Art, Longworth was probably pissed cause now he'd have to add another page to his book "Martin Guitars: A History" in the weird stuff chapter.

Anyhoo. If anyone's looking for a nice player-grade 1952 000-18, fully restored at a very good price, have a look at this.
1952 Martin 000-18

Its in the Kingston Guitar Shop, Kingston Ontario; I tried it out last weekend. When Gord Mylks, the store proprietor, got the guitar it had no fingerboard! So he very sensibly installed an adjustable truss rod, as well as new fingerboard and frets of course. Gord does very good work (apprenticed with the legendary Rufus Stewart) and is a really nice guy to deal with.

A great sounding and playing guitar--just rings for days. Action is currently set a bit higher than my preference, but still quite good. There has been, in the past, a fair amount of damage to the back and sides, which was repaired and refinished (also in the past--the top is original and unrefinished) but the past damage is quite visible.

Asking price is $2950 Cdn (about $2400 US). This guitar deserves a real folkie owner, it has tons of soul. Compared with the price of 40's and 50's 000's listed elsewhere now, I'd buy this in a flash if I could remotely justify it...which I can't. Have a look, fellow nerds.

W-O