For many enthusiasts, C.F. Martin & Co. has been building some of the world’s finest guitars for over 180 years. The company pioneered manufacturing techniques and features that have become industry standards, including X-bracing, the 14-fret neck joint and the dreadnought body shape. Remaining true to its founder’s philosophy, Martin continues to rely on skilled craftsmanship and a highly trained workforce. More contemporary designs and approaches now allow Martin to maintain its position as a global leader in professional acoustic guitars, without compromising its core models or legendary quality.
This Custom Shop Martin CS 00-18 Ltd High Altitude Swiss Spruce represents a refined and highly balanced interpretation of the 00 body shape. Inspired by the look and spirit of the historic 00-18 models, it reflects a Custom Shop approach focused on responsiveness, clarity and nuance. Its compact size is designed for precision rather than sheer projection, yet the resonance of the Alpine Swiss spruce top fills the room in a surprisingly generous way.
The top, made from high-altitude Alpine spruce, delivers a fast, well-structured response with excellent dynamic control. Paired with solid mahogany back and sides, it produces a centred, highly readable tonal range: controlled lows, rich and present mids, and clear highs that never become brittle. The 00 format reinforces this sense of balance, allowing each note to speak naturally, with clean articulation in both chord work and melodic playing.
The neck offers exceptional comfort, with a GE Modified Low Oval profile, short scale length and satin finish that promote a smooth, natural feel. The guitar is immediately inviting under the fingers, with well-managed string tension and ergonomics that encourage extended playing sessions, whether detailed fingerstyle or subtle vocal accompaniment. The overall impression is one of stability and precision, without stiffness, allowing hours of fatigue-free playing.
Purely acoustic, the CS 00-18 relies entirely on its natural voice. It does not aim for spectacle, but for tonal coherence, controlled dynamics and faithful response to touch. This is a guitar with real character, ideal for players who value expressiveness and subtlety, and who seek Martin Custom Shop build quality in a compact, elegant format.
2-year warranty from our workshop.
