1929 C. F. Martin 0-28K Natural

SN 37757. The pleasing tone and visual appeal of koa wood has given the 0-28K an appeal beyond Hawaiian music. As the first Martin line that was braced with steel it has historical significance as well. Production began in 1917 and continued into 1931 with 641 instruments made, fewer than 50 per year. The model remained largely unchanged throughout the production though in 1929 a belly bridge was added. Some were made with flush frets and a raised nut but all had 28 style appointments – herringbone trim, snowflake or diamond inlays, white ivoroid binding front and back, fancy back zipper. This is one of the last guitars made in 1928 and was set up for standard play from the beginning. It has nice flamey book-matched Koa wood front and back and retains 95% of it’s original finish. There is an area of touchup where the arm laid over the guitar, and the back of the neck has either scaled from UV exposure or has had light overspray. No cracks on the top or back and two on the sides capably repaired and nearly invisible. It is professionally set up and ready for another lifetime of play with a neck reset, refret, new nut, saddle, and intonated repro bridge. The tone is quite robust with a strong bass and sparkling trebles.