This guitar just arrived as a consignment from a local, long time owner. Here is the information he shared with me. He purchased the guitar from Jon Lundberg in Berkeley. That could have been 50 years ago. For more information on Lundberg's, please consult the information superhighway. (c.G.S.) Lundberg's guitar shop was an important and inaugural place in the vintage guitar world. I have been told that the braces in this D 18 were shaved before the current owner purchased and that would jive with the culture at Lundberg's shop. I have not yet confirmed that detail.. The guitar does sound great. There is an additional clear pick guard added on the bass side of the guitar, I hope you can see it in the pictures provided.