Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle Signature Acoustic Guitar - Sunburst | No Limit Guitar Co, Idaho Falls

The Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle honors both the Grammy-winning guitarist's artistry and Martin's storied dreadnought legacy. Inspired by Molly's cherished 1943 D-18, this signature model features rear-shifted scalloped bracing for exceptional balance, an authentic 1940s neck profile with 1 11/16" nut width favored by bluegrass flatpickers, and custom moon phase inlays in genuine mother-of-pearl. Built with solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, and premium ebony appointments, this dreadnought delivers the punch, clarity, and tonal complexity that made the D-18 a bluegrass icon. Complete with vintage sunburst finish, silver script headplate logo, oval tuner buttons, and a vintage-style light blue molded hardshell case, this is a true artist model that captures Molly Tuttle's vision and playing style.

Product Overview

The Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle showcases traditional D-14 Fret dreadnought construction featuring a solid spruce top with vintage sunburst finish and solid mahogany back and sides in dark mahogany. The top features multi-stripe inlay detail with brown faux tortoise binding, while the guitar's rear-shifted scalloped bracing (GE-scalloped) enhances tonal balance and clarity—perfect for the dynamic range required in flatpicking and fingerstyle performance. The Old Style 18 multi-stripe rosette and Style 18 back purfling maintain authentic vintage appointments that honor Martin's golden era.

The genuine mahogany neck features the authentic 1941 shape with standard taper and satin finish—the slim, fast profile Molly depends on for her virtuosic playing. At 1 11/16" nut width with bone nut, this neck provides the precise string spacing favored by bluegrass players while remaining comfortable for extended playing sessions. The ebony fingerboard showcases Molly's signature moon phase inlays in genuine mother-of-pearl, bringing celestial artistry to every position across the 25.4-inch scale length.

Premium appointments include an ebony bridge with modern belly style and drop-in saddle, compensated bone saddle with 16" radius, ebony bridge pins, and nickel open gear tuners with custom oval buttons. The East Indian rosewood headplate features a silver script overlay logo, while brown faux tortoise binding, heelcap, and endpiece complete the vintage aesthetic. Dovetail neck joint construction ensures optimal resonance and sustain, while the included vintage-style light blue molded hardshell case adds another layer of 1970s-inspired character to this exceptional signature model.

Ideal For

• Bluegrass flatpickers seeking authentic D-18 tone with player-focused neck dimensions
• Fingerstyle guitarists who appreciate balanced response and clear note separation
• Molly Tuttle fans wanting her professional specs and signature appointments
• Acoustic purists demanding traditional mahogany dreadnought sound with modern playability
• Collectors seeking a signature model that honors both artist and Martin heritage

Key Features

Rear-Shifted Scalloped Bracing

The rear-shifted X-brace pattern with GE-scalloped 5/16" spruce braces enhances tonal balance and clarity while maintaining the power and projection D-18s are known for. This modified bracing configuration provides exceptional dynamic response, allowing Molly's intricate flatpicking runs and crosspicking patterns to ring clear while delivering the warmth and depth essential for rhythm work.

Authentic 1940s Neck Profile with 1 11/16" Nut Width

The authentic 1941 neck shape with standard taper and slim 1 11/16" nut width offers the fast, comfortable feel preferred by bluegrass players and fingerstyle artists. This narrower nut width—combined with the vintage neck profile—provides effortless playability for complex chord voicings and rapid single-note runs while maintaining the 2 1/8" width at the 12th fret for comfortable upper register access.

Solid Spruce Top with Solid Mahogany Back and Sides

Traditional solid spruce and solid mahogany construction delivers the quintessential D-18 voice: punchy midrange, clear treble articulation, and warm bass response with excellent note separation. This time-tested tonewood combination provides the tonal complexity and projection that has made the D-18 a bluegrass standard for generations, with vintage sunburst finish adding visual depth and character.

Custom Moon Phase Inlays

Molly's signature moon phase fingerboard inlays in genuine mother-of-pearl celebrate her unique artistic identity while providing elegant position markers across the ebony fretboard. These distinctive celestial designs set this signature model apart visually while honoring Molly's connection to nature and her individualistic approach to traditional music.

Vintage-Inspired Appointments and Case

Premium details including silver script headplate logo, custom oval tuner buttons, brown faux tortoise binding and appointments, and Old Style 18 rosette honor Martin's golden era aesthetic. The included vintage-style light blue molded hardshell case—reminiscent of cases from the 1970s—adds another layer of nostalgic charm while providing superior protection.

What's Included

• Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle signature acoustic guitar
• Vintage-style light blue molded hardshell case
• Martin Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Paper label with printed Molly Tuttle signature, numbered in sequence

Technical Specifications

Get Your Hands on This Acoustic Guitar Today

Visit No Limit Guitar Co in Idaho Falls to experience the balanced tone, vintage character, and exceptional playability of the Martin D-18 Molly Tuttle signature model. Our knowledgeable staff can help you explore how this artist-inspired dreadnought brings together Martin's heritage craftsmanship with Molly's player-focused specifications. Contact us today or stop by our Idaho Falls guitar store to make this Grammy-winning guitarist's vision part of your own musical journey.