Original price was: $1,322.50.$99.00Current price is: $99.00.
(In Stock)
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The Martin D-18 is more than a guitar; its a cornerstone of American music. First introduced in the 1930s, this iconic dreadnought set a standard for acoustic guitars with its elegant simplicity, robust build, and unparalleled tonal clarity. Crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the D-18 delivers a crisp, warm tone with exceptional projectiona sound that has resonated through the heart of bluegrass music for generations What made the D-18 transformative for bluegrass was its ability to cut through dense musical arrangements. Its dreadnought body shape and punchy midrange gave it the rhythmic drive and melodic clarity that became synonymous with the genre. Lightweight yet sturdy, it became a trusted companion for bluegrass legends, solidifying its legacy as the voice of a movement.
For John Chapman, a well-known bluegrass musician and one third of the Chapman Brothers, his 1940s dreadnought embodied everything the D-18 stood for. Its tone had shaped his performances for decades, making it an irreplaceable part of his music. But when he entrusted this vintage treasure to Bedell Guitars, a bold and meticulous journey beganone that sought not just to replicate an iconic guitar but to reimagine its soul. The Bedell Custom Shop in Bend, Oregon, approached the challenge with their renowned Sound Optimization technology and artisan craftsmanship. Every detail of Johns guitar was measured: the wood dimensions, finish thickness, and tonal frequencies were analyzed with scientific precision. The goal? To create a new instrument that echoed the spirit of Johns cherished dreadnought while showcasing Bedells commitment to excellence. Deviating from their standard voicing targets, the Bedell team handcrafted a dreadnought that mirrored the tonal qualities of Johns vintage guitar. Using the same tonewoods and components, their luthiers hand-voiced the guitar to capture the nuanced frequencies and unique sound dynamics that made the original so special.
When the new guitar arrived back in Johns hands, it exceeded even his highest expectations. This guitar began as a proof of concept, but its evolved into something far greater. It captures all the vintage character we were aftermodeled after my own 1940 D-18yet it adds so much more: modern features, enhanced comfort, and exceptional playability. Honestly, I think its one of the finest guitars to emerge in the last decade. This special Bedell dreadnought is more than a tribute to the Martin D-18; its a testament to the timeless connection between tradition and innovation. Crafted with precision, passion, and a deep respect for the music it serves, the guitar stands as a bridge between the past and future of bluegrass, carrying the soul of an era into a new generation of music.
SPECS
Body Type: Dreadnought
Top Wood: Adirondack Spruce
Back & Sides Wood: Honduran Mahogany
Top Finish: Light Toner Gloss
Back & Side Finish: Dark Patina Gloss
Binding: Ebony
Sound Hole Diameter: 4″
Body Length: 20″
Upper Bout Width: 11.437″
Waist Width: 10.625″
Lower Bout Width: 15.75″
Body Depth at Neck: 3.875″
Body Depth at Tailblock: 4.75″
Scale Length: 25.5″
Neck Wood: Honduran Mahogany
Fretboard: Ebony
Number of Frets: 20
Nut Width: 1.687″ or 1.75″
Inlay: 2.5mm Dots
Tuners: Waverly #4076, relic nickel
Electronics: None
Strings: D’Addario XS PB Medium
Hand Tuned: Yes
Case: Bedell Custom Ameritage Case
Why Choose ?
When you choose to purchase from us, you’re not just making a transaction; you’re investing in an exceptional experience. As a small business, and an authorized acoustic instrument dealer, we take immense pride in going the extra mile for our customers. We handle warranty concerns on your behalf, provide in-depth brand reviews, offer virtual consultations, and share high-quality content, featuring photos and videos of our products. Our dedicated team, all passionate musicians, deeply understands the significance of finding the perfect instrument. With on-site instrument inspections by our skilled repair tech, personalized recommendations, and a sincere commitment to grasping your unique needs, we ensure that each purchase is the perfect match between instrument and musician. Our focus is on quality and customer satisfaction, not just sales numbers. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. We’re proud to have been voted NAMM Top 100 Dealer for over a decade, a testament to our commitment to excellence in the music industry. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. Choose us for an extraordinary shopping experience where we know you by name, and every purchase is driven by our love for music and our dedication to serving our valued customers.
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