1929 Martin 000-28 12 Fret

Natural, VG++. If incredible tone is what you’re after this Martin from the golden era might be something you need. It has a huge bloom to each note that is immediate with long sustain. It is touch sensitive and well balanced so its easy to control its amazing volume. A guitar most acoustics wish they’d grow up to become. Old growth book matched Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Spruce top, forward shifted and scalloped braced with herringbone trim. Want more? Read on.

The 000-28 was offered in gut string from 1902 until 1925 when steel strings were optional. In 1928 steel string became standard and the golden era was born. In late 1929 Martin offered the belly bridge as standard and a small pickguard as optional. This late 1929 has the original pickguard but a repro bridge. In the mid 30’s the 000-28 went to a smaller body and 14 fret construction. The 12 fret was still made to order.

It has a 25.4” scale, 1 7/8” nut width, diamond and square inlays. The sound hole inlay with 5-9-5 layers. The old growth mahogany neck has a soft V profile.

It has the original finish with overspray, three repaired cracks on the back, a new logo on the front with the original on back. It has been professionally refretted with bar frets and are in great shape. Also has a new bone nut and saddle and a new ebony bridge. Looks like a repaired heel crack and has a pro neck reset with a tall saddle and good action.

Martin shipped 85 of these in 1929 the year the great depression began. They only shipped 2 in 1930. Comes with a nice 1940’s 000 hard case.

We’ll say this last thing. Martin had brand new Martin Authentics with Brazilian Rosewood a few years ago at $40,000 and they sold out in hours. These pre 1938 Martins with old growth Adirondack and Brazilian woods seem undervalued long term. There, I said it.