1954 Martin 00-18G

Martin aren't a name typically associated with nylon strung guitars, which makes the 00-18G a particularly interesting find. At first glance, it's a fairly unassuming instrument, but spend a little time with it and there's rather more to it than you might expect. Having had this particular guitar through the shop before, it's a pleasure to have it back again.

I'm not someone who naturally gravitates towards nylon strung guitars, but after spending just a couple of minutes with this 00-18G, I found myself not wanting to put it down, and ended up playing it for considerably longer than I'd care to admit to my colleagues. The neck is typical of a classical guitar, with a wide, flat profile that takes a little getting used to if you're more accustomed to steel strings. Once you settle into it, though, there's a real depth to the sound that makes it a very rewarding guitar to spend time with. The smaller 00 body is wonderfully resonant, with a harmonically rich character that has plenty of warmth and complexity without feeling lacking in presence.

Introduced in the late 1930s, the 00-18G was Martin's take on a nylon strung guitar, produced alongside the steel strung flat tops that had become the company's mainstay. The model remained in production until 1962, and combined a Sitka spruce top with mahogany back and sides, traditional Style 18 appointments and a shorter 12 fret neck join. This example has aged beautifully, with a lovely warmth to the spruce top and the understated appearance that makes these less commonly seen Martins all the more appealing.

All in all, this feels like a particularly good nylon strung guitar for someone who usually plays steel strings, especially if you already enjoy the feel and character of a vintage instrument. There's enough familiarity in the sound and overall response to make it an easy guitar to settle into, but it also encourages you to approach your playing a little differently. Give it some time and you may find yourself getting just as absorbed in it as I did.

The guitar is in very good condition, with the kind of play wear you'd expect from an instrument of this age. It remains all original and comes with its period case, which has been painted black over the years.

This guitar includes a 2 year warranty and has been given a full service by the Vintage Instrument Workshop.