1931 C. F. Martin 00-28 Natural

SN: 49288. Quality older restoration of a lovely 12-fret 00-28 probably undertaken in the late 1950s or early 1960s. There is some evidence that the refinish, decal and replacement bridge were done by Martin but nothing conclusive. An original pickguard and belly bridge on a 12-fret slotted headstock is a rare and desirable configuration indeed, available for only a moment before Martin transitioned nearly the entire line to 14 frets with a solid headstock. Only 55 were made in 1931, effectively the last year of production. This one was made later in 1931, possibly from the last batch.

Despite the refin, the guitar retains its old world beauty, charm and voice. The coloring of the wood is just right and the herringbone trim is in excellent shape though the ivoroid binding shows cracks here and there. The replacement bridge measures true with exact contours, proper material but with a drop-in saddle. The fretboard is ebony with the “short pattern” snowflakes and bar frets. A decal has been added to the face plate. The stamped logo on the back of the headstock is partially filled by the newer finish. The nut is 1-7/8” with a shallow V profile and almost a classical feel. The saddle is 2-3/8” at the nut. There is one long temperature crack in the top that may be the reason for the refinish. One short crack in the back was glued before it went anywhere.

With the exception of the top crack, it’s hard to surmise the reason for the refinish. The guitar is completely straight and structurally sound and shows no wash-boarding or distortion. The insides are clean as a whistle and original with the exception of a bridge plate helper added tpo the original plate. The braces are intact with no signs of regluing. The rosewood back and sides are in excellent condition with a tight, even grain pattern and a rich chocolate color. After 60+ years, the finish is settling into the grain and showing light checking.

The neck angle is perfect and it plays easily up and down the neck. The string spacing is great for comfortable finger-picking and the bar frets have quite a bit of life in them. The action is set low for finger-picking but there’s no buzzing or dead spots. It has a nice balanced tone with a hollowed out sort of bottom end, very articulate mids and breathy trebles. There’s nice note separation and clarity. It plays well in open tunings and I suspect it records great.

The price includes a newer good fitting hardshell case from Crossrock with a black tolex exterior and a navy plush interior.

Top: Adirondack spruce
Band & Sides: Brazilian rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Snowflakes & diamond
Nut width: 1-7/8”
Saddle spacing: 2-3/8”
Body width: 14-1/8”
Depth: 4-1/8”
Scale length: 24.75”
Case: HSC