This is a very rare Martin Steve Howe 00-18SH Limited Edition acoustic guitar, number 163 of only 250 made.

This beautiful small-body Martin is based on Steve Howe’s much-loved 1953 00-18 and was produced in Nazareth in 1999. It features an Engelmann spruce top with hand-scalloped bracing, paired with solid mahogany back and sides. The result is a wonderfully responsive, open and articulate tone with far more volume than you might expect from a guitar of this size.

The neck has Martin’s comfortable low-profile carve – not too slim and not too chunky – and a 1 11/16" nut width, making it an easy and familiar feel for most players. As you’d expect from a 00 Grand Concert size Martin, it’s lightweight, well-balanced and extremely comfortable to play, whether seated or standing.

Each of these very special guitars was personally signed by Steve Howe and Chris Martin IV, adding an extra layer of provenance to an already rare limited edition.

Condition is excellent, with very few signs of use. There are some extremely light playing marks and surface swirls, but you really have to look hard to find anything of note, other than a clearly cared-for and well-loved instrument. The frets show minimal wear, have plenty of life left, and are nicely polished and crowned.

We are big fans of Steve Howe here at Motomusic, and it’s an honour to have one of his signature models pass through the shop.

The guitar is supplied with its original high-quality Martin hardshell case.

Martin 00-18SH Steve Howe Limited Edition 163/250 1999 - Engleman Top