Home Martin 1-26 (c. 1880)
Martin

Martin 1-26 (c. 1880)

Vintage

Currently unavailable
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent

This guitar's featherlight construction makes it a joy to play; and the fact that it's as playable as it is under tension of silk-and-steel strings is impressive on its own merit!

This beautiful little Martin 1-26 is both a great-sounding guitar and a historical artifact at once. Its featherlight construction makes it a joy to play; and the fact that it's as playable as it is under tension of silk-and-steel strings is impressive on its own merit! This guitar has the rope-style top purfling associated with a style-26 guitar, and the zig-zag backstrip typically seen on a style-28 guitar. Its ivory bridge was likely added sometime after its construction; and the friction pegs on the guitar now were fit after a previous set of replacement tuners was removed (the current tuners have reinforcing material fit as a sort of bushing, which aids their functionality to an impressive extent). There's one small chip in the back binding; and a crack in the neck heel from an older reset has been repaired. In all, this is a lovely-sounding 19th century Martin, in very good overall condition, that will appeal to collectors in search of a playable instrument from the post-Civil War era. Priced with modern hardshell case.

**Please note: shipping within the US only. Online checkout not available for this instrument; please contact us for rates and transit times.
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.
Top Red Spruce
Back & Sides Brazilian Rosewood
Fingerboard Ebony
Bridge Ivory (Replica)
Tuners Friction
Scale Length 24 7/8"
Nut Width 1 7/8"
String Spacing 2 3/8"
Case Hardshell

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.

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.
Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Martin 1-26 (c. 1880)
Sold Out

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.

Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

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.