1896 Martin 00-28 Conversion

Natural, a gorgeous 125-year-old Brazilian Rosewood back and sides used to build a custom shop 00-28H.

Let’s begin with an 1896 Martin brought to us in its original Martin coffin case. Martin was only 63 years old. We saw the original top and neck could not be saved so the customer sent it back to the Martin factory. Together they decided to build a 00-28 over the existing body. A matching set of Brazilian Rosewood is expensive, but 125-year-old Brazilian is nearly impossible to find.

Someone asked us if it was a Hawaiian, so to clarify the original back and sides were made into a 00-size and Martin made it a herringbone 00-28 (plus Hawaiian guitars came about 20 years later).

Notes from CF Martin are in the case: Adirondack Spruce top with Authentic thickness, Authentic herringbone inlays, forward shifted scalloped braces set up for steel strings. Also maple bridge plate, 1930 OM-45 deluxe neck shape. 24.9” scale, Jescar Gold frets, ebony fingerboard, 1 13/16” nut width, style 42 snowflake abalone inlays, 45 level Abalone Torch headstock inlay (wow). Full gloss thin finish, vintage toner, pyramid bridge with long saddle. All hide glue construction and the original ivory binding from the original guitar was saved.

So really a newish Custom Shop Brazilian Rosewood 12 fret 00-42 with 42 inlays Authentic with ancient book-matched Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. Small-bodied 12-fret guitars are hot right now. This guitar on consignment with factory paperwork.