It is very rare when a vintage Martin guitar can be indentified with the original owner but there is good documentary evidence that this 00-42 was once owned by Bill Boyd, the famous “Cow Boy Rambler” and Western Swing band leader. Serial number 39110 was stamped on July 12, 1929 and cleared final inspection on […]
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 […]
The Paramount Style L guitars are far more complicated and interesting than previously thought. Style L guitars are often discussed as one type but occur in two completely different designs: a six-string guitar and a tenor guitar. The Spanish-style six string guitars have a size 2 guitar shape as the inner body while the resonator […]
Serial number 41999 was stamped on March 28, 1930 and cleared final inspection on April 15 that year. It is from the first batch of four 0-28T guitars made. The o-28T guitars were made in 1930 and 1931 with a total production of 70. The tuners are Grover #90 banjo tuners. Style 28 features: Back […]
I wish I had more photos to share on this guitar but it is so interesting and rare it is worth having at least something to look at! Serial number 47052 was stamped on May 22, 1931 and cleared final inspection on June 2 that year. Only two D-1 guitars were ever made. They were […]
Serial number 44124 was stamped on September 26, 1930 and cleared final inspection on November 22 that year. The tuners are Grover #89 Deluxe banjo pegs. Style 28 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Herringbone Binding: White ivoroid Backstripe: Zig-zag pattern Other period features: Scalloped X-bracing Ebony fingerboard Ebony belly […]
Martin made the 14-fret Ochestra Model (OM) guitars from 1929 to the end of 1933. Beginning in 1934 the OM designation was dropped and these guitars reverted to the 000 designation. However, for a time in 1934 continued to use long scale (25.4″) necks on 000-18 guitars. In effect, these can be considered OM guitars. […]
Serial number 83391 was stamped on February 10, 1943 and cleared final inspection on April 9 that year. The tuners are Kluson 502 machines with white celluloid buttons. The backing plates still retain the stamped rim seen in earlier Klusons machines. Later war-time Klusons had plain backing plates. Typical of war time Martin guitars the […]