The Guitarphile

One enduring controversy of Martin lore are the “mystery top” guitars of 1953 and 1957. These tops are theorized to be made of either Adirondack spruce or Engelmann spruce. The Martin purchasing records indicate that from late 1949 to 1952 and again in 1955 Martin did buy quantities of “Vermont” spruce from Eaton Lumber Co. […]

Some of the loveliest Martin guitars made in the 1930’s are the small-bodied, size 0 and 00, instruments, and here is a perfect example. Serial number 42235 was stamped on April 23, 1930 and cleared final inspection on August 18. This guitar is from the first batch of 0-28 guitars made with a belly bridge. […]