2012 Martin Golden Era D -18  

Modeled after the 1934 D-18, it has select mahogany back & sides, Adirondack (red) spruce top, scalloped braces (with forward shifted X), ebony fretboard & bridge, abalone dot inlays, low profile neck (1-3/4" nut, 2-5/16" string spacing at bridge), tapered squared peghead with Brazilian rosewood overlay & old decal, Waverly nickel open-gear tuners, a fossil ivory nut & long saddle, ebony bridgepins, and topped with aging toner.

The Golden Era series was produced by Martin to replicate those guitars from what many consider to be indeed Martin's "Golden Era," which was during the 30s and up to the beginning of WWII. Martin does do this, albeit up to a point. While the overall dimensions are the same as those of its predecessors, the Authentic series comes a bit closer to the mark. The Authentics differ in several ways: using hide glue, a t-bar instead of an adjustable rod, a chunkier neck, and lighter bracing.

Still, this does not diminish the incredible tone and power that this particular GE has to offer. The Adirondack top sounds extremely responsive considering how new it is, and the tonewoods are a splendid example of just how wonderful mahogany can sound.