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SALE PENDING. EXPORT APPLIED FOR. 30290 – Vibrant and perfectly lovely example of one of Martin’s most coveted models. One of only 46 made in 1927. This is a very strong playing and original instrument right down to the bridge pins and end pin. The Martin 12-fret design is regarded by many as the real golden era of guitar building. This one lives up to that reputation, punching well beyond its weight in terms of volume and tone. The tone woods consist of an Adirondack spruce top that has narrow, even grain reserved for the high-end models. Back and side are book matched, quarter-sawn BWR also with a straight, even grain . Bound top to tail in ivoroid, that wondrous material that, after 1918 or so, saved many an elephant’s life. Every detail has been attended to – from the elaborately inlaid colored wood back back strip to the rich pearl around the edge, the fingerboard, and the rosette. Bound mahogany neck with ebony fret board, bar frets and fancy fret board inlays. Slotted head stock with no decal, wild rose engraved plate tuners and "CF Martin" stamp on the back. It’s very likely all original with the exception of the bridge which I understand was carved by Dana Bourgeois long ago. The inevitable fingernail wear has been sealed to protect the wood (but can be removed). It’s set up for finger style with the action between 5-6/64” on the bass side and between 4- 5/64”. The frets are recently leveled and crowned with plenty of bite left in them. The case is a period-correct purple-lined single diamond hard shell although somewhat faded inside. The handle has been wrapped in paper either to preserve the leather (there seems to be some underneath) or to replace it (I’m not peeking!). The latches work fine and there are no weird smells. Overall, a very cool and collectible guitar has not yet been launched into the stratosphere price-wise.
Friends, one additional note. A former owner of the guitar gave me a call recently. He sold the guitar reluctantly 12 years ago after owning it for 20+ years. He was a bit dismayed to see the playwear on the top though agreed with me that it was honestly earned and not abuse. Two things I should pass on. First, the case is not original. It's period correct but it wasn't with the guitar all those years ago. I've changed the copy above. Also, it is pictured on page 27 in "Acoustic Guitars & Other Fretted Instruments" by George Gruhn and Walter Carter.
• BRW back & sides
• Adirondack Spruce top
• Elaborate pearl trim
• Ebony Bridge & Fretboard
• 1 7/8" nut width
• 2 7/16" string spacing
• 24.9" Scale length
• Original Tuners
• Forgery-quality replacement bridge
• Original bridge plate and bracing
• Period correct case
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.
