1981 Martin M-38 aka 0000-38 Natural

SOLD!
Who buys vintage guitars? We do!
Call 530-570-1525 or email sales@maharsvintageguitars.com to sell your vintage guitar, bass, amplifier, etc - one piece or a collection! We are always ready to buy instruments, amps and effects from Fender, Gibson, Martin, Epiphone, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, Marshall, Vox and just about anything else related to musical instruments.

No sales tax for customers outside California.

There are single 0s, double 0s, triple 0s, OMs, then there is the Quad 0 (Quattr0?).

I borrowed this text from our friends at Folkway Music, way up there in Canada, because they nailed the description:

Upon its introduction in 1977, the Martin M-38 was the first new body shape added to Martin’s catalogue since the 14 fret Dreadnought in 1934. The design of the M-38 was based on a 1930’s Martin F-7 archtop conversion owned by David Bromberg and was the closest thing to a signature model that Martin offered in that era. Bromberg suggested the addition of a 16” 0000-size flat-top to Martin, and the rest is history. The M-38 was launched in 1977 and the more simply appointed M-36 arrived the following year.

With its bound headstock, pearl soundhole rosette, multi-layered bindings, style 45 backstrip and fingerboard inlays, and simplified style 45 side inlays bordering the neck heel, the M-38 is the most ornately accented Martin model below Style 41, and the only style below 45 that has inlays bordering the neck heel. It’s a uniquely ornate guitar in the model lineup.

Built with scalloped bracing and a small maple bridge plate, the M-38 is a particularly good sounding option among 70’s Martins. It’s lightly built and responsive and has a very wide open voice with a pretty bass response that’s balanced well with a strong set of trebles. With its 000/OM body depth and larger-than-dreadnought width the M-38 has a sound that’s unique among Martin models.

This is a played example, but it has had a really nice refret. The action is just right. There is wear here and there, displaying the enjoyment the guitar has provided. I know we're digging it around the shop. The voice really is different, but also pure Martin.

All original aside from the refret with no other repairs or issues. Original case included.

Shipping policy:

Three day UPS air shipments will be automatic for buyers including these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Size-wise, this model is slightly smaller than dreadnought and is very close to what is called grand auditorium.

Color: Natural
Weight: 4lb 4.2oz
Top: Spruce
Body: Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile:
Fretboard: Bound Ebony
Inlays: Peral Dot
Frets: Original, minimal wear
Fret count: 20
Nut/Saddle material: Bone
Nut width: 1 11/16"
Scale: 25.4"
Radius: 16"
Neck thickness at 1st fret: .88"
Neck thickness at 9th fret: .98"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2mm
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2.5mm
Total length: 40 3/8"
Lower bout: 16"
Waist: 10"
Upper bout: 11 5/8"
Body depth/thickness: 4"
String gauge: .012-.053
Hardware/Color: Chrome
Electronics/pickup: None
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Rosewood
Tuners: Martin Closed Gear
Case: OHSC
Notes: