Martin C-1 1950

This model of R18 with the serial 68837 was produced in late 1937 giving it the desirable carved spruce top during the later half of that production year. Beyond the expected checks and player wear, the guitar itself is in excellent playing condition with minimal fret wear, a great setup, and no large cracks or damage in the body. The tuners have been re-drilled in the headstock and the originals were replaced with Grover tuners, there was also an excellent neck reset done at some point which explains the great playability for a pre-war era instrument. Offering free & fast shipping.

The F-hole R-18 by C. F. Martin & Co. is a lesser-known guitar that aimed to compete with Gibson and Epiphone during the swing-era archtop market. Introduced in 1933, the R-series were budget archtop guitars that incorporated elements of both flat-top and arch-top styles. While modern opinions tend to favor flat-top guitars, during the depression, the R-18 was quite popular with 304 models sold in just 1935.

Martin's unique approach to designing their archtop line sets them apart from other brands, such as Epiphone, who often directly copied Gibson. Instead, they created a hybrid instrument by combining their flat-top forms with a pitched 14-fret neck and a gentle carved arch on the top with segmented F-holes. Other companies, like Washburn, Vega, and Weymann, followed suit and released similar guitars around the same time. Initially, the R-18 featured a round soundhole, but it was soon updated with the addition of F-holes in late 1933.

The R-18, manufactured during the years 1934-1936, was among Martin's lower-end arch top guitars, just below the R-17 with a similar mahogany top. Priced at $55 in July 1935, it was $5 more expensive than a Gibson L-50. This model features distinctive Martin characteristics such as a dark sunburst finished spruce top, flat-backed mahogany body, and typical Style 18 trim. While the earlier R-18's had solid spruce tops pressed into shape over braces, the top was later altered to a carved pattern during the model's decline in 1937. 

The craftsmanship of all prewar Martins, regardless of price, is exceptional and the quality of the wood is top-notch. The neck has a rounded profile with a subtle "V" shape, while the unbound rosewood fingerboard features a delicate slotted diamond inlay. The tailpiece is a heavy Grover piece with an engraved Martin logo and the adjustable bridge is a beautifully carved two-piece unit that can be considered a work of art itself. The sound is bright and punchy, with a focused tone that is slightly thinner than that of a typical mid-1930's Gibson. The feel is a cross between an archtop and a flat top guitar, with a smaller body that is comfortable for players used to Martin guitars.

Specifications:

Condition: Very Good

Brand: Martin

Model: R18

Finish: Natural

Categories: Archtop

Year: 1937

Series: Martin Pre-War Era

Top Material: Carved Spruce

String Type: Steel

Right/Left Handed: Right 

Number of Strings: 6 String

Neck Material: Mahogany

Back Material: Mahogany

Sides Material: Mahogany

Body Shape: R18

Fretboard Material: Rosewood

Number of Frets: 20