New Authentic Models | Martin Guitars

Martin releases Authentic Series D-18 and D-28 based on 1937 models.

June 1, 2022

Martin is releasing several new models at the upcoming 2022 NAMM show, among them pair of dreadnoughts modeled after 1937 D-18s and D-28s, which are added to the company’s Authentic series.

D-18 Authentic 1937
1937 was an excellent year for guitars with a perfect storm of craftsmanship, innovation, and materials. This Authentic Series replication of a 1937 D-18 stays true to the original with hide glue construction and historically accurate detailing. This guitar features genuine mahogany back and sides, an Adirondack spruce top, and a bracing pattern circa 1937. It includes period-correct “18-style” appointments, an Authentic neck barrel and heel, and new this year, a more accurate body profile based on dreadnought shapes from the early Golden Era of Martin’s history. Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS) is employed to age the top and braces, which captures the tone from the 1930s era. All this adds up to a new instrument that delivers the pleasing aesthetics and tone previously only found in vintage instruments. List price: $6,299.

D-28 Authentic 1937
Perhaps the most revered vintage D-28s are the ones created in 1937 with a forward-shifted hand-scalloped X-bracing, an Adirondack spruce top, and a 1 3/4 inch neck width. This model is an updated version made with Guatemalan rosewood back and sides, and some subtle spec refinements to make it even more faithful to the original. One of the major updates is a more accurate body profile based on dreadnoughts from the 1930s and 40s. Martin’s Vintage Tone System® (VTS) is employed to age the top and braces, which captures the tone from the 1930s era. All this adds up to a new instrument that delivers the pleasing aesthetics and tone that was previously only found in vintage instruments. List price: $7,499.