C.F. Martin & Co D-18-L Modern Deluxe Lh
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Manufacturer Information
Martin Guitar
https://www.martinguitar.com
customerservice@martinguitar.com
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A revisited D-18: the Martin spirit with a "Modern Deluxe" touch
The D-18 is one of the major landmarks of the folk guitar in dreadnought format. This Modern Deluxe version retains the beloved sonic DNA of the D-18 (clarity, dynamics, power), while emphasizing a wood selection and finish oriented towards a more premium feel. In the D-18-L version, it maintains this identity while fully catering to left-handed players.
For whom, and for which styles?
With its dreadnought format and steel strings, the Martin D-18-L Modern Deluxe Left-Handed targets intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking an expressive acoustic capable of handling both energetic pick playing and nuanced fingerstyle. It excels in folk, country, bluegrass, and chanson, and remains very convincing whenever a solid rhythm, broad accompaniment, or well-defined arpeggios are needed.
The sound
The combination of Sitka spruce top and mahogany back/sides is a classic: the spruce provides attack, projection, and precision, while the mahogany enhances midrange clarity, with firm lows and a clear high end. The VTS treatment of the top promotes a "played-in" guitar feel: quick response, dynamics easy to control, and a tone that already seems well balanced. The dreadnought format completes the package with natural breadth and a strong presence in strumming.
Recommended compatible accessories
To stay as close as possible to the original feel, a steel string set identical to the factory-installed reference (MA550T) is recommended. A stock of picks (from soft to stiff) will also allow exploring the full dynamic range of this dreadnought, from soft playing to powerful attacks.
Technical specifications
| Category | Steel String Shaped Body | Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Format | Dreadnought | Original Strings | MA550T |
| Left handed | Yes | Cover/case | Case |
| Cutaway | No | Neck Type | Glued |
| Strings | Steel | Electroacoustic | No |
| Nbr of strings | 6 | Color | Natural |
| Back&Sides | Mahogany | Finishing | Glossy |
| Neck | Mahogany | Hardware | Gold |
| Top | Sitka Spruce VTS | Left-handed | Yes |
| Back and sides | Mahogany | Case | Hard case |
| Number of strings | 6 | ||
Questions frequently asked
Is the Martin D-18-L Modern Deluxe designed for left-handed players?
This D-18-L version features a left-handed setup and a 6-string steel-string dreadnought body.
What woods make up the D-18-L Modern Deluxe?
The top is Sitka spruce with VTS treatment, while the back and sides are mahogany. The neck is also mahogany and the fingerboard is ebony.
What sound does the Sitka spruce VTS top provide?
The VTS treatment on the Sitka spruce top promotes a quick response and easily controlled dynamics. The mahogany body supports clear mids and firm lows. The dreadnought shape adds fullness to strumming.
Is this guitar suitable for bluegrass and pick playing?
Its dreadnought size and steel strings fit well with driving rhythms in folk, country, and bluegrass. The projection of the Sitka spruce complements energetic pick attacks.
What strings should be used to replace the original set?
The MA550T set corresponds to the strings originally installed. A case is provided for transporting and protecting the instrument.



