Description
Martin 3-18 1870 Acoustic Guitar – We are excited to present a true rarity! This Martin 3-18 is a fine vintage instrument from the early days of the company.
C.F. Martin & Co was founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, who emigrated from Germany and built guitars inspired by his teacher, Johann Georg Stauffer. Over the years, Martin has gained a stellar reputation for its acoustic guitars and is now recognized as the leading manufacturer of flat-top guitars.
This particular Martin guitar dates back to around 1870 and it has the size and specs of a 3-18 model:
Scale length: 605 mm (24″)
Complete length: 900 mm (35.4″)
Nut width: 46 mm (1.8″)
Width:
– Upper bout: 210 mm (8.3″)
– Waist: 175 mm (6.9″)
– Lower bout: 285 mm (11.25″)
Depth of the sides:
-Upper bout: 85 mm (3.3″)
-Lower bout: 95 mm (3.75″)
The top of this Martin 3-18 1870 Acoustic Guitar features a beautifully straight-grained piece of spruce, while the back and sides are crafted from high-quality rosewood.
We have strung the guitar with silk and steel strings. The sound produced by this Martin is truly exceptional, offering an unparalleled tonal quality that is hard to find in modern instruments. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a unique sound experience. The approximately 150 years of natural aging are clearly evident, resulting in a small guitar that delivers a remarkably sweet and characterful sound.
This Martin 3-18 1870 Acoustic Guitar is in good condition considering its age. It has certainly seen its share of history but has remarkably endured through the years. A neck reset has been performed, and the action is excellent. There have been repairs all around the guitar, which are stable
The neck is straight, the frets are in good shape, and the action is comfortably low.


















