1922 C.F. Martin 2-18
Scarce little Martin. This was the first year that Martin did any steel string bracing and this was one of them. I've never owned one before and it's a little gem. 9 ply binding around the sound hole, fingerboard dots at the 5-7-9 frets and braz. rosewood bound. Slot head with a 25.4" scale......figure that out on a baby 12 fretter. But it's in lovely all original condition and even retains the original braz. rosewood saddle. Never saw that before. Sweet and thumpy woody sound this makes with some really strong bottom end. Boxy and dry with fully scalloped bracing to give it a bit more "goin's on".......just a lovely little Martin that was not made very much and is a great contribution to the early life of Martin steel stringed instruments. Just a few minor rim cracks to speak of on this cigar box.
