2014 Martin Custom Shop 00-18V Cutaway Maple Guitar

Overview: For a modern Martin, this is a strange, lovely guitar that's built to a very high spec. It's much in line with the Custom Shop 00-18V "Birdseye" models that pop-up from the same time here and there on the internet but it's a rarer variant with a Schoenberg-esque cutaway shape as well. The owner bought this brand-new from Music Emporium and then... it sat unused... as in the meantime he's moved into much different music of late (played on tenor banjos and mandolins and whatnot). His loss!

This box suits both flatpickers and fingerpickers and the maple gives it a healthy balance and fast response and clarity that's exciting if you're used to a normal 00-style palette on a Martin. I wouldn't say it's like a maple-backed L-00 because it has much more of that sculpted, sweetened-upper-mids, Martin sound -- but it's different. This one handles more like a spiffy, boutique guitar -- a high-end Collings or the like. The notes leap right out and it's more bell-like, clean, and round than it is woody and "straight-up."

It's also, you know, real pretty. The rosewood binding, herringbone top trim, torch-like headstock inlay, and austere, unmarked fretboard all give it a super-refined look. An ebony nut and Graphtech saddle add to that classiness. The two-piece (with center stripe) maple neck is also striking and it's fit with fancy, Waverly tuners to boot. That's all without mentioning the drop-dead-gorgeous birdseye maple used throughout the back and sides... and the classic, rectangular bridge... so much to like!

Repairs included: I just gave it a quick saddle adjustment and setup. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 4 lbs 0 oz
• Scale length: 24 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/4"
• Neck shape: medium C/oval
• Board radius: 16"
• Depth at first fret: 0.85"
• Depth at seventh fret: 0.89"
• Body width: 14 1/4"
• Body depth: 4"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid birdseye maple
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: modern medium/slightly narrower

Condition notes: It's essentially new. There's only the very lightest use in evidence. It could easily be mistaken for a new guitar, pulled right off the racks in a shop. 

It comes with: It has its original hard case.

Consignor tag: TSTW