Martin 0-18

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just aquired this 1950 Martin 0-18 today. Good friend of mine at church decided to pass it down to me, he doesn't have very long to live. He's had this guitar for a very long time. Very emotional day kind of bitter sweet

Oh my! That is one sweet guitar. Sorry about your friend.

O-18s are incredible guitars - focused, punchy, balanced, comfortable, and fun to play. It looks like your friend took really good care of it.

Giving or receiving a guitar as a gift is something really special.

WOW !
Someone likes you . They are just plain sweet small guitars . That is just so special .

I just got a '51 0-18 in early June, congrats on your legacy. Just amazing sound from a small box and a treat to play.

You probably know, but without an adjustable truss rod it is recommended you change a string at a time instead of taking them all off. It might sound dumb, but a neck reset is an expensive alternative.

Enjoy great memories every time you play it.

I didn't know that.. thanks for the advice. every guitar I've owned had an adjustable truss rod.

I have no idea what size strings are on it.. (feels like maybe13's) is there a rule of thumb for string size when I replace them?

I just got a '51 0-18 in early June, congrats on your legacy. Just amazing sound from a small box and a treat to play.

You probably know, but without an adjustable truss rod it is recommended you change a string at a time instead of taking them all off. It might sound dumb, but a neck reset is an expensive alternative.

Enjoy great memories every time you play it.

No offense tom2caster, but changing all the strings at once will not affect the neck on that Martin 0-18. And having a non-adjustable truss rod doesn't affect how soon you will need a neck reset... it simply means you won't be able to adjust the relief. A truss rod, either adjustable or non adjustable (like the T-bar in the 50's Martins) has nothing to do with the neck angle. Installing strings one at a time won't hurt a thing.

I have no idea what size strings are on it.. (feels like maybe13's) is there a rule of thumb for string size when I replace them?

Guitars this small, I use lights unless the owner knows it will handle mediums.

This is a pretty rare guitar in the first place, on top of that the condition is amazing. I love the small body Martins more than just about any other instrument.

You probably know, but without an adjustable truss rod it is recommended you change a string at a time instead of taking them all off. It might sound dumb, but a neck reset is an expensive alternative.


In my experience it's far more likely to lead to popped bracing than a neck reset, but your point is solid and not limited to non-adjustable truss rods, or even acoustics. I was taught way back in the day to only do a string at a time regardless of the instrument, and all the old timers seem to do it that way.

I have no idea what size strings are on it.. (feels like maybe13's) is there a rule of thumb for string size when I replace them?

Martin generally recommends light gauge strings for small body guitars, such as the 0-18, and in the Martin string line, .012-.054 are light gauge. The guage you mentioned, 0.13 are mediums, and generally Martin recommends them only for the large body dreads.

I have an 0-18, and use extra light gauge strings (.010-.047) on it because I don't need the extra volume that a heavier set might provide, and because extra lights are easier on the fingers too.

In theory, the lower the tension on the neck, the longer you can avoid the need for a neck reset. (And I do mean "in theory". My 0-18 has needed a neck reset for years, but it sounds and plays so well that I'm in no hurry for one!)

Beautiful guitar! I bet it sounds great- I have a 1993 Martin D-1 with the same tint on the top and very similar cosmetics- your guitar looks like it's little brother!

tonedreamer - like the others before I use light guage strings (.011 or .012 for the 1st string) on mine. Martin says you can put mediums on them, so if that's what's on no problem.

wmsimpson - you forgot to show us your vintage Martin, can't wait to see it.

tonedreamer - like the others before I use light guage strings (.011 or .012 for the 1st string) on mine. Martin says you can put mediums on them, so if that's what's on no problem.

wmsimpson - you forgot to show us your vintage Martin, can't wait to see it.

I don't recall mentioning my vintage Martin, but if you'd like to see one you can check out the link to my You Tube channel in my TDPRI signature... There's a video of me playing my '33 00-17. If the link doesn't show up when posting from my iPhone, just go to YouTube.com/slater529.

Lovely looking guitar - bet it sounds a dream.

I'm sure your friend is as happy knowing his guitar is going to a good home as you are giving it one....what a wonderful generous thing to do..so sorry about what is inevitable for him but that's the way it is for everyone of course...we live we die and we try to make it as much fun as possible....pay it forward if you can