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Martin Custom Shop D-18 12 String Mahogany With CaseMartin Custom Shop D-18 12 String Mahogany With Case

Martin Custom Shop D-18 12 String Mahogany With Case

SKU 04MCS043
by Martin
Sold out
$ 4,200.00 - $ 4,200.00
$ 4,200.00
$ 4,200.00 - $ 4,200.00
$ 4,200.00

 Martin Custom Shop D-18 12 String All Mahogany

Truetone Music was invited to Nazareth, PA for a very special visit. We had the chance to spec out guitars to be custom built by Martin. We were also thrilled by the prospect of being able to hand select our own wood at the factory, aided by Custom Shop representatives and tonewood experts.  That began a relationship that has continued for multiple custom runs over a number of years.

We knew we wanted to represent an interesting variety as far as models and woods, but we also wanted the guitars to sound as best they could, never sacrificing tone for bling.  This Martin Custom Shop version of a D-18 12 String is a true example of that theory coming together in the best possible way.   It's a simple move to make - essentially a classic D-18 12 String, in all Mahogany, made with the best materials and craftsmanship from the top luthiers at the Martin Custom Shop.

The inspiration for this guitar came from other designs we had done.  We love the all-Mahogany D-18 and 000-18 builds we've had, which gave us the idea to do a 12 string version.  So when we went to Nazareth to visit the Custom Shop, this was at the top of our list to do.  Being able to pick out the wood made it even more special.  The idea was to take one of the most popular acoustics of all-time, the Martin D-18, make a 12 string, and create a version that was ALL mahogany, including the top.  The look of the guitar itself would be enough, but the materials, construction and appointments make it quite possibly the best sounding 12 string we've had here.


Mahogany is one of the most popular tone woods used on acoustic guitars.  The warmth provided by this wood makes perfect for strumming, but also responds well to picking.  And, this particular spread of Mahogany was hand-selected at the Custom Shop by Truetone with the aid of the experts there.  Not only does it look spectacular, but the experts there chose it for how it would sound - deep and warm, with strong overtones, while retaining excellent note definition.  We knew it would be amazing, but when it landed here, we were blown away.  In fact, the techs in our shop proclaimed it the best 12 string acoustic they had worked on, ever.  That's saying a lot!

We chose to keep the rest of the specs simple, as the focus is on how the guitar sounds and feels.  The neck is Martin’s popular modified low oval with a wide high performance taper, making it very comfortable to play for hours (especially for a 12 string). The radius is 16” with a nut width of 1 3/4”.  The guitar is finished in gloss with a satin finished neck.   We did choose Antique White binding to add a unique touch, which really pops out nicely against the Mahogany.  Other features included a tortoise shell pickguard, a Black Ebony fretboard, and Gotoh tuners.  It comes with a Martin hard shell case and certificate of authenticity.  


In some ways, compared to other Martin Custom Shop guitars we've done, this is a simple design, but it's much more than that.  In the end, it's all about feel and sound - and this guitar has it all.  When it arrived, we realized that we had hit upon a supremely winning combination of specs for a 12 string like this.  A Martin dreadnought like a D-18 is about as classic as it can get.  This one takes it to another level by being a 12 string, with Mahogany for the top, back & sides.  It's the only one out there like it.  Come to Truetone Music today to experience this amazing Martin Custom Shop guitar, or order right here today.


  • Configuration: C24-012447
  • Body Shape:  Dreadnought 12 String
  • Inspired by: D-18 Style
  • Base Model Note: Wood Selected by Truetone at the Martin Custom Shop
  • Appointment Level: Standard
  • Adhesive: Modern Adhesive
  • Top Material:  Mahogany
  • Bracing Material, Top: Sitka Spruce
  • Bracing Pattern, Top:  X Brace - Forward Shifted
  • Bracing Pattern Number, Top:  3-A DOMLE
  • Bracing Shape, Top: Scalloped
  • Bracing Style, Top: Standard
  • Bracing Size, Top: 5/16"
  • Back and Side Material: Mahogany
  • Binding Material: Antique White
  • Rosette Style:  Old Style 18 Boltaron
  • Neck Material: Mahogany 
  • Neck Profile: Modified Low Oval
  • Neck Taper:  Wide High Performance Taper
  • Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 13/16"
  • Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/4"
  • String Spacing: 2 5/16''
  • Tuning Machines:  Gotoh Chrome SG360/07 w/ Small Buttons
  • Fingerboard Material: Black Ebony
  • Fingerboard Inlay:  Old Style 18; Select Abalone
  • Finish Type: Standard
  • Finish Package: Gloss Body w/ Satin Neck
  • Top Color: Mahogany Stain
  • Frets Clear: 14 Frets Clear of Body
  • Total Frets: 20 Total
  • Scale Length: 25.4"
  • Neck Joint: Dovetail
  • Truss Rod: Adjustable 14 Fret
  • Bridge Style: Modern Belly 12 String
  • Saddle Style: Drop in Saddle
  • Saddle Material: Compensated Bone
  • Bridge End Pins: Black
  • Case:  3-Ply Hardshell with Domed Top