Martin D-19 Vintage 1980

C.F. Martin & Co. D-19 (1980) – Upmarket D-18 Variant – Dark-Stained Spruce Top – Very Good Condition

This Martin D-19 from 1980 — also searched as Martin D19, Martin D 19, vintage Martin D-19, used Martin D-19, or 1980 Martin dreadnought — is a rare and distinctive model developed by Martin as an upmarket version of the D-18. Martin itself has described the original D-19 as an “upmarket D-18,” retaining the same basic spruce-and-mahogany construction while adding distinctive cosmetic treatment and appointments. 

The most recognizable feature of the D-19 is its dark-stained solid spruce top. Martin used the darker finish partly so it could make use of spruce that was structurally and acoustically sound but had cosmetic grain or coloration under a natural finish. The result is the characteristic deep brown top that can almost resemble mahogany from a distance, while still retaining the tonal properties of spruce. 

Compared with the contemporary D-18, the D-19 also received upgraded decorative details, including a Style 28 rosette, Style 21-type top purfling, and additional contrasting back purfling. These subtle appointments gave the model a more refined appearance while preserving the direct, woody character of the D-18 platform. 

Built with a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, the D-19 delivers the familiar vintage Martin mahogany sound: strong fundamental notes, warm and focused mids, clear trebles and controlled bass. Its full dreadnought body provides excellent projection and headroom for strumming, flatpicking, country, folk and singer-songwriter playing.

The D-19 was produced in relatively small numbers compared with the D-18 and D-28, making surviving examples considerably less common today. 

This 1980 Martin D-19 is in very good condition, particularly impressive for an instrument over four decades old. It has no cracks and no repairs.

The current string action measures approximately 2.2 mm on the treble side and 2.8 mm on the bass side at the 12th fret, there’s a lot of bone left, so there’s no need for any neck reset in the near future.

A rare opportunity to own one of Martin’s more unusual vintage dreadnoughts — essentially a more distinctive and cosmetically upgraded sibling to the D-18, with its unmistakable dark-stained spruce top and classic mahogany tone.

Specifications – Martin D-19 (1980)

• Brand: C.F. Martin & Co.
• Model: D-19
• Year: 1980
• Concept: Upmarket / cosmetically upgraded D-18 variant
• Body Size: Dreadnought, 14-Fret
• Top: Solid Spruce
• Top Treatment: Dark Brown Hand-Stained Finish
• Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Scale Length: 25.4” (645 mm)
• Nut Width: Approx. 1 11/16” (42.9 mm)
• Rosette: Style 28
• Top Purfling: Style 21-type
• Back Purfling: Additional contrasting white/black detail
• Electronics: None
• Condition: Very Good