This vintage 1937 00-18H from Martin Guitars, is a great sounding 12-fret, slot headstock build. The 'H' in the model designation indicates the guitar began its life as a Hawaiian-style guitar, with a straight saddle, designed to be played with a slide. Like so many of these pre-war Hawaiian-style Martins, this 00-18H has been converted to "Spanish-style," which in this context is what we think of today as a modern steel-string guitar. As part of that conversion the bridge has been replaced, along with the bridge plate, which was properly done and tucked under the X-brace. There is a back seam repair, which is stable, along with minor finish touch up located at the repair.
These Hawaiian conversions have a unique sound all their own, and this one is firing on all cylinders, with a quick string response and big tone for a small body guitar. Great for playing fingerstyle or with a flatpick, there's a surprising amount of headroom in this 00. Here with bar frets that feel great, there is moderate fretwear and the expected playwear throughout, along with finish fogging around the neck joint. Includes both the original chipboard case along with a modern TKL 000/OM case (see photos). Please call for in hand description. .
