Sound Pure's Take

Condition: Used, Very Good

SP Luthier Notes: A crack present on the side of the guitar was repaired. A neck reset was performed. 

The Martin Modern Deluxe D-18 is a refined take on a classic mahogany dreadnought, blending vintage tone with modern upgrades. Its VTS-treated spruce top and Adirondack bracing deliver strong headroom, clarity, and a quick, responsive feel, while the mahogany body adds warmth and a focused, woody character. The tone is balanced and articulate with plenty of projection, making it well-suited for both strumming and picking. The neck feels smooth and comfortable, and the overall build has a polished, high-end feel. Clear, dynamic, and versatile, this D-18 offers a modern take on a timeless sound.

From Martin and Co.

The D-18 Modern Deluxe reimagines a Martin icon with cutting-edge craftsmanship. A spruce VINTAGE TONE SYSTEM® (VTS) top and Golden Era–style Adirondack spruce X-bracing recreate the power and balance of a nearly century-old Martin. Natural protein glue and a lightweight carbon-fiber bridge plate add resonance and sustain, while exclusive Liquidmetal® bridge pins enhance projection by up to 3 decibels. EVO gold frets and a slightly asymmetrical neck ensure smooth, precise play, and East Indian rosewood binding around the body, Waverly gold open-gear tuners, and a 1933-style pearl logo lend understated elegance. The iconic Dreadnought body shape offers bold lows, articulate highs, and exceptional headroom—a faithful tribute to the past with a distinctly modern edge and refined sonic authority.

Top Material
Spruce with VTS
Finish Top
Gloss
Top Color
Clear
Top Inlay Material
Multi-Stripe
Top Detail
None
Binding
East Indian Rosewood
Bridge Material
Ebony
Bridge Style
Modern Belly - Drop in Saddle
Bridge String Spacing
2 5/32"
Bridge Pin Material
Liquidmetal®
Bridge Pin Dots
Red Acrylic
Pickguard
Tortoise Pattern
Pickguard Inlay
None
Rosette
Old Style 18 Multi-Stripe
Saddle
Compensated Bone
Saddle Radius
16"
Body Size
D-14 Fret
Construction
Dovetail Neck Joint
Back Material
Genuine Mahogany
Side Material
Genuine Mahogany
Back and Side Finish
Gloss
Back and Sides Color
Dark Mahogany
Back Detail
None
Side Detail
None
Back Purfling/Strip
Style 18
Back Inlay Material
None
Side Inlay Material
None
Bracing Pattern
Forward-Shifted X-Brace
Brace Shape
GE-Scalloped
Brace Material
Adirondack Spruce with VTS
Brace Size
5/16"
Heelcap
East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece
East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece Inlay
None
Neck Shape
Vintage Deluxe
Neck Taper
High-Performance Taper
Neck Material
Genuine Mahogany
Neck Color
Dark Mahogany
Finish Neck
Satin
Scale Length
25.4"
Number of Frets Total
20
Neck Joins Body At
14th Fret
Fingerboard Material
Ebony
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret
2 1/8''
Fingerboard Width at Nut
1 3/4''
Fingerboard Inlay Style
Old Style 18
Fingerboard Inlay Material
Abalone
Fingerboard Binding Material
None
Side Dots
Abalone
Headstock Shape
Solid with Square Taper
Headplate Material
East Indian Rosewood
Headplate Logo Style
Stylized Script Inlay
Headplate Binding Material
None
Headplate Detail
None
Tuning Machines
Gold Open Gear
Knob
Butterbean
Nut Material
Bone
Electronics
Yes
Electronics Options
Fishman Aura VT Blend
Case
Hardshell
Weight
4lbs 1oz

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

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Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

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