Martin 0-28 (1930)
Vintage
Oh man! This is what vintage Martins are all about. This absolutely huge-sounding 1930 Martin 0-28 landed in the shop a couple of weeks ago from the collection of a long-time client. Yes, that's right -- a huge sounding 0 sized guitar. 1930 0-28s hold a special place in our collective hearts here at TME: it was another amazing 0-28 that once caused a visiting luthier's head to snap back when he plucked the low E string, pronouncing with glee, "No dreadnought can do this!" To be fair, dreadnoughts can do that ... but point taken. This is one of the fabled small-bodied guitars that will hang with ease at the adult table. Big, powerful bass, pronounced mids, and super-chunky trebles ~ all within the supremely balanced voice an 0 provides. The guitar is in excellent condition for an instrument that's about to turn 93 years old. The bridge is a well-made replacement, which has been recontoured by TJ Thompson; but all other structural components are original. There's plenty of play wear, but nothing unsightly (it's rather sightly, if you ask us -- the patina is beautiful on this one). The guitar has also been refretted by TJ with period correct-height bar fret stock; and it plays about as easily as a guitar can play, with low action and a thick, full response everywhere on the fingerboard.
This 0-28 would be a fabulous entry point into the world of 1930's Martins for a buyer who's been eager to jump into the pond. While no 1930's Martin is an inexpensive guitar, the 0 models present significant competition for the more coveted (by some) 00 and 000 models; and guitars like this one are proof positive that an 0 can be every bit as toneful and joyous as anything in the Martin lineup. Priced with contemporary Harptone had case.
Please note: international shipping is not available for this guitar. Payment is requested by check or wire transfer.
- Model: 0-28
- Serial No. 43905
- Materials: Brazilian Rosewood back & sides, Red Spruce top, Ebony fingerboard & bridge
- Finish: Original lacquer
- Neck Shape: Medium-fat, rounded
- Hardware: Older replica bridge recontoured by TJ Thompson, Refret by TJ Thompson, otherwise original
- Measurements: 1 7/8" Nut width, 24 7/8" Scale, 2 3/8" String spacing
- Case: Contemporary Harptone HSC
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.