Jason Isbell worked with the Custom Shop at Martin Guitar to design his new Custom Signature Edition D-18 which is closely modeled after Martin’s Golden Era series. The model boasts a pre-aged Vintage Tone System (VTS) Adirondack spruce top; mahogany back and sides; and rear-shifted scalloped bracing which produces more natural volume and a clear powerful tone.
Similar to Martin’s authentic series guitars, it is constructed using hide glue which, unlike newer synthetic reproductions, dissolves into the grain of the wood and creates more resonance throughout the instrument. Isbell chose a thin finish and left off the pickguard - all design details that have one common goal – to make it loud. Mission Accomplished! Isbell also added a personal touch by including a custom inlay of one of his tattoos at the twelfth fret.
Martin D18 Jason Isbell Dreadnought Acoustic Electric Guitar Specifications
Model: D-18 Jason Isbell
Construction: Dovetail Neck Joint
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Top Material: Adirondack Spruce
Top Detail: None
Rosette: Multi-Stripe
Bracing Pattern: Rearward Shifted X Brace
Brace Shape: Scalloped
Brace Material: Adirondack Spruce
Brace Size: 5/16 inch
Back Material: Genuine Mahogany
Back Detail: None
Back Purfling/Strip: Style 18
Side Material: Genuine Mahogany
Side Detail: None
Endpiece: Faux Tortoise
Endpiece Inlay: None
Binding: Black
Top Inlay Material: Multi-Stripe
Side Inlay Material: None
Back Inlay Material: None
Neck Material: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Shape: Authentic 1939
Neck Taper: Standard Taper
Plek: Yes
Nut Material: Bone
Headstock Shape: Solid with Square Taper
Headplate Material: Madagascar Rosewood
Headplate Logo Style: Script Old Style Overlay
Headplate Binding Material: None
Heelcap: Ebony
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Scale Length: 25.4 inches
Neck Joins Body At: 14th Fret
Number of Frets Total: 20
Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1 11/16 inches
Fingerboard Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8 inches
Fingerboard Inlay Material: Mother of Pearl
Fingerboard Inlay Style: Custom
Fingerboard Binding Material: None
Side Dots: Mother of Pearl
Back and Side Finish: Gloss
Back and Sides Color: Dark Mahogany
Finish Top: Gloss
Top Color: Clear
Finish Neck: Satin
Neck Color: Dark Mahogany
Bridge Material: Ebony
Bridge Style: Modern Pyramid - Drop in Saddle
Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8 inches
Saddle: Compensated Bone
Saddle Radius: 16 inches
Tuning Machines: Satin Pearl Open Gear
Recommended Strings: SP Phosphor Bronze Medium (MSP4200)