C.F. Martin & Co SUPER D 18

The Style 18: Bigger, More Powerful

The Martin Super D-18 follows the lineage of the Style 18, renowned for its spruce/mahogany balance: clear attack, present mids, and a "woody" signature that naturally sits well in a mix. Here, Martin takes the concept further with a Super D body: more air moved, more foundation, and projection that carries without losing the responsiveness or clarity that make the D-18 strong. An acoustic designed to fill the space, whether solo, in a voice/guitar duo, or within a band.

For Which Guitarist and Styles?

Designed for intermediate to professional guitarists (and discerning amateurs), the Super D-18 immediately responds to right-hand nuances. It shines in powerful strumming (folk, pop), flatpicking (country, bluegrass), and vocal accompaniment thanks to its presence and sustain. Its size and headroom also suit rhythmic fingerstyle when projection and stable articulation are desired, even with a firmer attack.

Sound Characteristics

The solid spruce top delivers a crisp attack, clear highs, and excellent projection while maintaining definition when played loudly. The solid mahogany back and sides enhance the mids, add punch, and maintain a precise low end rather than a muddy one. The scalloped "Golden Era" X bracing, combined with the forward-shifted positioning, promotes a quick response, generous sustain, and a wide dynamic range. Finally, the Super D format adds depth and breadth: more acoustic volume, solid low-end foundation, and projection that remains clear at a distance.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

For a 6-string steel acoustic folk guitar, phosphor bronze strings in Light 12-54 gauge offer an excellent balance of comfort, tonal balance, and projection. A clip-on tuner facilitates precise tuning, while an acoustic guitar humidifier helps stabilize the instrument against humidity changes. For picking, consider some plectrums: Medium to Heavy for strumming, thinner ones for fingerpicking.

Technical specifications

Format	Super D (wider and deeper body than a dreadnought)	Radius	16" / 406 mm
Top	solid spruce	Bridge	ebony
Back and Sides	solid mahogany	Nut	bone
Bracing	scalloped "Golden Era" X bracing, forward-shifted	Saddle	bone
Type	6-string acoustic folk guitar	Tuners	open gear, nickel finish
Wood	mahogany	Pickguard	tortoiseshell style
Fingerboard	ebony, 20 frets	Cutaway	no
Scale Length	25.4" / 645 mm	Finish	natural
Nut Width	1.75" / 44.5 mm	Binding	understated Style 18