Martin Standard Series 00018 Natural 2015

This second hand USA made acoustic guitar is in great condition. Includes original Martin Hard case.

Note: Gloss finish - photos may show reflections from the surrounding environment

The Martin 000-18 is one of those guitars that demonstrates just how much can be achieved with a relatively simple specification. Part of Martin's legendary Standard Series, the 000-18 combines a solid spruce top with mahogany back and sides in the comfortable 000 auditorium body shape.

A 2015 example is particularly appealing on the second-hand market, offering the craftsmanship and traditional Martin character associated with the Standard Series in a guitar that has had more than a decade to develop its own played-in character.

Classic Martin Construction

The 000-18 follows the classic Style 18 formula of spruce and mahogany. The solid spruce top provides clarity, projection and responsiveness, while the mahogany back and sides contribute a warm, focused midrange.

It is a combination that has been part of Martin's history for generations. The understated decoration is also very much in keeping with the 18 Series philosophy. This is a guitar where the emphasis is on the quality of the materials, construction and sound rather than excessive ornamentation.

The 000 body is smaller and more compact than a dreadnought, making it particularly comfortable for seated playing and fingerstyle work.

The 000 Body Shape

The 000 is arguably one of Martin's most versatile body shapes.

It has enough body to produce a surprisingly full sound, but is considerably more manageable than a dreadnought. The shorter 24.9-inch scale also contributes to a comfortable playing feel and slightly softer string tension.

Martin describes the 000-18 as an auditorium-sized guitar with a balanced voice, designed to work equally well for fingerstyle and full chords. 

For singer-songwriters, fingerstyle players and anyone who spends long periods playing acoustically, there is a lot to recommend about this format.

A Beautifully Balanced Tone

The sound of a 000-18 is all about balance.

The spruce top provides a clear and articulate treble response, while the mahogany body gives the guitar a strong, punchy midrange. The bass is present without overwhelming the rest of the instrument.

This makes the 000-18 particularly effective for fingerpicking. Individual notes remain clear and well separated, while chords have enough warmth and body to sound satisfying.

Strumming also works extremely well. The guitar may not have the sheer low-end power of a D-18, but its more controlled response can actually be an advantage when playing with vocals or other instruments.

Excellent for Fingerstyle

If fingerstyle is your main interest, the 000-18 is particularly difficult to fault.

The comfortable body size, shorter scale and balanced tonal response make it easy to explore intricate picking patterns. Notes have a clear attack without sounding overly bright, while the mahogany back and sides give the overall sound plenty of warmth.

It is equally comfortable with blues, folk, country and acoustic singer-songwriter material.

The 000 format also has a reputation for sitting particularly well in a recording mix because its tonal response is focused rather than excessively bass-heavy.

Comfortable Playability

The 2015 000-18 has a 24.9-inch scale and 14-fret neck joint, giving it a familiar and accessible playing feel. The Standard Series specification also includes a 1 3/4-inch nut, which provides useful room for fingerstyle without making the neck feel excessively wide. 

The smaller body is another major advantage. It sits comfortably against the player and doesn't have the physical bulk of a dreadnought.

This is one of those guitars that encourages you to keep playing. Whether sitting on the sofa, working through fingerstyle pieces or performing on stage, the 000-18 feels natural and unobtrusive.

The Character of a 2015 Model 

A 2015 000-18 is an interesting proposition as a used instrument.

After more than ten years, an individual guitar may have developed a degree of tonal maturity and played-in feel that makes it particularly attractive. 

The relatively restrained Style 18 appearance also tends to age very gracefully. There is nothing overly fashionable about it, which means it continues to look like a classic Martin.

A Versatile All-Rounder

One of the biggest strengths of the 000-18 is its versatility.

It can handle delicate fingerpicking one minute and enthusiastic strumming the next. It works for blues, folk, country, roots, pop and singer-songwriter material, and its balanced voice makes it equally useful at home, in the studio or on stage.

Martin's current 000-18 continues to use the fundamental spruce-and-mahogany formula, with the company describing the instrument as offering a bright treble response, punchy midrange and strong projection. That longevity says a lot about the design.

The 2015 Martin Standard Series 000-18 is a superb acoustic guitar for players who value balance, comfort and traditional Martin craftsmanship.

Its solid spruce and mahogany construction produces a beautifully focused sound, with clear trebles, a punchy midrange and enough bass to give chords plenty of depth. The 000 body is comfortable and versatile, while the 24.9-inch scale makes the guitar particularly enjoyable for fingerstyle and extended playing sessions.

It may not have the imposing appearance or enormous bass response of a Martin dreadnought, but that is precisely what makes the 000-18 so appealing. It is a more intimate and balanced instrument that excels across an enormous range of musical styles.

A beautifully made, highly versatile Martin with superb balance and a wonderfully mature acoustic voice, the 2015 000-18 is a genuine workhorse that can easily become a lifelong guitar.