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 […]
Serial number 60245 was stamped on June 26, 1935 and cleared final inspection on August 27 that year. It was shipped to Rudolph Wurlitzer Co. in New York on October 22, 1935. The tuners are Grover G-97 machines with unseamed butterbean buttons. Style 42 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: […]
Serial number 55622 was stamped on February 27, 1934 and cleared final inspection on May 22 that year. It was shipped to Carl Fischer Inc in Boston MA on July 19, 1934. This is one of the three guitars from the batch of six that were made with gut strings. That does not means the […]
Serial number 74163 was stamped on January 15, 1940 and cleared final inspection on March 27 that year. This guitar is in remarkable condition. Many original D-45 guitars were owned by working musicians and were often returned to Martin to be “refreshed”, which usually involved refinishing. The tuners are gold plated Grover G-111G machines. The […]
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 13602 was stamped on April 8, 1919. It was shipped to Southern California Music Co. in Los Angeles CA on July 30, 1919, which explains the Southern California Music Co. metal plaque on the back of the headstock. Style 45 features: Back and sides: Brazilian rosewood Top: Red spruce (Adirondack) Purfling: Abalone and […]