WORKING CONDITION: Very Good - Nice action and plays with ease in the first position, although it takes some getting used to due to the close spacing. It has a really nice tight and clean tone and is an excellent instrument that needs no servicing, adjustments or re-sets.

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. Blacklight reveals no major work was done to the guitar with only the usual finish wear in the expected areas.

Non-original bridge pins and maybe non-original bridge. Vintage Martin experts feel free to chime in and we'll be glad to revise the listing. Otherwise a stellar example of a loved and played instrument that has benefitted from being imbued with the heart and soul of a talented classic country performer. 

Additional blacklight and internal photos are available upon request.  

INVENTORY #55756

BRAND: Martin 

MODEL: 5-18

FUNCTION: Acoustic Guitar 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: This listing is for a 1959 Martin 5-18 Acoustic Guitar  

The smallest guitar in the Martin catalog and originally sold as part of the Germanic tradition of “terz” guitars, designed to be tuned to a minor third – three frets higher than standard pitch and suitable for solo performances and harmony work. Many players viewed size 5 guitars as "junior" instruments but the style 5-18 was popularized by Marty Robbins, who used it extensively onstage.

This particular 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 #167187
• Finish/Color: Natural 
• Weight: 2.55 lbs
• Nut Width: 1 5/8" (41mm)
• Scale length is 21 3/8 in. (543 mm.)
• Fretboard: Rosewood 
• Frets: 18
• Action at 3rd Fret: 1.25 and 12th Fret 3.0
• General Neck Shape: Soft V 
  
• Other: Grover Tuning Pegs

ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: 

• Non-Original SKB Hardshell Guitar Case 
• Humidifier 

UNPACKAGED WEIGHT: 9.60 lbs.

UNPACKAGED DIMENSIONS: 37" x 7" x 15.25"