Serial number 57851 was stamped on October 3, 1934 and cleared final inspection on May 7, 1935 (quite a long time in production for the period). At least four of the twenty-five guitars from this batch had dark tops. It was shipped to Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. in St. Louis MO on April 29, 1935. Clearly, […]
Serial number 57921 was stamped on October 8, 1934 and cleared final inspection on Jun 26, 1935 (a long time in production for the period) There must have been a fall-off in demand for the 000-18 around that time. At least eleven of twenty-five guitars in this batch had dark tops. It was shipped […]
Serial number 62166 was stamped on January 28, 1936 and cleared final inspection on July 9 that year. The tuners are Grover G-98 pointed plate machines with seamed metal butterbean buttons. Style 28 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Herringbone Binding: Ivoroid Back Stripe: Zig-zag purfling pattern Other […]
Martin launched its carved-top guitars in June 1931. They were offered in three models; C-1, C-2 and C-3, with the C-3 guitars being the most expensive. These carved-top guitars were based on the same 000-size body used for the flat top guitars. However, Martin took a different approach to making arched-top guitars compared to its […]
This particular guitar has a very interesting story as it has been in the same family since 1934. The guitar is a remarkable survivor and, based on the photographs supplied by the owner, is in original condition excepting some minor wear. Serial number 57801 comes from the first batch of D-28 guitars with a steel […]
Serial number 64676 was stamped on October 21, 1936 and cleared final inspection on December 31 that year. The tuners are pointed plate G-98 machines with rounded metal buttons. Style 18 features: Back and sides: Mahogany Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Lines Binding: Black celluloid Backstripe: None Other period features: Advanced X-bracing (scalloped) Ebony fingerboard […]
Serial number 64556 was stamped on October 8, 1936 and cleared final inspection on December 11 that year. The tuners are Grover G-98 pointed plate machines with rounded metal button. This is one of those late 1936 Martin guitars with a darker than usual pick guard (please consider the photos were taken in strong sunlight). […]
Serial number 44061 was stamped on September 19, 1930 and cleared final inspection October 27 that year. The original tuners would have been Grover #89 Deluxe banjo pegs. The tuners currently on the guitar are Waverly 5038 “Yoda head” machines that were used between 1940 and 1948. The decal was probably applied to the head […]
Serial number 48106 was stamped on August 26, 1931 and cleared final inspection on December 1 that year. This guitar was made shortly after the change from banjo tuners to side tuners and the larger pick guard were made. The tuners are replacements but the original tuners would have been Grover G-98 clipped plate machines. […]
Serial number 52200 was stamped on November 9, 1932 and cleared final inspection on May 8, 1933. A total of fifty 00-21 guitars were “stamped” in 1932. Style 21 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Lines Binding: Brazilian rosewood Herringbone sound hole ring Backstripe: Herringbone Other period features: Scalloped X-bracing […]