AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR, D-18

In the first iterations of Martin's Dreadnought guitars, as well as the 000 sized instruments, C.F. Martin’s classic X-bracing pattern for the top was positioned approximately one inch below the soundhole. This positioning has been referred to by collectors and historians of pre-war Martins as “forward braced” or “Advanced-X bracing”. In September 1938 Martin constructed five D-18 guitars listed on their internal shop order slip, Tone Tests, Angles same as R-18 pattern, diagram listed on test pad. The few guitars from that original five that survive today have X-bracing that is shifted further back from the soundhole. We can assume that these ‘tone tests’ were successful and the new bracing position was perceived by Martin as a positive improvement. The shop order dated October 13, 1938, for the next batch of twelve D-28 guitars produced by Martin would be annotated with the build instructions New top bracing pattern. Further Dreadnought and 000 sized guitars constructed by Martin in 1938 and future works would utilize this shifted bracing pattern. These guitars would become known as having “Rear X-Bracing”. For both their rarity and unique tonal quality the Martin guitars employing forward bracing pattern would become coveted and garner a premium in the vintage guitar market.