The legendary 18 series of guitars from Martin was truly genius in its simplicity - and due to their entry level nature, became the favorites of nearly every guitarist at one time or another. Useful in virtually all contexts - the 000-18 has become a favorite for many finger style players or performers looking for clarity. Warm and with the response that only happens from a well aged light weight guitar, this is a fantastic playing example. Cosmetically this darkened guitar shows expected wear, it has been well loved and cared for by its past owners, a copy of the documentation from Martin dating to 2015 going over it's past repairs - which included a new bridge, neck reset and refret. Constructed with a Red Spruce top and Mahogany back & sides, this particular one dates to 1936 indicating it's forward shifted X bracing, with scalloped tone bars. Uniquely this guitar has no popsicle stick brace - something that was developed around the early 30's. That said, the entire top is also free of cracks - which might make this specific example quite lucky. The previous bridge had been replaced with an appropriate ebony belly bridge, with glued in saddle - a small crack has formed between the bridge pins that has since been repaired. The maple bridge plate appears original and in good condition. Cosmetically the top has a fair bit of wear, mostly around the bridge that likely had repair work previous to Martin receiving it in 2015, but again as mentioned, it is free of cracks. Original pickguard is in good condition and is also free of cracks. The rosette shows typical signs of pick wear. The back had been off of this instrument at some point, with a mild separation present between the sides and the binding. Internally, one of the braces having been reglued. The finish on the back and sides shows extensive checking; the sides showing some well repaired damage namely at the treble side lower bout. Original tortoise shell binding is in tact and in very good condition. The neck on this model joins the body at the 14th fret, and is designed with a 24.9" scale length, and 1.75" nut width. The original ebony board retains the pearl dot inlays, the frets having been replaced as mentioned in the 2015 report. The neck has a wonderfully comfortable C profile that measures about .85" in depth at the first position, tapering up to about 1.07" at the tenth fret. There is a repaired crack in the ebony at the fingerboard extension. The profile is fairly clean less some finish build up at the cowboy chord zone, and some wear that appears to have been from a capo near the heel. Very nice bone nut is present, that may be original but was removed at one point or another. The neck, thanks to its fairly recent neck work is nice and straight yielding playable action that measures 6/64" in height at the twelfth fret of the sixth string and about 5/64" on the first. Original Grover open gear tuners present and function as they should. The peg head veneer shows cosmetic wear in the finish. Weighs 3.5lbs Includes a Calton case, aesthetically worn but in solid condition less a missing latch.