Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,750

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Martin 0-28 is a legendary piece of musical craftsmanship that harks back to a golden era of guitar manufacturing. Epitomizing the elegance and precision of early 20th-century design, this concert-sized acoustic guitar is a testament to Martin's enduring legacy. Crafted with the finest Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, the 0-28 delivers a rich tonal palette that is as visually captivating as it is sonically compelling. The Herringbone binding adds a touch of classic sophistication, making it not just an instrument, but a work of art.

This guitar's 12-fret design and slotted headstock offer a distinctive feel and playability that discerning musicians will appreciate. The spruce top and ebony fingerboard provide a balanced sound with clear highs and warm lows. Whether you're an aficionado of vintage instruments or a musician seeking a unique voice in your performances, the Martin 0-28 is sure to inspire.

Perfect for fingerstyle players and those who favor a nuanced approach, its concert body style offers a comfortable playing experience while projecting sound beautifully across a range of settings—from intimate gatherings to larger venues. The Martin 0-28 isn't just a guitar; it's a piece of history that resonates with every chord.

Key Features:

  • Brazilian Rosewood back and sides
  • Spruce top
  • Ebony fingerboard
  • Herringbone binding
  • Concert body style
  • 12-fret design
  • Slotted headstock
  • Square bridge

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model 0-28
Finish Natural
Year 1898 - 1937
Made In United States
Categories Parlor Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape 0
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin 0-28
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Pre-War Era
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin 0-28?

The Martin 0-28 features rosewood for both the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, warm sound and excellent projection.

Is the Martin 0-28 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Martin 0-28's parlor body shape and balanced tone make it particularly well-suited for fingerstyle guitar playing.

What is the top material of the Martin 0-28, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin 0-28 has a spruce top, which is known for its bright, clear tone and responsiveness, making it ideal for a wide range of playing styles.

How many frets does the Martin 0-28 have?

The Martin 0-28 is equipped with 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Martin 0-28 have any built-in electronics or pickups?

No, the Martin 0-28 does not have built-in electronics or pickups, as it is designed as a traditional acoustic guitar focusing on natural sound quality.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1936 Martin 0-28 played by Henry Conlon

Video thumbnail for 1936 Martin 0-28 played by Henry Conlon by Carter Vintage Guitars

1936 Martin 0-28 played by Henry Conlon

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1919 Martin 0-28 by Emerald City Guitars

1919 Martin 0-28

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Folkway Music - 1929 Martin 0-28 by Folkway Music

Folkway Music - 1929 Martin 0-28

Folkway Music

Folkway Music

Video thumbnail for 1930 Martin 0-28 (Serial 43905) | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1930 Martin 0-28 (Serial 43905) | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin 0-28.

Build quality

  • The 0-28 model features Brazilian rosewood, which complicates international shipping due to CITES regulations.

    Source
  • Matching 93-year-old Hawaiian Koa for repairs is challenging due to its unique aesthetic and aging characteristics.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Pre-x-brace models can only be strung with nylon or silk & steel strings to avoid structural damage.

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  • Repair costs can range from $1,000 to $1,500 USD for top patching and period-correct bridge replacement.

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Value and pricing

  • Instruments in good condition in the UK market sell for £5-6k, but heavy repairs can lower value to around £4k.

    Source
  • Recent sales data shows prices range from $7k to $17k USD, depending on condition.

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  • A Martin 00-18 was bought for $2500 during a 20% off sale, highlighting deals that can significantly impact affordability.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Due to its fragile nature and historical build, the 0-28 has a limited market appeal among players.

    Source
  • The 00-18 is noted for its versatility, being comfortable for both strumming and fingerstyle, suitable for various music styles.

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Features and functionality

  • A Fishman archtop piezo pickup is used as a replacement while maintaining the original bridge aesthetics.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite a repaired crack, the instrument remains playable and retains its historical charm, highlighting the resilience of old growth wood.

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  • An owner noted a preference for Martin necks and fretboards, appreciating their feel over other brands.

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  • After purchasing a 00-18, initial dissatisfaction turned to appreciation as playing skills improved, demonstrating the guitar's potential to grow with the player.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 000-18 and 00-18 are almost identical in sound, with the 00-18 slightly less bass-heavy but similar in volume, favoring fingerpicking styles.

    Source
  • 00-18 is described as excelling in fingerpicking and jazz, offering a warm, balanced sound ideal for these genres.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses Martin 0-28

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Guitars

Dan Auerbach's Martin 0-28 was a part of his personal collection before being sold as a part of the "Dan Auerbach Collection" at Gruhn's Guitars.

See how Blaze Foley uses Martin 0-28

Blaze Foley

...
Verified via YouTube

Blaze Foley can be seen using a Martin 0-28 guitar in a late 1980s video recording for television. This is evidenced in the video "Blaze Foley - Clay Pigeons, rare Live" uploaded by Dave HJ on YouTube.

See how Julian Bream uses Martin 0-28

Julian Bream

Guitarist

...
Verified via Julian Bream Guitar

Source: Guitar: C.F. Martin 0-28, c.1880

Date: Acquired in late 1948.

Notes:

  • The second-hand guitar was bought by Julian's father, Henry, for his son as a possible performance instrument.

  • Metal T frets were added to the guitar later.

  • Henry had some changes made to the guitar - added a star decoration and the original rosette was painted over.

  • Julian performed with the guitar from 1948 to 1952

  • Used in Julian Bream's Wigmore Hall debut on November 1951.

  • A small portion of the guitar is visible on the picture for the Wigmore Hall concert programme.

  • The guitar had some additional minor repairs later on by classical guitar luthier Brian Cohen.

  • The guitar was the focus of an article that appeared in Classical Guitar magazine. "Classic Classics" by James Westbrook

  • The guitar currently is in a private collection.

  • Information for this intrument verified by Brian Cohen and Dr James Westbrook

See how Brent Rowan uses Martin 0-28

Brent Rowan

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Rambos

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Natural

Here is Brent posing with his Martin 0-28.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin 0-28, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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