WORKING CONDITION: Very Good - This guitar plays beautifully and is as rich and personal as one would expect from a pre-war Martin imbued with decades of heartfelt performances. The action is quite nice on the guitar and the neck or bridge does not require any attention. The tuners operate well and the guitar is performance or recording-ready!

PHYSICAL CONDITION: Very Good - General wear in the usual spots typical of a guitar this age but no issues to mention. The top, back and sides are free of any cracks or warps. Strum marks can be seen on and around the pickguard and upper bout of the guitar. The guitar recently had an internal brace re-glued by Eric's guitars here in Los Angeles. No major work was done to the guitar and under a black light, she looks very clean. 

This guitar is a rare opportunity to get a pre-war Martin with such a tight history. Not many owners, in excellent condition with little work done to it. 

Additional blacklight and internal photos are available upon request. 

INVENTORY #55757

BRAND: Martin 

MODEL: 0-18

FUNCTION: Acoustic Guitar 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a 1939 Martin 0-18 Natural Acoustic Guitar w/ Superior Hardshell Case. 

Besides being of the "Golden Era" of Pre-war Martins, this guitar has special provenance as it comes directly out of the family collection of the late country artist Shirley Bates (1936-2022). Shirley was signed to Fabor records in the 1950's and was a feature performer in the "Foreman Phillips County Barn Dance" radio show and was known as "The Sweetheart of the County Barn Dance."

The Foreman Phillips County Barn Dance moved from just being a radio show to being a live television broadcast. During that time, Shirley met and performed with many of the major stars of that era including Ray Price and Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

This guitar was part of those shows, numerous recordings, and decades of performing with her family band "Shirley Bates and The Country People".

SPECS:

• Serial #71919
• Year: 1939
• Original Nitrocellulose Lacquer
• Finish/Color: Natural 
• Top: Red Spruce
• Weight: 3.40 lbs
• Nut Width: 1.75"/ 1 3/4
• Action at 12th Fret: 2.5
• Scale Length: 24.78"
• Fretboard: Rosewood 
• Back and Sides: Mahogany
• Frets: 20
• General Neck Shape: Medium V 
• Other: Grover Tuning Pegs 

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 

• Non-Original Superior Hardshell Case 
• Original bridge pins

UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 13.35 lbs.

UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 42.5" x 6" x 17.75"