Martin 000-28 (1974)

Description

While occasionally overshadowed by its larger-bodied siblings within the 28 Series, we here at the Denver Folklore Center are huge fans of the Martin 000-28 - vintage, new, or, like this one, which dates from 1974, somewhere in between. Over 50 years of playing in have given this mid-sized guitar a big, clear, and warm voice that responds just as well to your fingers as it does to a flatpick. As with other 28 style guitars, the 000-28 combines a solid spruce top with a rosewood back and sides for a bright top end and surprisingly present lows for an ergonomic instrument with a shallow resonating body like a triple-aught. As this one dates from the 80-ish years when Martin were not issuing the model stock with herringbone purfling, cosmetics remain fairly minimal and classic, and the internal bracing is still straight and not scalloped. This is a fantastic time capsule back to some of the company's most underappreciated instruments and will make a fantastic addition to the fleet of the serious fingerpicker.

This guitar arrived in our store in very good condition with relatively light cosmetic wear for one now into its sixth decade. Picking wear and scuffs on the top are on the lighter side of average for an instrument of this age, although there is significant finish checking and the lacquer has begun to break in to the semi-gloss finish that most guitars arrive at over decades of regular use. The tuning machines are original and in good working order, but the nut and saddle are delrin replacements and likely date from within the last ten to fifteen years. There is evidence of a bridge reglue around the perimeter of the bridge, visible primarily under oblique lighting. Minor finish delamination is occuring along the treble side of the fingerboard from moderate shrinkage of the ebony beneath the lacquer. The set up is excellent and the relief in the neck is mild - we do not expect this guitar to need a neck reset within the next ten years provided proper care from its next owner. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*