Overview
Brand name:
Product:
- acoustic guitars
Series name:
Dates of manufacture:
1898 to 1989
The Martin 5-18, first listed in the 1898 Martin catalog, was the smallest of Martin's regular guitars. The 5-18 was just 11.25 inches at the widest part of the body and had a scale-length of only 21.4 inches - but these were big sounding little guitars. The size 5 instruments were often thought of as Junior instruments for children - but they originated from 19th century European Terz guitars. These Terz guitars were designed to be tuned three semitones higher than standard pitch - although the 5-18 can be tuned to standard pitch it sounds better when tuned higher. Early ones had slotted headstocks - later ones didn't. This model was discontinued by Martin in 1989, but they introduced a Marty Robbins signature 5-18 in 2006.
Specifications (17)
General
Binding | 5-stripe body-binding |
Number of strings | 6 strings |
Scale length | 21.375 inches scale-length |
Body
Body back material | mahogany body back, rosewood body back |
Body sides material | mahogany body sides, rosewood body sides |
Body top material | spruce body top |
Body width | 11.25 inches body width |
Pickguard material | tortoiseshell pickguard |
Neck
Body fret | Neck joins body at 12th fret |
Neck material | mahogany neck |
Neck width | 1.69 inches wide at nut |
Number of frets | 18 fret |
Peghead (headstock) | slotted (open) headstock |
Tuner layout | three-each-side |
Hardware
Bridge | rectangular bridge |
Fretboard
Fingerboard material | ebony fingerboard, rosewood fingerboard |
Fingerboard position markers | dot fingerboard position markers |
Prices (1)
Date | Price | Condition | Name | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|
1983 | $250 | worn |