Martin 000-45 57726 (1934)

$100,000.00
On Consignment
Expedited Shipping Required
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Product information

This 1934 Martin 000-45, serial number 57726, is a true one of one.

Where to begin describing 57726, a 1934 Martin 000-45 custom ordered to be built light for gut strings? It's certainly not what you'd expect to find if someone told you they were in possession of a 1930's Martin with "000-45" stamped on the neck block.

We have certainly seen other 1930's Martins built for gut strings--and stamped with a "G" after the model number. But those guitars tend to differ almost insignificantly from their steel-string brethren of the era (the most notable differences would be a pyramid bridge and wider string spacing). But 57726 is indeed built lightly. The X brace is much shorter than a conventional one from this era; and the other top braces are smaller as well. The top is also significantly thinner than one from a steel-string Martin built in the same year.

This is a very lightweight guitar. Think handmade classical guitar (or Kel Kroydon) and you'll be in the right ballpark. As a consequence of this build structure--you guessed it--it sounds incredible. But it's only suited for a player who has a delicate touch and plans to use .010 or .011 gauge strings. Silk and steel strings are also an option, but we've got it strung with .010s and it sounds divine.

There have been numerous repairs made to this guitar over its lifetime. And as best we can tell, the last round of significant repairs were performed by a violin builder sometime in the early 1990s (he has since passed away). The instrument is refinished ~ French polished ~ and the finish is extremely thin.

The area around the soundhole has seen crafty repair as well. Sections of the rosette have been repaired, likely as a byproduct of downward pressure in this area caused by the use of too-heavy strings long ago. The end graft and bridge have also been replaced. The original internal braces and bridge plate are intact and healthy.

Part of this guitar's original shop order requested a wide neck, like a 1920's guitar would have had. And the neck is indeed wider than normal, featuring a nut width just over 1 13/16" (the string spacing is just over 2 5/16"). The neck is refinished as well. The carve is different from other Martin necks from this period -- there's more meat on the shoulders, and the shape is somewhere between a C and a V. It's also interesting to note that while this instrument is stamped "000," it has an OM scale length.

For the right player, we feel this guitar presents an exceptional opportunity to own a 1930's style-45 Martin. Whatever anomalies it shows pale in comparison to the delightful sound and responsiveness it offers -- and those qualities are what the experience of owning a guitar like this one is all about.

Priced with a contemporary 5-ply Martin hard case. Calton Cases are also available if an upgrade is desired.

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