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Average Price: $4,750
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
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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
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin 0-28?
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The Martin 0-28 features rosewood for both the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, warm sound and excellent projection.
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Is the Martin 0-28 suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin 0-28's parlor body shape and balanced tone make it particularly well-suited for fingerstyle guitar playing.
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What is the top material of the Martin 0-28, and how does it affect the sound?
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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.
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How many frets does the Martin 0-28 have?
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The Martin 0-28 is equipped with 20 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Does the Martin 0-28 have any built-in electronics or pickups?
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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.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1936 Martin 0-28 played by Henry Conlon
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
Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
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Instruments in good condition in the UK market sell for £5-6k, but heavy repairs can lower value to around £4k.
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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.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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A Fishman archtop piezo pickup is used as a replacement while maintaining the original bridge aesthetics.
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User experience
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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.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
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.
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
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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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