C. F. Martin & Company - 000-28 - - Dreadnought guitar - United States - 1955

Vintage Martin 000-28 flat-top acoustic guitar from 1955. In good condition and exceptionally well maintained. The beautiful back and sides in Brazilian Rosewood are stunning examples of quarter-sawn wood, completely free of cracks and splits. They show only some light signs of age and use, as is to be expected on a vintage Martin guitar. The top began to show slight cracks a few years ago, which were professionally corrected by a luthier. The use of protected Brazilian Rosewood was discontinued by Martin in 1969, which explains the rarity of these guitars. The required CITES document is present. Apart from 1 replaced bridge pin, all original parts are still present. The mahogany neck is structurally perfect: no cracks, no breaks at the headstock or heel. The neck has received a typical reset and a 'refret', during which a new bridge was also installed for a lower action. This is a common modification on vintage Martin guitars. The original bridge is included. The serial number places the 000-28 in 1955, a year in which production was extremely low (fewer than 75 units), which further increases the rarity of this guitar. The Vintage Grover G98 Waverly tuners deserve a special mention. You do not often find these on the Martin 000-28. Various sources mention the rare combination of the Martin 000-28 with these tuners (for more information, see guitarhq-com, among others) Key Aspects of 1955 Martin 000-28 History: -Built in 1955: Based on available Martin production records for the mid-1950s, the number of 000-28 guitars produced in 1955 was extremely low, generally keeping with the trend of low production (under 75 units) -Body & Sound: The 000-28 (Auditorium size) is famous for its "sweet balance" and versatility, often considered a "player's dream" compared to larger dreadnoughts. -Materials: 1955 models typically feature high-quality Brazilian Rosewood, which is highly prized for its tone and rarity today. -Construction Details: By 1955, Martin had moved away from scalloped bracing to sturdier, straight bracing to handle heavier string tension, resulting in a more compressed, punchy sound. The pickguards of this era were made of thin cellulose nitrate. -Rarity & Value: 1950s Martin 000-28s are considered, by some, to be "unicorns" of flat-top acoustics due to their, at times, excellent condition, sound quality, and provenance as part of the post-war, pre-60s "golden era" of production. The guitar case is included in the auction. Pick-up is preferred. Shipping is possible, additional insurance will be discussed after the auction.

Estimate:£10,999.35

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