Martin D12-18 Sunburst Vintage 12-String Dreadnought 1974

C.F. Martin & Co. D12-18 Sunburst (1974) – Vintage 12-String Dreadnought – Very Good Condition

This Martin D12-18 Sunburst 1974 is a rare and beautifully preserved example of Martin’s mahogany-bodied 12-string acoustic.

Introduced in the early 1970s, the D12-18 combines a solid spruce top with solid mahogany back and sides, producing a lighter and more direct sound than a rosewood 12-string. It has a warm, clear voice with strong note separation, shimmering trebles, and a balanced bass response.

Unlike the earlier 12-fret D12-20, the D12-18 uses a 14-fret neck joint, providing easier access to the upper frets. This example also features Martin’s attractive factory Sunburst Shade finish, which is considerably less common than the natural-finished version.

This 1974 Martin D12-18 SB is in very good condition for its age. The guitar has been properly adjusted and offers comfortable playability across the fingerboard. The neck angle has been reset, the nut and saddle have been replaced, and the frets have been adjusted.

There is no cracks, only cosmetic signs of use include a small scratch on the lower-right side and another scratch around the waist on the back.

The action is currently approximately 1.5 mm on the first string and 1.9 mm on the sixth course at the 12th fret, providing an unusually comfortable setup for a vintage 12-string. There remains sufficient saddle height for future adjustment.

Includes a vintage Martin black hardshell case. The case was previously blue and has been refinished black.

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Specifications – Martin D12-18 Sunburst (1974)

• Model: Martin D12-18 SB (D1218 / D 12-18 / D12 18 / D 12 18)
• Year: 1974
• Instrument Type: 12-String Acoustic Guitar
• Body Size: Dreadnought, 14-Fret
• Top: Solid Spruce
• Back & Sides: Solid Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Bridge: Rosewood
• Nut Width: Approximately 47 mm / 1.85”
• Finish: Factory Sunburst Shade
• Tuners: Original Six-a-Side Grover Square Shield Tuners
• Electronics: None
• Action at 12th Fret: Approximately 1.5 mm treble and 1.9 mm bass
• Condition: Very Good