The 14-fret Dreadnought body debuted in 1934, when Martin referred to the new configuration as the “New Orchestra Model.” The first thirty-four 14-fret D-18s were built with bar frets and wooden neck reinforcement, representing the earliest structural form of what would become the definitive mahogany Dreadnought. Bagnasco & Casati created this instrument as a faithful recreation of that original D-18 structure. Moon-logged Alpine spruce is paired with Honduran mahogany, while traditional hide-glue construction, period-correct details, and a thin Vintage Gloss nitrocellulose finish remain true to the character of the earliest examples. The dramatic, scar-like bearclaw figure across the spruce top gives this particular guitar an especially distinctive identity. This Dreadnought delivers tremendous projection while remaining remarkably clear across the registers. Its focused, fundamental-rich voice has some of the precision associated with a great pre-war OM, but with the power and headroom of a full-sized Dreadnought. Responsive, articulate, and highly versatile, it can move comfortably between flatpicking, fingerstyle, accompaniment, and a wide range of musical genres.
