1929 C. F. Martin 0-28K Natural Koa
ON HOLD: SN 37757. In 1917 Martin began shipping guitars made from Hawaiian Koa wood. Most were “specially constructed and adjusted for Hawaiian steel playing.” By 1929 the Koa guitars and ukes were so popular, Martin offered Koa models set up for standard play. This is one of those guitars. Martin reserved their flamiest Koa for the 28 series and adorned them with 28-style appointments: ebony pyramid bridge, herringbone trim, zigzag back strip, ivoroid binding, and diamond fretboard inlays. In 1929 Martin introduced the lacquer finish (nitrous cellulose). The Koa model was the same price as the rosewood 0-28. This one is in terrific playing condition after a fresh neck reset and refret (bar frets) by Mark Tossman. An exact repro bridge replaced the original that had been planed lower. Mark also repaired a hairline side crack – nearly invisible. The center seam was capably repaired with cleats prior to my watch. The work is excellent. The neck on this one is pretty great with a nice soft V, 1-7/8” nut, 2-5/8” string spacing and twelve frets clear of the body so it all feels nice and close. Because this was set up for standard play, the fingerboard is radiused. Headstock is slotted with plain front a stamped back and the original engraved three-to-a-plate tuners. The finish is very thin and worn away in a couple of spots. The back of the neck is a little crinkly which may means some overspray in the first position or just UV exposure. It has a lovely tone – very crisp and articulate with a full bass and snappy trebles. They are fairly rare instruments with only 641 made between 1917 and 1931. Compare that with 3,132 of the 0-18K in the same period. They are relative bargains in the vintage market but quickly catching up. It will ship in a new Guardian hardshell case.
Top: Hawaiian Koa
Band & Sides: Koa
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Herringbone trim, zigzag back strip, diamonds and snowflake markers
Nut width: 1-7/8”
String spacing: 2-5/8”
Body width: 13-1/2”
Depth: 4-3/16”
Scale length: 24.9”
Case: Guardian Hardshell
Payment is by personal check or money order. Payment in full, including shipping and insurance, is required before shipment. Personal checks must clear your bank. Please specify preferred shipping method when you order the instrument and we will calculate the exact price for you.
We represent the instruments as accurately as we can. All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.
All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.