$5,290

The Martin D-18 is more than a guitar; it’s a cornerstone of American music. First introduced in the 1930s, this iconic dreadnought set a standard for acoustic guitars with its elegant simplicity, robust build, and unparalleled tonal clarity. Crafted with a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, the D-18 delivers a crisp, warm tone with exceptional projection—a sound that has resonated through the heart of bluegrass music for generations

What made the D-18 transformative for bluegrass was its ability to cut through dense musical arrangements. Its dreadnought body shape and punchy midrange gave it the rhythmic drive and melodic clarity that became synonymous with the genre. Lightweight yet sturdy, it became a trusted companion for bluegrass legends, solidifying its legacy as the voice of a movement.

For John Chapman, a well-known bluegrass musician and one third of the Chapman Brothers, his 1940s dreadnought embodied everything the D-18 stood for. Its tone had shaped his performances for decades, making it an irreplaceable part of his music. But when he entrusted this vintage treasure to Bedell Guitars, a bold and meticulous journey began—one that sought not just to replicate an iconic guitar but to reimagine its soul.

The Bedell Custom Shop in Bend, Oregon, approached the challenge with their renowned Sound Optimization technology and artisan craftsmanship. Every detail of John’s guitar was measured: the wood dimensions, finish thickness, and tonal frequencies were analyzed with scientific precision. The goal? To create a new instrument that echoed the spirit of John’s cherished dreadnought while showcasing Bedell’s commitment to excellence.

Deviating from their standard voicing targets, the Bedell team handcrafted a dreadnought that mirrored the tonal qualities of John’s vintage guitar. Using the same tonewoods and components, their luthiers hand-voiced the guitar to capture the nuanced frequencies and unique sound dynamics that made the original so special.

When the new guitar arrived back in John’s hands, it exceeded even his highest expectations. “This guitar began as a proof of concept, but it’s evolved into something far greater. It captures all the vintage character we were after—modeled after my own 1940 D-18—yet it adds so much more: modern features, enhanced comfort, and exceptional playability. Honestly, I think it’s one of the finest guitars to emerge in the last decade.”

This special Bedell dreadnought is more than a tribute to the Martin D-18; it’s a testament to the timeless connection between tradition and innovation. Crafted with precision, passion, and a deep respect for the music it serves, the guitar stands as a bridge between the past and future of bluegrass, carrying the soul of an era into a new generation of music.