1960 Martin 5-18 – £2499

SOLD  The Martin style 5-18 is the smallest guitar made by Martin; at the lower bout, it measures 11.25″, while at the upper bout it is 8.25″. And its body is just 16″ in length, with a scale of 21.4″. Guitars of this size were part of the Germanic tradition of “Terz” guitars, designed to be tuned to a minor third – three frets higher than standard pitch and suitable for solo performances and harmony work. Though size 5 terz guitars are smaller, they produce as much volume and have as much (if not more) projection than a full-sized/standard-tuned instrument. They are quite playable tuned to standard pitch, but tuned at least two frets above standard pitch, their sound comes alive. The short scale and smaller body results in a very different sound with excellent tone, volume, and projection. The guitar features a Spruce top with Mahogany back and sides, Brazilian Rosewood bridge, fingerboard, and peghead veneer, and is in excellent, crack free condition, just upgraded Grover tuners. With the current fashion for parlour guitars, the 5-18 model comes into it’s own. Alternatively it could be the ultimate travel guitar The guitar comes in a non original, but snug fitting deluxe hard case.