Martin 000-18 Premium VTS Sitka & Pommele Sapele

During my last visit to the Martin Factory in early April, I was able to select this exclusive Martin 000-18 Custom Shop! Equipped with premium-grade woods, it sounds as fantastic as it looks. Premium VTS Sitka spruce is used for the top. This is the highest quality combined with the Vintage Tone System, in which the wood is heat-treated and undergoes an artificial aging process. The result is a warm sound, easier response, and a more "calm" material. A clear indication of the top's high quality is the crossgrain, also known as the "mirror." The back and sides are made of premium pommele (or quilted) sapele. This wood has a beautiful grain and is reminiscent of the special grain of "The Tree" mahogany. The rest of the instrument is kept simple to allow the excellent woods to speak for themselves.

The sound won me over from the start. Easy response, beautiful warmth, definition, and balance are attributes I value in a good 000/OM-style guitar. It also has good carrying capacity and can adapt to any playing style. Anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile premium guitar will certainly enjoy this Martin 000-18 Custom Shop!

This special instrument was hand-selected in the USA by our luthier Daniel Ott!