1880's Martin 0-28

Pre-war Martin instruments are often considered the pinnacle of craftsmanship for acoustic guitars, with a tone, feel and level of detail and quality that has arguably been unmatched since. Although generally not as collectable as the steel string models introduced in the mid 1920's, the gut string, smaller body guitars from the turn of the last century offer a unique playing experience and sound, and are an interesting insight in to music and guitar playing at the time.

This 1880's Martin 0-28 is a wonderful example of such an instrument. Hand crafted almost 150 years ago, not long after the end of the US Civil War, this 1880's 0-28 bears an uncanny resemblance to the 12-fret models produced some 50 years later.

Dating instruments from this period is difficult to do accurately, as Martin had yet to introduce a serial number system or date the tops of their guitars. Although taking in to account the guitar's specs and those of the original Martin made Coffin case, with its label style and wooden waist inserts, we can safely date it to the latter end of Martin pre-serialised production.

This 0-28 is truly a work of art in guitar making terms, and a genuine antique. Martin 0-28's from this period feature an Adirondack Spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, with the smallest '0' body shape making these a comfortable parlour style guitar. 

Style 28 appointments were well established by this point, and features such as herringbone top trim, and a three-ring wooden marquetry rosette will be familiar to any vintage Martin enthusiast, along with an ivory bound body and the C F Martin & Co New York logo on the back of the headstock, as was standard at the time. 

This guitar is in good condition for an instrument of its age, and sports the kind of wear and battle scars you would expect from such an antique guitar.

The neck features a soft V profile with a 1-7/8" nut width and a 2-3/8" string spacing at the bridge, and appears to have never been reset from what we can tell. The original bar frets are also still present and correct. The bridge is original, with the thinner, narrower shape and size found on the pyramid bridges used during this period. This guitar is strung with Silk & Steel strings, providing the closest match to the gut strings that would have originally been on the instrument. However, with the work that has been carried out, our luthier is confident that a lighter gauge of steel strings would also work fine. Our resident luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop have given this guitar a thorough service, and there have been a couple of repaired top cracks and two side cracks which have previously been professionally cleated. 

As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a thorough service by the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 2 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty. Get an additional 3 years workshop warranty cover with the No.Tom Guitars Extended Warranty.