D-18 “The Sinker”| Belize Mahogany 1880-1920 – 2017 | Martin
D-18 "The Sinker" is a stunning recreation of pre-war golden-era models. Built with "Belize" Mahogany sunk around 1880-1920 and acquired by Martin. Adirondack spruce top finished in shaded top. We also have it's cousin in Sunburst "Shaded Top", a 000018 and a 12 fret 000018 from that run.
From G.Gruhn himself: "All Wood is not Equal"
While it is possible to meticulously measure vintage instruments and attempt to duplicate these specifications, it has proved to be extraordinarily difficult to duplicate the tone and feel of the vintage originals. What makes a guitar great first and foremost is design, followed by structural craftsmanship, followed by materials, and finally aesthetic beauty. While there are quite a few skilled craftsmen producing very good instruments today, endangered tropical hardwoods are in short supply and some are highly regulated and in some cases prohibited from import. In addition, even when the proper species of wood is available, very little virgin forest old-growth wood is obtainable and much of what is currently offered for sale is either not properly aged and stabilized or has been torrified (oven baked) rather than air seasoned.
We were excited to learn that Martin had obtained a small quantity of mahogany from trees ...