The Martin 5-18 “Terz” and its mahogany topped sibling, the 5-17 were originally offered in the 1930’s catalogue as three quarters sized guitars that were “fine for children; easy to hold and to play.”With a lower bout width of 11.25” and a scale of 21.4”, these were designed to be tuned a minor third above a normal guitar (though they’re often tuned to standard and do just fine there), the Terz instruments were a stylistic tribute to the German builders that Martin’s lineage directly descended from; many German builders (including Stauffer, C.F. Martin’s main inspiration) built three-quarter sized guitars meant for solo performance and voice accompaniment. These little Martins, officially discontinued in 1989 after decades of production, were popularized by country star Marty Robbins and continue to be sought after pieces of rare Martin history today.

So, it comes as no surprise that we’re pretty darn excited to get this little guy into the shop. Built in 1947, right at the tail end of their run with slotted headstocks, this 5-18 model, the higher end version favored by Robbins and many players, is in great shape minus a replaced bridge. The wear is fairly expected for an instrument from the 40’s, with pick marks on the player’s side, but overall, the marks on the body are fairly limited. There looks to be the worlds tiniest repaired pickguard crack as well, that did not extend through the top enough to require cleats.

The nut width, at just shy 1 10/16, is barely slimmer than normal, with a surprisingly fat C shaped neck profile that makes for a very playable guitar, even though if you’re over 5’5” you’d feel like a giant.

Sweet, lovely old guitar.

Comes with a hard shell case.