D-18 (serial no. 80221)

Elvis Presley American
1942
Not on view
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
Elvis Presley was primarily a vocalist, but his instruments were an important part of his iconography in promotional photos and posters, and he also frequently played guitars like this Martin D-18. Early in his career, he sang with the lead guitarist Scotty Moore, whose creative solos influenced many subsequent players. In the legendary 1955 Sun Studios sessions, Elvis used this D-18 as a rhythm guitar, his aggressive strumming providing a strong accompaniment to Moore on electric guitar and Bill Black on bass.

Technical Description:
Flat spruce top with round sound hole; mahogany back, sides, and neck, rosewood fingerboard; 25½ in. scale; natural finish with white and black binding; set neck with abalone dot inlays; headstock with rosewood veneer and gold C.F. Martin & Co. logo decal; nickel-chrome tuners, rosewood bridge, celluloid tortoiseshell pickguard; metallic “ELVIS” stickers attached to body (missing “S”)

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: D-18 (serial no. 80221)
  • Artist: C. F. Martin & Co.
  • Artist: Elvis Presley (American, 1935–1977)
  • Date: 1942
  • Geography: Nazareth, Pennsylvania, United States
  • Medium: Spruce, mahogany, rosewood, metal, plastic
  • Dimensions: Length: 40 1/2 in. (102.9 cm)
    Width: 15 5/8 in. (39.7 cm)
    Depth: 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
    Weight: ~5-6 lbs.
  • Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
  • Credit Line: Collection of Michael and Barbara Malone
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments