Bagnasco & Casati 1933 OM18 Shade Top 2020

Italian luthiers Andrea Bagnasco and Alessio Casati belong to a select group of guitar builders who have dedicated themselves entirely to reviving the legendary American acoustic guitars of the 'Golden Era'. Since 1995, they have been restoring, studying, and building instruments inspired by the iconic Martins and Gibsons from the period between the late 1920s and the mid-1940s. Their years of experience with original vintage guitars enable them to reproduce not only the construction and appearance, but above all the tonal character of these beloved instruments with exceptional accuracy. This 2020 1933 OM18 Shade Top is an impressive example of this.

Inspired by the 1933 Martin OM18, this guitar is built according to virtually the same construction principles as the original. The lightweight mahogany body is combined with a carefully selected European Red Spruce top, which is harvested using traditional methods and naturally dried for years. Bagnasco & Casati use only traditional materials, including hot hide glue for all wood joints, an extremely thin nitrocellulose lacquer, and a classic dovetail joint between neck and body. Even the celluloid pickguard is applied directly to the bare top before the lacquer is sprayed, entirely in accordance with the working methods of the 1930s. The result is an exceptionally light and responsive guitar with an open, dynamic tone, a fast attack, and the dry, woody projection for which the best pre-war Orchestra Models are renowned.

The construction process also testifies to an uncompromising approach. The most critical work, such as installing the bracing and assembling the body, takes place exclusively during the winter months, when humidity can be optimally controlled. Additionally, the builders deliberately choose a non-adjustable truss rod, entirely in line with early Martin guitars, because they believe this construction contributes to freer resonance and a more direct transfer of vibrations. This Bagnasco & Casati 1933 OM18 Shade Top is therefore much more than a tribute to a legendary design; it is an instrument in which historical craftsmanship, exceptional material selection, and a deep understanding of the pre-war building tradition come together.

The guitar has not been preserved merely as a collector's item, as the playing marks and dings reveal that it has been well played over the past few years. That is exactly how we like to see it with guitars that sound as good as this OM! The guitar is also well-maintained, as it is otherwise exceptionally clean. An Ameritage case ensures that you can transport the guitar safely.

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.