From the Factory, Players | August 21, 2024
Hank Williams’ Honky-Tonk Treasure: The 1947 Martin D-18
Welcome back to our series taking you on a journey through the Martin Museum, spotlighting some of the most iconic guitars played by legendary artists. In this post, we're diving into the story of Hank Williams' 1947 D-18 – a guitar that witnessed the heart and soul of country music.
Hiram “Hank” Williams is as synonymous with country music as the guitar itself. In a career that spanned less than a decade, he wrote some of the most memorable country songs of all time, including “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” “I Saw the Light,” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” and influenced countless musicians.
Hank's love for Martin guitars was evident, as he owned several throughout his career. But among these, this 1947 D-18 holds a special place.
Hillbilly Shakespeare Meets His Martin
Purchased from Art’s Music Shop in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1947, this D-18 quickly became one of Hank's primary instruments. According to Martin Archives and Museum Manager Jason Ahner, “Art's was kind of like his go-to music store, and he bought a number of instruments from there.”
Hank’s affinity for Martin guitars was well-known. “Throughout his career, Hank used various Martin guitars. The D-18, a couple of D-28s, a D-45, a 00-18 that was customized with all this different pearl on it,” Jason adds. “There are some other brands you see him playing in concert photos or promotional photos, but most of the time he was holding a Martin.”
A Journey Through Time
Hank's D-18 wasn't just a guitar – it was a companion through his short-lived musical journey. “He ended up trading it to a friend of his named Curley Williams,” said Jason. “It was kind of common for musicians, especially country musicians, to give guitars away or trade guitars.” Curley played the D-18 for several years, and after his passing, the guitar went to his daughter and was eventually auctioned at Christie's, where Martin acquired it.
This D-18 is more than just a relic – it's a piece of living history. “I'm pretty sure [Hank] played it at the Opry and the Louisiana Hayride,” Jason notes. “There's also a photo along the tour route in our factory of him playing a D-18 that happens to be this guitar.”
Hank’s Legacy on Display
Visitors to the Martin factory in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, are drawn to this guitar, prominently displayed at the start of the factory tour route, right next to a piece of art featuring Hank and the American flag. “It’s the perfect place to display it and showcase such a special guitar,” Jason explains. “When it comes to country music, Hank Williams is one of those legendary figures.”
The emotional impact of seeing Hank's D-18 up close is profound. Jason recalls one memorable experience: “A few years ago there were two guys that drove down from Canada, probably in their 30s. They were huge Hank Williams fans who came just to see this guitar. So, I took it out of the case and gave it to them. The one guy just started crying. It meant that much to him.”
The Martin Dreadnought: A Country Music Icon
Hank's guitar looks like any other standard 1947 D-18, complete with plenty of player wear and classic country buckle rash, except for one thing – the bridge pins. “The different colored black and white bridge pins were kind of something with Hank,” said Jason. “I don't know if he would lose them or what, but I've seen a few of his guitars where there are mismatched bridge pins. One of his D-28s was like that, too.”
Not only is this guitar a testament to the enduring legacy of Hank Williams, but it also represents the timeless appeal of Martin guitars. “A lot of the musicians at the pinnacle of country music play Martin guitars,” Jason said. “It's just kind of a go-to guitar. And it really started when Martin started building 14-fret Dreadnoughts. That was just the body size that worked for them.”
More from Martin
Hank Williams’ storied relationship with Martin guitars is a reminder of the profound connection between artist and instrument, a connection that continues to inspire musicians and fans today.
To learn more about the amazing collection of instruments and artifacts on display in our museum, check out the Martin Guitar video series Behind the Glass, which includes an episode on Hank’s 1947 D-18 that’s also available to watch below.
Also, make sure if you’re ever pulling into Nazareth to stop by and visit the Martin Museum, see these historic guitars for yourself, and take a factory tour.
Stay tuned for future blog posts, where we’ll continue our journey through the Martin Museum, exploring more iconic guitars and the stories they tell. Until then, keep strumming, and keep the music playing.
