n the 70's I was fortunate enough to own a 1938 Martin 00018, my pride and joy. It was better recieved than I was. However I unfortunately had to sell it to keep a roof over my head. A couple of years ago I bought a new 00018 but it was not the same. Does the years dim the memory or do they not make 'um like they use to?

Two points:

1) In the thirties and early forties Martins were more lightly braced. When people started trying to use them for rhythm in string band settings, they strung them with heavier and heavier strings and beat on them harder. Martin started getting more warranty claims than they could afford. So they beefed up the bracing. That made the guitars more durable, but hurt the sound. Now they're selling the more lightly braced models again, as "vintage" versions, at a premium price. Doesn't seem quite fair, but what do I know about merchandising?

2) There is no quick way to duplicate the effect of 40 years of aging and being played, on guitar wood. None.

If you'd kept the '38, you could probably sell it now and buy a couple of houses, live in one and collect rent on the other...

Peter