1950 Martin guitar #113570 formerly owned by Earl Scruggs
Martin D-18 Guitar used by Earl Scruggs: on the road, on stage and in the studio!
1950 Martin guitar #113570
C. F. Martin guitar model D-18 stamp number 113570, formerly owned by Earl Scruggs. Mr. Scruggs travelled with this guitar, used it on stage and in recording studio from approximately 1990 until 2008. He played this guitar when we visited him in his home on Franklin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee in 2007. Thanks to his generosity, we were invited back each night during the third week of January for private jam sessions. On those occasions I distinctly recall how delighted he was with this D-18, and how brilliantly he played it.
This guitar was manufactured by the C. F. Martin Company in Nazareth Pennsylvania in 1950. Features and appointments of Martin D-18 # 113570 are consistent with factory specifications for this model and year and include Sitka spruce top; Honduras mahogany back, sides and neck; standard X bracing; Brazilian Rosewood peg head overlay with “C.F. Martin & Co. Est. 1833” peg head decal; tortoise/black acetate bindings on top and back; Brazilian Rosewood bridge; ebony heel cap and black acetate bindings. While Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard was standard for model D-18 during this period, this guitar has ebony board with small dot position markers. This is consistent with special order D-18 guitars from the period and there is no sign that this is a replacement fingerboard. In fact, except for a few alterations, we find this guitar to be almost entirely original. There are no cracks, warpage or damage of any kind, and the finish is original. Minor playwear is evident on top and back, and a few adjustments have been performed, including restoration tuners, strap button in heel, neck reset, replaced bridge (Brazilian Rosewood), saddle and nut (these repairs have been professionally executed), and some discoloration on the back caused by the strap in the case (strap is included, and it appears to be the type often used by Earl Scruggs). Playability is optimal. Sound-wise, it is one of the best of this vintage I have played.
Earl Scruggs was, in many opinions, one of the most influential American musicians of the 20th Century and has been described as the “world’s greatest banjo player” and “the Paganini of the banjo.” He was also a fine guitarist and featured that instrument on many selections during his career. From approximately 1956 until 1969, he was most often seen with a 1955 D-18 with an after market oversized pick guard installed by Nashville musician and instrument repairman Shot Jackson. By 1990, the ‘55 D-18 guitar had suffered from many years on the road and was in unplayable condition. Mr. Scruggs traded that one for this 1950 D-18, #113570.
We now have the important task of finding the next owner for this amazing guitar. This is a rare opportunity to own not only a fine 75-year old vintage Dreadnaught Martin, but a piece of music history. We will include Mr. Scruggs’ travel case, strap and a current appraisal from Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee. Please email Tony Williamson at mandolincentral@gmail.com for further information, a copy of the Gruhn appraisal, price and terms.
Ready for this? A dream guitar for collector and player! Please inquire for price and terms:
Contact us by email: mandolincentral@gmail.com