The 1939 D-18 captures an important transition in the development of the mahogany Dreadnought. By this period Martin had moved from the forward-shifted bracing of the mid-1930s to a rearward-shifted scalloped X-brace, and later in 1939 the neck width narrowed from 1 3/4 inches to 1 11/16 inches. Martin’s own 1939 Authentic specification follows this later configuration. This B&C project follows that mature late-1939 formula, pairing selected Adirondack spruce with Honduran mahogany and the restrained Style 18 aesthetic. Compared with the 1937 version, the rear-shifted structure and narrower playing geometry give this recreation a different personality—focused, direct and punchy, while retaining the lightweight responsiveness of a scalloped-braced pre-war Dreadnought. You can secure the slot today with a non-refundable deposit $4,500 for this special B&C Guitar.
