Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1937 Martin D-18

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It’s #FlatTopFriday!!! #GuitarOfTheDay: 1937 Martin D-18. Store manager, Mark Agnesi, showing you how our #MartinGuitar D-18 sounds like here at #NormansRareGuitars! For any questions you may have or price inquires please give us a call at 818-344-8300. So what do you guys think?
New website coming soon! Til then, check out our inventory on our Instagram at / normansrareguitars

[@RockHardRiffs]

I just about guarantee ol' Buster is looking down...thanking Mark for representing and telling Buster's story. What incredible tone. I can hear it still ringing out all the way over here in AZ

[@imgonnagetbanned]

That might be tinnitus, I'd be careful ;)

[@RockHardRiffs]

oh shit!

[@markhansen8078]

There is no way I am selling my grandfather's guitar. No way man.

[@superdriver777]

That's it, that's my dream guitar. Say what you will, but you can keep your Brazilian rosewood and fancy pearl/abalone/ivory appointments. All I want is aged mahogany and spruce, with nothing to prove and a tone to die for! Plus that history...man, I am one of those people who would sit there and learn every handwritten song by heart. That's what it's all about.

[@mountaineer_9619]

I can’t imagine having that passed down to me and selling it...smh... so much history down the family line. You couldn’t pry that from my cold, dead fingers!

[@rotom223]

BGeorge 304 she was loved by a musician once, hopefully this way she’ll be loved again. Guitar like that deserves to be played & heard.

[@mountaineer_9619]

Yeah true. Better than collecting dust I suppose. I’m sure they got a nice payday from it

[@erikwolfe9467]

I thought the same thing. Breaks my heart that this was sold. It belongs with the family. But it ended up in as good of hands as it could have.

[@DesertScorpionKSA]

It needs to be owned by a musician that will appreciate and play it.

[@emmaduncan2991]

some people just don't get it...

[@msspi764]

When I lived in Kentucky I jammed with several guys who had '30s early '40s Martins.. Some few had gone to Gruhns or some guitar and pawn shop and bought theirs, but most were hand-me-downs from their dad or grandad. A friend of mine had an early '40s D-18 he brought in every week, a hand me down from his father who had bought it new. Newbies would come into the jam and their jaws would drop. One said "That's a $40,000 guitar!" Jim said "Not to me, 'cause I'm not gonna sell it." It wasn't money to him, it was his guitar it was an extension of his hands, and that's all it was to him.

[@jayjuliecooper8882]

Gorgeous and beautiful sounding D-18. That’s what it’s all about right there.

[@thomasnettleton289]

It's a treat to see Mark have such reverence for a timeless piece of Americana. That guitar IS history. Now, it has a new life again because of Joel Whitehead and Norman's Rare Guitars. Somebody buy this D-18 and make sure it gets played for another 50 years at least.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Brother, listening to that guitar is like going to church. Saved for another day, by the power of music. Make a glorious noise. 🌞

[@barrysoetoro1543]

Kinda spooky how that old guitar has that certain something you can feel. Pre war Martins are like a legal drug that everybody wants. That's why they are so rare. They do take your mind off of your problems?

[@davidcampbell4174]

Amen

[@user-yp1gs8vz2l]

Whats the 2 songs he playef

[@ivanichev7590]

@@user-yp1gs8vz2l buddy, just cuz they demo guitars don't mean every single note is a "song", its a guitar demo for christ's sake

[@PicksPaints]

Good God that thing sounds AMAZING. For being 81 years old "Buster" has some serious magic and mojo! What a piece of history, and the log book to boot.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

That really is about as perfect an acoustic guitar as I've ever heard, and looks sooo beautiful.

[@angryheb1]

The notes just ring out of that thang!! So much history and so beautiful.

[@gidge34]

Wow, that sound is unbelievable

[@gunsandpoker7432]

Folding the book over on top of the paper that wasn’t completely flat, put a chill up my spine.

[@KorbenDenver]

The Mark abides... I don't know about you, but I take comfort in that. It's good to know he's out there, The Mark, takin' 'er easy for all us sinners.

[@goldwold]

Korben Schrock best comment ever! I do take comfort in it!

[@jbilly24]

Korben Schrock that guitar would really tie the room together.

[@GroovesAndLands]

That's the tune he's picking out, right? By Townes VZ? Sounded like it but wasn't sure...

[@scottie777777]

An exceptional GOTD...an outstanding guitar! What a sound!!! Truly a work of art, nothing less. One can feel the antiquity flowing outta this guitar.

[@sonofprovence]

This guitar comes with such a fascinating history. The book is worth as much as the guitar. Amazing. As far as the guitar is concerned, the note separation and volume seem phenomenal.

[@dwainmcbain5263]

I have a 2013 D-18 and I totally love it! And man this 37 is giving me tonal goosebumps. Don't know if it just the guitar or the rad name or the history...hell, its all of it!!! sounds so amazing! thnx for the vid!

[@ElkoSkate]

the D-18 is like a pepperoni pizza. it's a fricking classic.

[@mrpitiful27368]

Townes Van Zandt-style Dead Flowers on a ‘37 Martin? I must’ve died and gone to heaven. Excellent Flattop Friday, guys! Most excellent, indeed!

[@Normac1994]

This could be the best acoustic tone i've ever heard

[@user-yp1gs8vz2l]

Whats the songs

[@StevenAlwine]

Pre-WWII Martins really are something special. It's a slice of Americana, and the book is awesome. Someone needs to convince Jason Isbell to come out and scoop that thing up.

[@ditto1958]

Wow. I don’t care what year it’s from. Those Martins just sound waaaay better than any other brand of flattop on gotd.

[@ShaulGold]

First song: Dead Flowers - Townes Van Zandt. With all due respect for the stones. The best version of this song. Appeared on the soundtrack of Big Lebowski. Classic.

[@allanlaskeyguitar]

ShaulGold Townes Van Zandt is a national treasure.

[@msspi764]

Saw Lebowski last night on the big screen. Good to hear Dead Flowers again. I agree, Townes nailed it. No one else need apply.

[@ShaulGold]

Yes he is.

[@Claptonisgod33]

Greatest songwriter or all time imo

[@DaveMulo666]

The dude abides

[@crazyuncleduke8012]

Hole in the headstock was for a hootenanny strap button if anyone give a crap about it. :-)

[@anthonyc1883]

My gawd...you beat me to it, my friend! :-)

[@shawnterry373]

Damn knew someone on here would know. I think he's trolling he should know better.

[@russg.9348]

Times are a-changing for sure. They sure don't make 'em like they used to. Thank you.

[@BroKEnCaPSLoCk1]

100 years of crafting to get to that caliber of instrument in 1937, that's a real lesson in passion and perseverance. Probably the best sounding guitar I've ever heard...

[@antioche6276]

That freaking guitar. That guitar is probably the best sounding acoustic guitar you played on the show in a long time. It smells life and passion.

[@catfishmudflap]

That was amazing. Thank you Mark, Jen and Buster!

[@soopr38]

Man that's as effen cool as it gets! What an amazing treasure. FTF has hit a new pinicle. Well done Mark and Jen 👍👏

[@burtbackattack]

I don't play and know nothing about guitars but that was amazing. Thanks for schooling me, what a fantastic history.

[@ASennaFan]

Wow, that sounds phenomenal. Beautiful tone.

[@joeygonzo]

If I were the grandson, I'd freaking learn how to play it right .

[@jonkerr2050]

I’m actually doing that very thing. I found out my 94 year old grandpa who’s on hospice is leaving me his early 1950s Gibson acoustic. I remember that guitar as a kid. So I’m starting lessons and learning all I can at 42 years old.

[@devanshsoni8622]

@@jonkerr2050 woww, I appreciate you...

[@dhillmad]

Nothing sounds better!

[@willbollman6246]

Why on earth would someone part with such an incredible family heirloom?

[@alan4sure]

The kid is probably into gaming and rap. In other words, nothing between his ears.

[@imaseeker100]

hmmmm....let me think

[@wheninroamful]

@@alan4surehopefully the kid is less cynical and ‘negative leaning’ than other people.

[@Chrispy_tV]

"have a look at this book of old documents and watch as I FOLD AND CRUSH all of them" lol. Thanks guys! Byeeee 🎸🔥🎸🔥

[@braydengrimaldi6644]

Christopher Violante seriously frustrating to watch.

[@rusty5hi]

He does handle things harshly. At the end of him showing off the lyric sheets and just cramming them back into an 80 year album made me shudder. He handles/plays the instruments in the same manner. Amazing chunk of history tho'.

[@Zelomeisterdude]

Mark does seem to work by the old adage: "It's not mine, so what's it matter?"

[@Chrispy_tV]

Rusty Luthe man you guys really let loose on old mark here. I was cracking a joke. I'm pretty sure the guy handles the instruments fine. These aren't newborn babies. They are instruments made to be played by musicians. CALM THE FUCK DOWN EVERYONE

[@danherrick5785]

He's too busy being too cool to care...

[@stephenhuber1079]

Beautiful music from 1937.

[@SingSurfStrum]

Love me some Lemmo, Mark was the king of KZbin guitar presenters

[@TheRockyhockey007]

that sounds spectacular , every string every note clear as a bell , so cool , and with all that memorabilia , about as cool as it gets , great camera work Jen , great demo , great guitar , the best flat top friday in a while , . that right there is the shit

[@pacificgreen9690]

What a perfect song for that guitar. Love Townes Van Zandt and The Rolling Stones. That's the tone everyone's chasing today.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Now THIS is preservation stuff! One to cherish. Thank you Mark for honoring it with just the right kind of tunes...

[@campfirecrooner]

One of the most incredible pre war Martins I've heard on guitar of the day. Amazing!!!!

[@MrBoris7910]

Absolutely my dream guitar!

[@gben2457]

Amazing tone.

[@toneman335]

I played a Martin 1937 D-18 at Mandolin Bros, in NYC, at least 10 years ago. It was dead as the proverbial "Door Nail"! That's when I learned that vintage or old doesn't mean great!

[@johnsmith-bk4ps]

They get dead from sitting..need beat back into life. Or some dingo 'made a repair"

[@ogjoseywales1823]

Love the Townes Van Zandt tune!!

[@justinray9895]

Damn! That sounded so crisp and clear!

[@donaldholman9070]

You play that great old guitar so fine..you do it justice!

[@trapperkcmo3460]

when you shine, you really shine; both of you. which reminds me, ozark mountain daredevils or little feet sometime, please. the guitar with proof of its cred as a worker? priceless. looks like 80 years of salty ocean breeze has been good for it.

[@douglasphillips2079]

I love these common guitar videos! What a great history that you get with this instrument. Great video Mark and Jen! Thank you!

[@jaredfreeman8572]

Cant imagine why someone would want to get rid of something that belonged to their grandfather. But hopefully it will be passed to some good hands and be cherished

[@jimfitzgerald6510]

Jenn gettin creative with the camera angles. Woohoo!!

[@maxwellfan55]

Still missin' Mark's funk.

[@jamesbaker4077]

Love the camera work almost as much as the guitar

[@kathyharvey6609]

Beautiful in every way. Thank you

[@DLawrenceMarketing]

Nice history with that guitar. Tone like no other Mr. Agnesi

[@JtotheP68]

That was amazing. I've learnt so much from flat top Friday. Thank you Mark and Jen

[@anthonynonya]

OMG that is so cool. GOTD one ups its self once again.

[@moritzprivat7325]

That guitar is the most rad thing I've ever seen ! So dig it

[@BookClubDisaster]

Holy shit. What a sound.

[@bassnm8]

Amazing sounding guitar

[@allyearclan]

COME GATHER ROUND PEOPLEEEE, WHEREEVER YOU ROOAOAOAMMMMMM Thanks for that mark ive been waiting to hear some dylan for too long!

[@shawnterry373]

10:50 see how the pick guard was worn out. Buster was a real one. Lobe this Martin and it's story.

[@mattcardwell1506]

That thing is a cannon. Awesome sound and projection...its got it all. There's a reason those instruments are worth uber money.

[@greensombrero3641]

i was lost in the forest, the forest of guitar necks.... nice!

[@2000coddoc]

Such clarity...

[@leesanders6490]

My dad had the same model. It may have been a couple of years older. My uncle borrowed it one day and the next day his house burned down. That was twenty five years ago and I still grieve for that guitar.

[@danherrick5785]

At least it got a cremation...

[@user-yp1gs8vz2l]

What song does he play

[@cramster3495]

Wonderful, thanks Mark. I wish I had one I could pass on to my grandson.

[@kellyc2425]

It's just a used D-18 to me. Martin is making the best guitars in their 187 year history RIGHT NOW. My 2015 D-18 is pure magic.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

If you had one resonating against your body with the wood so worn in that it actually feels half the weight... you'd understand. I appreciate your enthusiasm for the new works of art though - they are undeniably sweet in a different way.

[@imaseeker100]

have to agree with you there. and neck resets are mostly a relic of the past.

[@williamcole9040]

SO IS MY D35 REIMAGINED 2019 SUNBURST!

[@jam00723]

Baby Jesus what a great week for GOTD. I can’t believe that bass is still around.

[@rickycarter7154]

Buster's guitar kicks ass!!! Seriously, probably the best `18 I've heard.

[@gouldbergvariations]

When a guitar is so good a simple 3 chord progression just sounds good.

[@williamanderson3402]

Such a beauty.

[@michaelmerritt1722]

Excellent! Nice history. Thanks Mark! Thanks Buster! Byeeeeeee Jen!!

[@MrCrystalcranium]

Wow...what a sound!!!!

[@GuitarlosCarlos]

OMG THE GUITAR & STORY & HISTORY, THE TONE WOODS AND THE CRAFTSMANSHIP !! TOGETHER IT WAS MASSIVE THE THING THAT GOT ME THE MOST WAS BUSTER... I WOULD LOVE MOST OF ALL TO REWRITE NEW MELODIES TO HIS HEARTFELT LYRICS FELLOW BROTHER BUSTER THE TONES, CLARITY AND ABILITY OF THIS GUITAR TO RISE, SWELL & CHIME OUT SMOOTH FLOWING WAVES OF BEAUTIFUL CHORDS RINGING SINGLE NOTES & PERCUSSIVE BRILLIANCE IS BEYOND CRAFTSMANSHIP & TALENT OR ONE'S ABILITY WHAT A FUCKING GUITAR BUSTER IS ALIVE IN HIS FATHERS INSTRUMENT HE'S STILL IN THE LYRICS HE'S STILL IN THE WOOD ✔️ BUSTER'S NOT ALONE ALONE I'M RIGHT THERE WITH HIM I ONLY REGRET THAT THE GRANDSON DID'NT CARRY ON CARLOS GUITARLOS USA HIGHLAND PARK L.A. 90042

[@TroubadourJuggernaut]

people say "why does that cost so much my "taylor" sounds better" ahhhh NO IT DOESN'T !! wow a beauty.

[@jeffhollidy5194]

Wonderful tone sweet old Martin

[@cheryllakin3077]

Holy moley !!!! What volume and tone!!! I actually had to turn my volume down!!!!.....wish I could afford this one😎🎼🎻🎵

[@larscasteen]

Dear lord, that's a beautiful sounding guitar

[@bernarino5942]

Sounds awesome!

[@IHATEYANKS41]

That is THE acoustic sound, sounds so big as if it’s plugged in !

[@jimmyv6703]

Yeh # 2 Dylan's, "The Times They Are A Changin"!

[@adriannasanchez468]

I bought a new d18 this year with all the same specs. Golden era bracing, Adi top, ebony, etc... It doesn't sound nearly this big and open though. I'm really hoping mine opens up over the years and sounds like this eventually. Absolutely perfect sounds. Adi and mahogany is the ultimate combo

[@copierguy1961A]

Wow, what an amazing sound...

[@thomasrichmond601]

How cool is this video, thanks for sharing the history of this one Mark ✌️ Jen great color on this one, thanks my favorite videographer 🌷 byeeeeee

[@Bigdave_t4]

that sings lovely!! what a classic

[@PDInfantryman]

Watch out, Jen. There are guitars EVERYWHERE in that place.

[@gerrys4593]

What a beauty thanks Mark

[@tangoalfa1970]

What a treasure.

[@deancandia1897]

museum quality my brother

[@dwsnsgp]

It is a shame the family did not keep it...

[@bronx0804]

Sounds Amazing!

[@zankyalbo2208]

What a sound ... thanks, BUSTER

[@chord972]

Wow, what MUSIC!

[@jeffrey3498]

Holy smokes, that's a keeper. Nice review too 👍.

[@guitarocd9984]

Oh yeah!!!

[@globalwarmingltd1339]

I feel like I say this bout every single one of your videos, but You have a real beauty in Stock there, my friends!

[@gaetanb.]

Great guitar, great playing and great job Jen :-) thanks!

[@walterwhiting9970]

OMG ! Incredible

[@johneason6540]

Another guitar with haunting h oh story. Were was it played at. I bet a bunch of smoky,noisy cowboy bars. Wow. You which I understood the scalloped bracing you explained on how that brought The volume and bass up the sound. Awesome as always.

[@SUPERSCUMDK]

This is so awesome it gives me chills!

[@user-yp1gs8vz2l]

You maybe know the songs

[@chadhutsell8847]

What an incredible piece of history. Sounded about perfect. Call vince gill. Bet he would be interested in this one! Fantasyic episode of GOTD. Thank you.

[@nicklyde4361]

Sheer beauty....