C.F. Martin & Co D-18 Modern Deluxe

A "Modern Deluxe" Dreadnought: Traditional Spirit with Added Comfort and Refinement

This Modern Deluxe Series follows an approach that combines the fundamentals of American acoustic guitars (14-fret dreadnought, tonewoods, dovetail joint) with performance-oriented manufacturing choices. The VTS treatment applied to the top and bracing aims to offer responsiveness and sonic openness close to a "matured" instrument, while maintaining a refined aesthetic thanks to multiple purflings, the "Old Style 18" rosette, and glossy finishes.

For Which Guitarists and Styles?

With its dreadnought format and pronounced sonic character, this guitar is particularly suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking an expressive acoustic capable of holding powerful rhythm as well as precise pick playing. It excels in folk, country, bluegrass, acoustic pop, and vocal accompaniment, while remaining very convincing in picking thanks to its definition and volume reserve.

Sound Characteristics

The Sitka VTS spruce top provides a clear attack, a wide dynamic range, and excellent versatility, while the Adirondack VTS spruce bracing enhances responsiveness and sustain when playing hard. The Forward Shifted X bracing, scalloped, promotes a freer top: generous projection, fuller bass, and a sense of air in the chord. The mahogany (back/sides) + spruce combination delivers a direct sound focused on mids, with clear highs and a solid low end without muddiness. The ebony (fingerboard and bridge) adds precision and very clear articulation, ideal for pick attacks.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

To stay as close as possible to the original specifications, a MA550T string set is the safest choice. A universal acoustic guitar stand and a case humidifier are also relevant additions to protect the instrument daily, especially during dry periods.

Technical specifications

Category	Steel String Shaped Body	Nbrs of frets	20
Format	Dreadnought	Cover/case	Case
Left handed	No	Headstock	Composite Koa
Cutaway	No	Neck Type	Glued
Strings	Steel	Electroacoustic	No
Nbr of strings	6	Color	Natural
Back&Sides	Mahogany	Finishing	Glossy
Neck	Mahogany	Hardware	Gold
Fingerboard	Ebony

Guitar type	acoustic	Pickguard	Faux Tortoise
Body/neck joint	at the 14th fret	Neck finish	satin lacquer
Top	Sitka VTS spruce	Neck profile	Vintage Deluxe
Top finish	glossy lacquer	Number of frets	20
Top purflings	multiple strips	Nut material	bone
Rosette	"Old Style 18", multiple rings	Nut width	44.4 mm / 1.75"
Top bracing	Adirondack VTS spruce	Scale length	645 mm / 25.4"
Bracing type	X, Forward Shifted, scalloped	Bridge	ebony
Back	authentic mahogany	Compensated saddle	bone, 406 mm / 16"
Sides	authentic mahogany	Tuners	open-gear, gold finish, Butterbean buttons
Back and sides finish	glossy lacquer, dark mahogany finish