Introduction
Martin Guitars has a long and storied history dating back to 1833 when the company was founded by Christian Frederick Martin. Known for their iconic dreadnought and orchestra model acoustic guitars, Martin rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s as country and bluegrass music began to take hold.
One of their most popular and sought-after models from this era was the D-18 dreadnought, first introduced in 1931. By 1939, the D-18 had cemented itself as a versatile workhorse guitar and stage favorite of many prominent artists. It was known for its booming projection, warm tone, and articulate string response.
In an effort to recreate some of that vintage Martin magic, the company introduced the D-18 Authentic 1939 reissue. This limited edition model aims to precisely replicate the materials, construction methods, and tonal character of an original 1939 D-18.
Meticulous attention was paid to recreating the look, feel, and sound of this iconic pre-war dreadnought. From the woods, to the finishing process, to the appointments and accessories, no detail was overlooked. The result is a guitar that transports players back to the golden era of Martin acoustic guitars.
Construction and Specs
The D-18 Authentic 1939 features meticulously recreated construction and specifications true to the original 1939 model. Martin utilized premium tonewoods including Adirondack spruce for the top and East Indian rosewood for the back and sides. The Adirondack spruce top provides the powerful projection, headroom and rich overtones the D-18 is renowned for, while the rosewood back and sides deliver a deep, complex warmth to balance out the top end.
Martin employed traditional hide glue construction techniques to assemble the D-18 Authentic 1939, just as they did back in 1939. This allows the wood to vibrate freely, increasing resonance for superior tone. Other authentic vintage appointments include a dovetail neck joint, tortoise binding, an ebony bridge and fretboard, open-gear nickel tuners and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish. The tuners, bridge pins and other hardware have been carefully antiqued to convincingly replicate the look of an 80+ year old instrument.
The D-18 Authentic 1939 comes with a period-correct vintage-style hardshell case, an XL-09 Authentic Acoustic Lifespan 2.0 Strings set and a Certificate of Authenticity. The strings are an ideal match for vintage instruments, with a warm, balanced tone and reduced inharmonicity.
Tone and Sound
The D-18 Authentic 1939 faithfully recreates the iconic tone and playing feel of the original pre-war dreadnoughts. The guitar’s Adirondack spruce top and mahogany back and sides produce a beautifully balanced and responsive tone.
Compared to original 1939 D-18s, the Authentic has a very similar tonal profile – slightly warmer and woodier in the mids than modern D-18s. There’s a clear emphasis on the fundamentals and overtones, giving it a vintage voicing. When played fingerstyle, the notes bloom with a singing sustain. Strummed rhythm parts have a throaty punch and impressive projection suitable for stage use.
The mahogany neck has a comfortable vintage profile with a slimmer nut width compared to modern Martins. Combined with the hide glue construction, this gives the Authentic 1939 a delightfully resonant and lively feel. The guitar plays very evenly up and down the neck, with excellent intonation.
Overall the D-18 Authentic 1939 authentically captures the highly sought-after woody, organic Martin dreadnought tone in a meticulously crafted and consistent instrument. It’s ideal for players looking for the holy grail pre-war Martin sound without the hassles of buying and maintaining a 70+ year old instrument.
Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 showcases outstanding craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in recreating the specifications of the original 1939 model. Martin’s team of luthiers went to great lengths researching the construction methods, materials, and appointments used on pre-war D-18s in order to faithfully replicate them.
The D-18 Authentic 1939 features traditional hide glue construction and a dovetail neck joint, just as its vintage counterpart would have. The nitrocellulose lacquer finish is custom aged using specialized UV light techniques to simulate 80 years of playing. The body and neck are then carefully hand-distressed to recreate characteristic playwear that builds up over decades. This distressing process is done with incredible precision in order to authentically replicate the look and feel of a well-loved vintage instrument.
The aged nickel open-gear tuners are customized to match the patina of original 1930s tuners. The bone nut and saddle are cut and shaped to period-correct specifications. Every component and specification has been thoroughly researched and recreated to capture the vibe of an original 1930s Martin D-18. This meticulous attention to detail makes the D-18 Authentic 1939 a stunningly accurate recreation of the most desirable pre-war dreadnoughts.
Owning a Piece of History
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 is more than just a guitar – it’s a meticulously crafted piece of history. As one of the most iconic acoustic guitars ever made, vintage 1939 Martin D-18s are highly coveted and sought after by collectors and musicians alike.
Owning the D-18 Authentic 1939 allows players to capture the magic of this golden era Martin dreadnought in a brand new, warrantied instrument. Only a small number of these guitars are produced each year, adding to their collectibility and significance as future classics.
Unlike most modern acoustic guitars, the D-18 Authentic 1939 has the potential to become a wise investment. As an extremely limited and historically accurate reissue of one of the most famous pre-war guitars, the D-18 Authentic 1939 will likely appreciate in value over the long term. For guitar aficionados, it represents a chance to own a timeless and valuable heirloom instrument that can be passed down through generations.
The D-18 defined the dreadnought sound in the 1930s and 40s, contributing to countless iconic recordings. For discerning players and collectors seeking the holy grail of vintage Martin tone and vibe, the Authentic 1939 provides an enticing opportunity that simply can’t be matched by other guitars.
Alternatives
The D-18 Authentic 1939 occupies a rarefied space in the acoustic guitar market. While no instrument can truly replace it, there are some alternatives worth considering:
Other Martin Authentic/Golden Era Models
Martin’s Authentic and Golden Era series includes meticulous reissues of other classic pre-war models like the D-18 Authentic 1937, D-45 Authentic 1933, and D-28 Golden Era 1962. These all offer vintage appointments and an aged finish, with minor variations in materials and specs. The Authentic 1937 has mahogany back and sides like the ’39 model, while the Golden Era ’62 has rosewood. They cover different eras in Martin’s history for players seeking a specific vintage vibe.
Buying an Actual Vintage 1930s Martin
For some players, nothing but an original 1930s Martin will suffice. This means scouring the vintage market for rare, well-preserved D-18s from the late 30s. Prices start around $30,000 and can go much higher for rare examples in fine condition. This requires deep pockets, patience, and a highly trained eye to avoid fakes or guitars with condition issues. The benefits are owning an actual piece of history and the magic of a 80+ year old guitar.
Other High-End Dreadnoughts
While not truly "alternatives", other premium dreadnoughts like the Gibson Advanced Jumbo, Taylor 710e, or Santa Cruz D/PW can match the D-18 Authentic 1939 in build quality and tone. They offer modern refinements like cutaways and electronics, and most use rosewood instead of mahogany back and sides. For players who love vintage vibe but want a more contemporary high-end guitar, these warrant consideration. Of course they lack the historical mojo and collectibility of the Martin.
The D-18 Authentic 1939 has a unique place in the market – alternatives exist, but none capture its spirit quite like this reissue. For players who must have the look, feel and tone of a pre-war Martin, the ’39 Authentic is truly a singular instrument.
Pricing
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 has an MSRP of $4,999, though street prices are typically around $4,500. This represents a significant premium over Martin’s standard D-18 model, which has an MSRP of $2,629. However, the premium pricing of the Authentic 1939 is justified by the meticulous recreation of vintage specifications, materials and construction techniques.
When comparing to actual vintage 1939 Martin D-18 guitars, the pricing of the Authentic reissue starts to look quite reasonable. Original pre-war D-18s in excellent condition can easily fetch over $20,000 at vintage guitar auctions. Professional authentication, appraisals and restoration work on a real vintage D-18 can also add thousands to the cost. While the Authentic 1939 commands a premium over Martin’s production line, it provides an affordable alternative to finding and owning an actual 70+ year old Martin acoustic.
Pros and Cons
The D-18 Authentic 1939 delivers an incredibly accurate recreation of a highly desirable vintage Martin dreadnought, but there are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- Meticulous recreation of 1939 specs and construction methods using hide glue, dovetail joints etc. This results in outstanding vintage tone and responsiveness.
- Incredible attention to detail like aged hardware, nitrocellulose finish, simulated playwear. Looks and feels like an original.
- Quality Adirondack spruce and properly aged mahogany woods. Iconic acoustic guitar tone.
- Far more consistent quality and playability than actual 70+ year old vintage models.
- Comes with a warranty and can be purchased easily compared to sourcing a vintage original.
Cons
- The premium pricing means it’s not for casual players. This is an investment aimed at serious collectors and professionals.
- Lacks modern appointments like cutaway, electronics, compensated saddle etc. Focused on historical accuracy.
- Very limited production numbers, so purchasing one may be difficult.
Who It’s For
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 is perfect for certain types of discerning players who can appreciate what this guitar offers and justify its premium pricing. Specifically:
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Players wanting vintage Martin tone – The Authentic 1939 delivers the highly sought-after woody, organic dreadnought sound of pre-war Martins. From balanced warmth to crisp treble, it authentically captures the D-18’s 1930s magic.
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Collectors and vintage enthusiasts – An exceptionally crafted and meticulously spec’d tribute to a golden era Martin. The D-18 Authentic 1939 has strong collectibility and investment value thanks to its historical accuracy and limited production.
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Professionals/performers – Players who rely on their sound will appreciate the D-18 Authentic 1939’s exceptional acoustic tone and response. Whether recording in studios or playing live, this guitar will produce the vintage vibe many pros seek.
The Authentic 1939 appeals to experienced acoustic players who can discern the nuances in tonewoods, construction and feel that make vintage Martins special. It satisfies those seeking the holy grail of pre-war dreadnought tone and vibe in an impeccably crafted reissue.
Final Verdict
The Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 is truly a special guitar that deserves a place in any serious acoustic player or collector’s arsenal. It brilliantly captures the magic of pre-war Martins, with the tone, playability and mojo that vintage enthusiasts dream of.
While the premium pricing means it’s certainly not for everyone, for those who can justify the investment, it’s an instrument that will become a family heirloom to treasure and hand down through generations. The limited production numbers and meticulous vintage accuracy also give the D-18 Authentic 1939 strong collectibility and investment value that will likely only increase over time.
Overall, the D-18 Authentic 1939 earns top marks for its superb recreation of vintage specs and appointments. The tonewoods and hide glue construction result in a wonderfully rich and nuanced acoustic voice. And the neck shape, string action and playwear all combine to make this feel like a well-loved 1939 dreadnought right off the bat.
For tone I’d rate it a perfect 10/10. It possesses all the woody warmth and articulation you could want from a golden era Martin.
Playability also rates very highly at 9/10. The action is set up excellently for various styles and the neck has an inviting, broken-in feel.
Finally, for build quality and attention to detail, the D-18 Authentic 1939 deserves another perfect 10/10 score. It’s clear no expense was spared in meticulously recreating every spec in a pre-war style build.
So while the D-18 Authentic 1939 certainly demands a premium price, it delivers equally impressive performance and historically accurate detail that makes it a modern masterpiece and future collectible. This is one of those dream guitars that defines the pinnacle of Martin’s acoustic craftsmanship.