D-18
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.Wanda Jackson, known as the “Queen of Rockabilly,” was one of the women who led the first generation of rock and roll. In an era that expected female performers to be docile and sweet, Jackson defied gendered expectations with her powerful vocal delivery and commanding rhythm playing. She made regular appearances with her customized Martin D-18 on radio programs and television shows such as Tex Ritter’s Ranch Party, Ozark Jubilee, and Town Hall Party, and she played it in her Capitol Records sessions. Jackson’s hits included versions of “Let’s Have a Party,” “Hard Headed Woman,” and “Fujiyama Mama.”
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 front and gold C.F. Martin & Co. logo decal; nickel-chrome tuners, rosewood bridge, celluloid tortoiseshell pickguard; “Wanda Jackson” handpainted on lower treble bout with sequined stars
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 front and gold C.F. Martin & Co. logo decal; nickel-chrome tuners, rosewood bridge, celluloid tortoiseshell pickguard; “Wanda Jackson” handpainted on lower treble bout with sequined stars
Artwork Details
- Title: D-18
- Artist: C. F. Martin & Co.
- Artist: Wanda Jackson (American, Maud, Oklahoma, born 1937)
- Date: 1950
- Geography: Nazareth, Pennsylvania, United States
- Medium: Spruce,mahogany, rosewood metal, plastic
- Dimensions: Length: 40 3/8 in. (102.6 cm)
Width: 15 3/4 in. (40 cm)
Depth: 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm)
Weight: 4-6 lbs. - Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-fretted
- Credit Line: Courtesy of Wanda Jackson
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments