MARTIN O-31 Acoustic Guitar D-18

( Brand: Martin ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: O-31 ), ( Model: D-18 AUTHENTIC 1937 ), ( Part Type: Acoustic Guitar ), ( Size: 7/8 ), ( Model Year: 1931 ), ( Soundboard Style: Flat Top ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States ), ( Body Type: Solid ), ( Body Material: Mahogany ), ( Dexterity: Right-handed ), ( String Configuration: 6 String ), ( Series: Authentic ), ( Body Color: Natural )

Review MARTIN Original Acoustic Guitar Authentic

Martin 1931 31-18 1937 OM-31 Acoustic Guitar: A Vintage Masterpiece

The Martin 1931 31-18 1937 OM-31 is a work of art and a musical treasure for any guitar enthusiast or professional musician. originaally introduced by C.F. Martin & Co. in 1931 as part of their 0-size guitars, the OM-31 model has a rich history in the world of acoustic guitars. This specific instrument carries the serial number 18 from the year 1937, making it an authentically vintage piece.

The body of the Martin 1931 31-18 1937 OM-31 is crafted from Sitka spruce for the top, and East Indian rosewood for the back and sides. Sitka spruce is renowned for its sharp attack, even tone distribution, and flexibility, while East Indian rosewood is known for its dark, rich, and warm tone. The combination results in a well-balanced sound with clear high-end definition and powerful, resonant bass.

The neck of the OM-31 measures 1-11/16 inches in width at the nut, making it suitable for players with average sized hands. The neck is solid Saforo and features a standard taper profile. The 24.9 inches (632mm) scale length allows for smooth playability and optimal string tension. The fretboard is crafted from ebony, ensuring a silky finish, perfect intonation, and a long-lasting surface.

The Martin 1931 31-18 1937 OM-31 comes with vintage-style open-gear tuning machines to maintain the classic look and feel of the guitar. These tuners offer reliable and accurate tuning, ensuring the guitar stays in perfect pitch. Furthermore, the bridge and saddle are also made from genuine bone, providing optimal transfer of sound from the strings to the top of the guitar.

Thanks to its smaller body size, the Martin 1931 31-18 1937 OM-31 boasts an excellent balance between power and tonal complexity. This makes it an ideal choice for fingerstyle playing and lighter strumming. The guitar offers a rich and diverse tonal palette, with clear, defined highs, nimble and articulate mids, and full-bodied bass notes.

The Martin 1931 31-18 1937 OM-31 is more than just a guitar; it is a pristine example of American craftsmanship and a testament to Martin's commitment to innovation and quality. By owning this vintage gem, you will be welcomed into a vast community of acoustic guitar players who appreciate the warmth, depth, and history that vintage Martins have to offer.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Martin 1931 Acoustic Guitar (Model O-31) - A Detailed Analysis

The Martin 1931 Acoustic Guitar (Model O-31) is a vintage instrument known for its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. With its beautiful sound and unique characteristics, this guitar has been a favorite among musicians for decades. In this analysis, we will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of investing in a Martin 1931 O-31 model to help you make an informed decision.

1. Authentic Tone: This pre-war Martin guitar is renowned for its signature tone. The solid mahogany back and sides, combined with a Sitka spruce top, provide a balanced, powerful, and resonant sound that is difficult to replicate.

2. Historical Significance: The Martin 1931 O-31 model carries a rich history. It represents a time when Martin used high-quality materials and traditional building techniques to create exceptional instruments.

3. Playability: The guitar's neck profile and action are well-suited for various playing styles. Its lighter string tension also makes it easier on the fingers, especially for players transitioning from smaller, modern guitars.

4. Value Retention: Vintage Martin guitars, in general, hold their value well. With proper care and maintenance, the Martin 1931 O-31 could potentially increase in value over time.

5. External Character: The unique features, such as the open-gear tuning machines and the "O"-shaped hole, add to the guitar's aesthetic appeal and lend a sense of nostalgia.

1. Cost: As a vintage instrument, the Martin 1931 O-31 comes with a hefty price tag. Expect to pay a premium for both its historical significance and exceptional craftsmanship.

2. Maintenance: This guitar requires regular maintenance, including humidification, to keep the wood and finish intact.

3. Limited Availability: Due to its vintage status, the Martin 1931 O-31 is not a common find, and potential buyers may need to search extensively to locate a good option.

4. Repairs: If any repairs are needed, finding a qualified technician, especially one with experience handling such specific and older guitars, can be a challenge.

5. String Gauges: You might find that the factory-installed strings on older Martin guitars like the 1931 O-31 are lighter than what you're used to, potentially requiring an adjustment period or heavier strings.

The Martin 1931 O-31 guitar is a phenomenal instrument with an authentic tone, historical significance, and enduring playability. However, it also comes with a significant investment, required maintenance, and limited availability. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a Martin 1931 O-31 depends on your budget, level of enthusiasm for vintage instruments, and dedication to proper maintenance. For those who appreciate the sound, character, and history, the rewards can be well worth the investment.

If you're drawn to the vintage Martin 1931 O-31 but are concerned about the high cost or the challenges that come with owning a vintage instrument, consider these alternatives:

1. Martin Vintage Series: Martin offers modern alternatives to their vintage models for those who want a similar sound and feel but prefer a more affordable option.

2. Used Martin Guitars: Look for pre-owned Martin guitars, particularly those from the same era, to obtain the vintage sound and character while saving some money.

3. Other Vintage Brands: Explore other vintage guitar brands such as Gibson, Taylor, or Epiphone for comparable models that may offer a similar sound and character at a more accessible price point.

Details:

This is an adult guitar but because of the small body and shorter scale groove serve to reinforce neck. Only light gauge or lighter strings should be installed. Note the photo of old bar frets. On close examination the treble side fret board looks un separated from rest of neck.

The evenly solid wire fits perfectly in. The crack is level and not open. Absolutely no geometry problem.

The case is a correct o-18 thermoplastic from 1970s. There is one crack in the spruce top below bridge and I have included a photo from inside which shows some cleats to secure glued. Perhaps someone removed the neck with upper fret board intact but I don't see any disturbance to spruce and finish around. It seems appropriate to call 7/8 size.

Even with the ebony fret board and bridge this guitar is very light. A lovely old Martin in superb playing action and plenty of room to lower the strings frets if so desired. The internal photo shows bracing is very light. Plainly some wood was glued back in place along the neck heel on bass side.

The saddle looks original so i'm sure bridge is too. If so the did not saw fret board over body separate from neck although something has happened there. Looks like Adirondack spruce for the soundboard which is very strong. That being the case action and neck angle are virtually ideal for a guitar of this age.

At first I thought the neck had been re set because action is low and straight with just a hint of relief. Maybe that is which the neck so straight after all these years. Honduras mahogany for the neck, sides and back.

I can't tell what happened at the neck body joint so have given up trying to figure it out because this little beauty has perfect playing action. A very cool old Martin which is real player.

specifications acoustguitmusi:

• brand: Martin
• mpn: O-31
• model: D-18 Authentic 1937
• part type: Acoustic Guitar
• size: 7/8
• model year: 1931
• soundboard style: Flat Top
• country/region of manufacture: United States
• body type: Solid
• body material: Mahogany
• dexterity: Right-handed
• string configuration: 6 String
• series: Authentic
• body color: Natural

Offer acoustguitmusi:

• best offer: true
• Sold: 0
• quantity: 1
• bids: 0
• Started: January 3, 2017, 10:00 pm

Ratings:

1. Thanks for your business! Happy Holidays!!! 12-24-16
2. Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. 12-22-16
3. Great transaction. Quick pay. Highly recommend. 12-28-16
4. Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. 12-29-16
5. Good buyer, prompt payment, valued customer, highly recommended. 01-01-17

Seller acoustguitmusi:

• zipcode: 44240
• city: Kent, Ohio

Shipping acoustguitmusi:

• type: Calculated
• handling: 3 days

General acoustguitmusi:

• in stock: Yes
• condition: Used
• musical instrumentsgear > guitar musical instruments gear > acoustic guitar

Returns acoustguitmusi:

• paid by: Buyer
• policy: returns accepted
• type: Money Back
• time: 14 Days

Payments acoustguitmusi:

• PayPal

Martin O-31 Is Similar To:

• 0-16NY Guitar Condition Unused 1971 Martin Perfect Case (31.3% similar) 1970 Martin 16NY guitar with case perfect unused condition there are only a few tiny imperfections, a few surface marks, includes original Martin case I purchased this guitar about 30 years ago and played if a couple of times...(July 31st, 2015)
• 0-28k Martin Guitar New Hard Case Koa (38.5% similar) This one is 3 years old Martin 0-28K has not been refinished but french polished. It plays and sounds great has low action. There has been a very old stable repair patch to the lower bout. This is the best flamed KIA that I have ever seen. 88 x-braced body wood: jawbone fingerboard binding: ...(November 18th, 2018)
• 00-16 Dbm Martin Women And Music Series Acoustic Guitar Of (56.6% similar) I will try to answer as quickly possible any reasonable questions that can't be answered by looking at the images or reading. This is a lovely, small bodied instrument with loud voice. In return I pledge to be prompt, polite, considerate, and conscientious about communication both beforehand after ...(June 24th, 2018)
• 00-175 2008 Martin 50 Stauffer Guitar Anniversary Acoustic 175th 8 (41.1% similar) Id AC990825LT images if you scroll all the way down to the bottom of the pictures you can see detailed pictures of the frets and any wear on the guitar. Please look at the photos shipping anywhere is continental USA is 60 via FedEx ground. Each guitar is furnished in an exquisite coffin case. Used ...(July 16th, 2015)
• 00-17so Martin New Rare Sing Out Guitar Of Collector (49.5% similar) 12-FRET model's were offered. Each 00-17SO. In 1995 , 45 of the HD-28SO. And theres music. A laborers arm bearing the hammer of justice is inlaid at 5TH fret. Guitar are crafted from solid genuine mahogany. Limited edition guitar will bear an interior label, individually numbered and personally ...(September 12th, 2018)
• 00-18V Martin Marquis Scalloped Guitar Acoustic Collection (52.5% similar) A handful of years later, he began touring and played everywhere from la to Dresden with a number of Chicago based bands. Susan Lambert Nash bookkeeper Susan Lambert has been singing since she was six, and shebeen staying a few rooms away from Brussels sprouts since she was five. Shortly after, he ...(August 2nd, 2015)
• 00-42-SC Custom Signature Martin Acoustic Mayer Guitar Edition John (43.6% similar) ...(August 16th, 2015)
• 000-1 L Martin Left Handed Auditorium Acoustic Guitar Hard Tkl Case (51.9% similar) The satin finish is becoming more glossy where has made contact with a player. This one shows normal wear with dings scratches and scrapes that show up a little more in the satin finish. The guitar comes with Tl case in photos. The neck is straight and recent string are set reasonably low. These ...(July 22nd, 2018)
• 000-15-special Martin Special Acoustic Guitar In Natural With Case 729789530057 (48.3% similar) Martin special acoustic guitar in natural with case stunning spruce top w binding, heal cap and back strip mahogany sides. The box has been open for inspection. We must ship to the address that is. Among Martins most affordable solid wood guitars, the special acoustic guitar is visually distinctive ...(September 6th, 2018)
• 000-15s Martin Slot Head Acoustic (56.8% similar) Martin 000-15S slot head acoustic guitar in excellent condition. Comes with Tl Martin case pictured. Plays and sounds great...(July 2nd, 2017)
• 000-16 Martin 1992 Acoustic Guitar (74.7% similar) This guitar belonged to a family member and it has been sitting in the case for last 20 years. If you are looking for a good, solid, well playing guitar that will serve long time to come, then this may be. Repairs are solid but visible. If you are looking for a collectible 9/1 0 or to put behind the...(July 21st, 2017)