Specimen 036

Super D-18

Martin's oversized Super Dreadnought body joins the Standard Series for the first time, in an all-solid spruce and mahogany build at $3,399.

Watch

Alamo Music Center puts the Super D-18 directly against a standard D-18, which is the clearest way to hear what the extra air volume does, and Empire Music filmed one live at NAMM 2026.

Why it matters

The body has about 20% more internal air volume than a standard dreadnought, and Martin claims up to 12dB more output. Solid spruce over genuine mahogany with forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped X-bracing keeps the D-18 recipe, with a 1.75 in nut width and an ebony fingerboard and bridge. It is a regular Standard Series model rather than a limited run, announced ahead of NAMM 2026 and handcrafted in Nazareth, PA.

Note

Announced ahead of NAMM 2026, the Super D-18 brings Martin's oversized Super Dreadnought body into the Standard Series for the first time. The larger body is claimed to add up to 12dB of output versus a standard dreadnought.

Specifications

• solid spruce top
• genuine mahogany back and sides
• forward-shifted Golden Era scalloped X-bracing
• about 20% more internal air volume than a standard Dreadnought
• ebony fingerboard and bridge
• 1.75 in nut width
• handcrafted in Nazareth, PA

Before you buy

• About 20% more internal air volume than a standard dreadnought, so check it still fits your case
• the 12dB output figure is a manufacturer claim, so compare it with a D-18 in person if you can
• all-solid spruce and mahogany needs the same humidity care as any solid-wood acoustic

Sources

• sweetwater.com
• martinguitar.com