1961 Martin 5-18 Guitar

(Serial No. 179794) Excellent condition. This is the guitar model made famous by Marty Robbins and Dolly Parton. The "5" designates this acoustic's unique size, which is the smallest guitar in the Martin catalog. The 5-18 is actually considered a "Terz" guitar, a German tradition of guitars tuned a minor third higher. It has a 16 inch body length with a 21 1/2 inch scale and a 1 5/8 inch nut. The lower bout is 11 1/4 inch and the upper bout is 8 1/4 inch. Its just a bit larger than a baritone uke! The top is Sitka spruce with some bearclaw, back and sides are mahogany, and the fretboard and bridge are Brazilian rosewood. Binding is tortoise plastic. It has the usual nicks and dings of a guitar used to make music for over 50 years. All hardware and finish is original. No repairs noted. It is deceptively loud and balanced with great tone. The frets have a few minor grooves but it is far from needing a fret job. Neck set is fine and the guitar has a nice low action. Comes with a SKB molded case that fits perfectly.

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