For the first in the new Golden Era¬ Series of pre-war reproductions, Martin chose the 1937 Martin D-18. All the bracing measurement and accurate colorings are from the original D-18. Other pre-war specs are: a spruce top with mahogany back and sides, ebony bridge and fingerboard, abalone dot inlays, black bridge pins and a hand-beveled and hand polished tortoise colored pickguard. Martin has actually used the original 1937 "C.F. Martin" hot stamp from the Martin museum in order to burn in the "Nazareth, PA" logo on the back center brace.

The headstock, squared and tapered in the original style, has a Brazilian rosewood head plate, original decal logo and chrome "butterbean" tuners. One modern touch is the Martin adjustable truss rod that has been thoroughly concealed to maintain the instrument's vintage appearance.