonic landscape.
Overall, the 0-18’s versatile tonal palette and easy playability make it a top choice for fingerstyle guitarists or those with a light strumming touch. It’s responsive and articulate enough for nuanced picking, yet packs enough punch for rhythmic accompaniment. The comfortable short-scale design allows for effortless fretting and chord changes during complex fingerstyle passages.
Comparisons to Other Martin Models
The 0-18 occupies an interesting spot in Martin’s line-up of small-bodied acoustics. It’s slightly larger than Martin’s 00 size guitars like the 00-18 and 00-17, giving it a bit more low-end punch and projection. Yet, it’s still compact and comfortable for fingerstyle playing.
Compared to the 00-18, the 0-18 has a slightly wider lower bout, longer scale length, and bigger sound. The mahogany back and sides provide a balanced, articulate tone across the tonal spectrum. The 00-18 uses rosewood back and sides which can sound darker and bassier.
The 0-18 differs from Martin’s 00-17 in having a Sitka spruce top rather than mahogany. This gives the 0-18 more shimmer and brightness. Mahogany tops like the 00-17 tend to have a smoother, mellower tone.
There are also variations between the Standard series 0-18 and the more premium Vintage and Authentic series models. The Vintage and Authentic 0-18s utilize higher grade tonewoods, vintage style appointments, and vintage style scalloped bracing for enhanced vintage tone and aesthetics. They also come at a significantly higher price point.
Compared to small-bodied guitars from other brands like Taylor and Guild, the 0-18 holds its own with its immaculate build quality, rich low mids, and balanced tone. It lacks some of the jumbo-like projection of Taylor’s GS Mini but makes up for it with vintage vibe. The 0-18 fits nicely between Taylor’s 100 and 200 Series small bodied models in terms of price point and quality.
Notable Martin 0-18 Players
The 0-18 has been the acoustic guitar of choice for countless acclaimed musicians across many genres. Its balanced tone and comfortable playability have made it a go-to instrument in the studio and on stage.
Folk and country artists were early adopters of the 0-18. Folk legend Woody Guthrie played a late 1930s 0-18 for many of his most famous recordings. Country stars like Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash frequently played Martin 0-18s in the 1940s and 50s.
In rock and pop, Paul McCartney of The Beatles used a mid-1960s 0-18 to record hits like "I’ve Just Seen A Face." Other classic rock stars like Neil Young and David Crosby relied on Martin 0-18s for their sweet, articulate sound.
Today, the 0-18 remains popular with roots, Americana and indie musicians. Some current artists who have played 0-18s include Jason Isbell, Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons, and Phoebe Bridgers. The 0-18 is especially well-suited to fingerstyle playing, with many contemporary fingerstyle guitarists like Tommy Emmanuel and Andy McKee using one.
The 0-18 can be heard on classic folk, country, rock and singer/songwriter recordings from the 1950s through today. Its balanced tone works well for ensemble playing and complements vocals nicely in a mix. While not booming, the 0-18 projects and records well while preserving the nuances of a player’s technique.
Buying a Martin 0-18
When it comes to buying a Martin 0-18, you have a few options to consider. Let’s take a look at what’s currently available as well as factors to weigh when deciding between new, used, or vintage models.
Current 0-18 Models
Martin currently offers the 0-18 in their Standard series, which is their more affordable import line. Standard Series 0-18s feature solid Sitka spruce tops with mahogany back and sides, a mahogany neck, and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. The materials and construction differ somewhat from the US-made Vintage and Authentic series 0-18s, but they capture the spirit of the classic design at a more accessible price point. Expect to pay around $2,000 – $2,500 for a new Standard 0-18.
For those seeking a US-made 0-18, Martin offers the Vintage series 0-18 which starts around $3,500. It features premium materials and vintage appointments like open gear tuners and a 1930s style script logo. At the very top end, Martin’s Authentic series 0-18 replicates the pre-war build and materials as closely as possible for the ultimate historically accurate 0-18 experience. These hand-made beauties can cost $5,000 and up.
Martin also occasionally releases special limited edition 0-18 models celebrating important anniversaries or other events. These are built in small numbers and quickly become collectors’ items, commanding higher prices on the secondary market.
Used and Vintage 0-18 Pricing
Pricing for used and vintage 0-18s varies widely depending on the age, condition, and provenance of the instrument. Generally speaking, pre-WWII examples from the 1930s and earlier are the most coveted and valuable, often selling for $10,000 and up.
For players seeking vintage tone and vibe without the extreme cost, excellent examples can be found from the 1950s-1970s priced between $2,000-$4,000. Condition is paramount though, as repairing structural issues like cracks or warped necks can be costly.
More recent used 0-18s from the 80s-2000s can be found for $1,000-$2,000 but make sure to closely inspect them before purchasing.
Inspecting a Used 0-18
When evaluating a used 0-18, you’ll want to thoroughly inspect:
- The neck – check for warping or twisting
- The bridge and saddle – look for splits or cracks
- The bracing – tap the top and listen for buzzing
- The frets – excessive wear will require a re-fret
- The neck joint – should be tight with no gaps
- The finish – check for chips, cracks, or signs of abuse
Issues like minor dings or finish checking are expected on vintage models. But anything that affects playability or structure should be factored into the price. Be sure to look up the serial number to verify the year as well.
Recommended Accessories
To keep your 0-18 protected and playing its best, be sure to invest in a high-quality hardshell case and a humidifier. A guitar humidifier will maintain the optimal 45-55% relative humidity range inside the case. This prevents the wood from drying out and minimizes the chances of cracks developing. A strap can also come in handy for standing while playing.
For tone and flexibility, try different gauge acoustic sets from Martin, D’Addario, or Ernie Ball on the 0-18 to see what you prefer. And a small diaphragm condenser mic is ideal for amplifying the 0-18’s balanced tone in live settings. With the right accessories and proper care, your 0-18 will deliver many years of musical enjoyment.
Video Demo
Check out this high quality YouTube review showing off the Martin 0-18’s rich tone, easy playability, and exceptional construction:
Martin 0-18 Guitar Review – YouTube
In this 12 minute video, the presenter provides an in-depth look at a brand new Martin 0-18 Standard model. He starts off demonstrating fingerstyle playing to highlight the 0-18’s balanced and articulate tone. You can really hear the crisp treble and warm low mids the 0-18 is known for.
Around the 5 minute mark, he also shows some light strumming to display the dynamic range of the guitar. Despite its smaller body size, the 0-18 projects well and responds nicely to strumming intensity.
The video provides lots of close up shots and commentary on the materials and build quality. You get a good look at the solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, ebony fingerboard, and other premium appointments. The attention to detail and craftsmanship Martin is renowned for is on full display.
Overall this is an excellent video for potential 0-18 buyers to get a sense of how it looks, sounds, and plays. It captures the warm, balanced tone, easy playability, and vintage vibe that make the 0-18 such a versatile and beloved instrument.
Ideal For
The 0-18 is a great option for fingerstyle guitarists and those who prefer light strumming. Its balanced tone, warm low end, and crisp treble make it ideal for genres like folk, blues, and singer/songwriter music. Many notable artists in these genres have favored the 0-18 over the years.
The compact body size also makes the 0-18 a great choice for travel and portability. Its vintage-inspired looks and collectable nature appeal to guitarists who appreciate finely crafted instruments, especially those made with premium tonewoods like spruce and mahogany. The 0-18 holds tuning reliably, making it a workhorse guitar for the stage or studio.
For players seeking an extremely comfortable and playable instrument, the 0-18’s short 24.9" scale length allows for easy fretting and reduced string tension. This gives it a “slinky” feel, reducing fatigue during long practice or gigging sessions. The 0-18’s smaller body size results in less boominess compared to a dreadnought, allowing for more clarity in a live mix.
The 0-18 has an understated cool factor, without the bling and ornamentation of many modern acoustic guitars. For guitarists who want a vintage vibe, rich history, and iconic instrument, the 0-18 is a prime choice. Its collectability and potential to appreciate in value over time also appeals to guitar investors and collectors.
Conclusion
The Martin 0-18 has earned its place as one of the most beloved small-bodied acoustic guitars thanks to its rich history, exquisite craftsmanship, and balanced warm tone. This detailed review has shown why the 0-18 continues to endure as a classic guitar after over a century.
To summarize, the 0-18 delivers a balanced and articulate tone, with a pleasant warmth in the mids and lows that complements fingerstyle playing beautifully. The comfortable short-scale neck and small body size also make it an extremely playable instrument. While the 0-18 commands a premium price, its all-solid tonewoods and quality build justify the investment for serious players.
The 0-18 is best suited for fingerpickers and folk/blues musicians who require a responsive, nuanced small-bodied guitar. The crisp trebles and rounded bass make it ideal for varied playing techniques. Singer-songwriters will appreciate how the 0-18 projects without dominating the vocal range. Whether recording in the studio or performing live, the 0-18 handles beautifully.
For over 100 years, the 0-18 has been a staple acoustic for countless artists. This timeless guitar continues to win over players with its impeccable craftsmanship and versatile sound. Though small in size, the 0-18 has earned an enormous reputation as a true classic that belongs in every guitarist’s dream collection.