Description Product Description This D-18E is based on the best old-school D-18's in the world. It sports the classic spruce top/mahogany back and sides combination for projection and warmth. The dovetail neck joint is the same as the vintage D-18's. It lends a huge advantage both structurally and tonally. Martin's old dreadnoughts have forward shifted scalloped X-bracing, and that's exactly what's under the top of this guitar. This bracing technique allows the top to vibrate more freely than other styles, enriching the low-end and enhancing the guitar's overall clarity and volume. The neck on this guitar is a departure from the vintage accuracy of the rest of the design, but I guarantee your hand will thank you. It's Martin's low oval profile with a Performing Artist taper, a cozy design that you can play for hours without tiring. There's also a great pickup system in this guitar - the Fishman F1 Aura Plus. Specially designed by Larry Fishman for these vintage-vibed Martins, this system replicates the sound of putting a good mic in front your guitar. You can run full piezo or a blend of piezo and mic imaging, and there are specific mic options to choose from. This guitar is for today's player who wants true Martin sound on a gig-ready guitar.