Inspired by the historic instruments found in Martin’s guitar museum, the D-18 Street Legend combines classic D-18 specs with a well-worn Custom Ink finish! This acoustic guitar’s thin satin finish sports a touch of visible wear reminiscent of the finest examples of golden-era Martin instruments, with aged open-gear tuners and a satin-aged pickguard to complete the package. Most importantly, the D-18 Street Legend still wholeheartedly embraces the big-bodied tonal formula of Martin’s most iconic mahogany dreadnought design. Genuine mahogany back/sides and a top-quality spruce top instantly unlock the dry, low-end-biased flavor that’s served as Martin’s calling card since the ’dread was first invented! Finish it off with high performance Modified Low Oval neck profile on the ebony-topped-mahogany neck, and Music Experience’s flatpicking fanatics find that the D-18 is all old-school style, with no compromises when it comes to substance.

Classic "just-right" Martin tone

Ask anyone who knows their bluegrass why the Martin D-18 has been a top choice for serious performers. It's because the D-18's iconic tone sits "just right," cutting through and holding its own without overbearing other instruments. Whether you're playing solo or in a full bluegrass jam, your D-18's rich tone will always be heard without fighting with vocals or covering up the low-end impact from the bass player.

The choice of session guitarists for decades

The Martin D-18's tonality is just as useful in your studio as onstage. Just ask any recording engineer who's been in the business for a couple decades: the D-18 style of guitar has an uncanny ability to set itself into any mix nicely, with a minimum of processing. Sure, that jumbo-body rosewood guitar looks great, but you'll be rolling off low frequencies and carefully adjusting compressors to prevent it from getting too boomy or indistinct in the final mix. Just grab your Martin D-18, point your favorite small-diaphragm condenser mic at the 12th fret, and you've got a sound that practically mixes itself.

Part of modern music's history

You've already heard the sweet sound of the Martin D-18 more times than you probably realize. That's because it was the choice guitar of legends such as Clarence White, Elvis Presley, and many more. Even Andy Griffith played one on "The Andy Griffith Show." The Martin D18 is a perfect example of an instrument that became iconic purely based on its tone and craftsmanship.

What Martin Says...

The satin-finished top on the new StreetLegend™ includes some visual wear inspired by historic models found in our museum. This gives your brand-new guitar a well-loved look that shows your music has an old soul like many of the fine instruments we’ve curated over the years. The D-18 StreetLegend is crafted with satin-finished mahogany back and sides, so you’ll still enjoy plenty of volume and pick up some bright trebles and punchy midrange tones. The scalloped bracing on this model contributes volume and a fuller sound than non-scalloped bracing. It also includes open-gear aged tuners and a satin-aged pickguard to complete the aesthetic. If you’re looking for a satin-finished Standard Series guitar that stands out from the crowd, this D-18 StreetLegend fits the bill!