Martin 000-28 (1934)

We have a long history with C.F. Martin serial number 56580. This guitar was first acquired by the shop many years ago; and it was the first "long scale 000" many TME staffers had seen at that time. 1934 was an important transitional year for the Martin company: not only were the first 14-fret dreadnoughts shipped that year, but the OM was discontinued in favor of the shorter-scale "000" model. The new 14-fret 000 retained the body dimensions of the OM but utilized a 24.9" scale in place of the standard 25.4" scale seen on OMs made between 1930 & 1933. Before production caught up with the stamps on the the neck blocks, there were a limited number of instruments made in 1934 labeled "000" but bearing a 25.4" scale -- and this guitar is one of those.

56580 has certainly seen a few repairs in its life. A previously oversized bridge was replaced with a modern replica bearing a better footprint. The bridge plate was also replaced. The neck has been reset, and several cracks have been repaired. The original bar frets have recently been replaced by TJ Thompson; and the guitar plays as beautifully as a 1930's Martin can play. The top finish is original, but the back and sides have been oversprayed.

All that said, this guitar is simply wonderful-sounding. It has huge, yet focused, low end that leaps from the guitar with the slightest effort. The sound is dark and velvety, with the fat, dry midrange and smooth trebles everyone in search of great 30's Martin hopes to discover. Considering the price point of an all-original OM-28, this long-scale 000 presents a very compelling option for anyone in search of a guitar whose sound hasn't been compromised by repairs. Priced with its original case and a contemporary 5-ply case from the early run of Schoenberg soloists (a Harptone, with burgundy-colored exterior). On consignment.