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Average Price: $3,200

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$200

$601+

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High-end

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Description

When classic craftsmanship meets contemporary design, the Custom Martin 00-28VS emerges as a standout choice for discerning musicians. This steel-string acoustic guitar offers a rich tonal palette that's perfect for both fingerstyle players and those who prefer a plectrum. Crafted with a solid Sitka spruce top and East Indian rosewood back and sides, this guitar ensures resonant sound quality and lasting durability. The 00 body size, renowned for its comfortable playability, is paired with a vintage-style slotted headstock, providing an elegant nod to Martin's storied past.

The 00-28VS boasts a modified V neck shape that enhances comfort, making it a favorite for long playing sessions. Its 12-fret design, combined with a shorter scale length, offers a unique feel and sound that appeals to traditionalists and modern players alike. This model is equipped with a bone nut and saddle, ensuring precise intonation and clear, bell-like tones.

Every detail of the Custom Martin 00-28VS has been meticulously considered, from its tasteful herringbone inlay to its open-gear tuners, each contributing to both its aesthetic charm and functional excellence. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar delivers a sonic experience that's both timeless and exceptional.

Key Features:

  • Solid Sitka spruce top
  • East Indian rosewood back and sides
  • 00 body size with vintage-style slotted headstock
  • Modified V neck shape
  • 12-fret design with shorter scale length
  • Bone nut and saddle
  • Herringbone inlay
  • Open-gear tuners

Product specs

Brand Martin
Model 00-28VS
Finish Natural
Year 2009 - 2018
Made In United States
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Rosewood
Body Shape 00
Color Family Natural
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Martin 00-28
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Martin Vintage Series
Sides Material Rosewood
String Type Steel
Top Material Spruce
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Martin 00-28VS, and how does it affect the sound?

The Martin 00-28VS features a 00 body shape, which is smaller and more compact than a dreadnought. This shape provides a balanced sound with a strong midrange, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing and intimate performances.

What materials are used in the construction of the Martin 00-28VS?

The Martin 00-28VS is crafted with a spruce top and rosewood back and sides, offering a rich, resonant tone. The fretboard is made from ebony, providing a smooth playing experience.

Is the Martin 00-28VS suitable for beginners?

While the Martin 00-28VS is a high-quality instrument, its vintage series design and price may be better suited for experienced players seeking a specific sound and build quality.

Does the Martin 00-28VS come with any built-in electronics?

No, the Martin 00-28VS does not have built-in electronics or pickups, making it a purely acoustic instrument ideal for traditional acoustic settings.

How many frets does the Martin 00-28VS have, and what is its scale length?

The Martin 00-28VS features 20 frets and a short scale length, which contributes to its warm tone and comfortable playability for fingerstyle techniques.

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Martin 00-28VS 12-fret Review

Video thumbnail for Martin 00-28VS 12-fret Review by Acoustic Letter

Martin 00-28VS 12-fret Review

Acoustic Letter

Acoustic Letter

Video thumbnail for The Martin 00-28vs at MaurysMusic.com by Maury's Music

The Martin 00-28vs at MaurysMusic.com

Maury's Music

Maury's Music

Video thumbnail for Martin 00-28VS by Eddie's Guitars

Martin 00-28VS

Eddie's Guitars

Eddie's Guitars

Video thumbnail for Martin 00 28VS Demo Video (sold) by Chris Crouch

Martin 00 28VS Demo Video (sold)

Chris Crouch

Chris Crouch

Video thumbnail for Martin 00-28VS by Casino Guitars

Martin 00-28VS

Casino Guitars

Casino Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality, surpasses some larger acoustics

  • Versatile for various playing styles and genres

  • Ergonomic design enhances creativity and playing comfort

  • Low maintenance, rarely needs tuning or special storage

  • Perfect nut width for diverse playing techniques

  • Sensitive dynamics and touch, responsive top

  • Vintage series tuners stay in tune well

  • Retains value well over time

  • Clear, articulate sound with rich harmonic blend

  • Great bass response for a small-bodied guitar

CONS

  • Semi V neck may require an adjustment period

  • Prefers Bronze Phosphor strings for optimal sound, heavier bass strings can overshadow chime

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin Custom 00-28VS.

Comparisons

  • The 00-28 Sitka rosewood offers scooped mids and a warm tone, while the 000-14 all-mahogany provides a warmer, more compressed sound, suitable for intimate settings.

    Source
  • The 000-14 mahogany is likened to a 000-18 or 00-18, offering mahogany warmth with a Sitka top, providing an alternative for those exploring mahogany tones.

    Source
  • The 000-28 is noted for clearer note separation and a high-end chime, whereas the OM offers a richer, deeper tone, blending 000 chime with Dreadnaught boom.

    Source
  • Some players prefer the 00-28's sound over similarly sized models, emphasizing the importance of personal play testing.

    Source

User experience

  • The 00-28's smaller scale neck requires adjustment if transitioning from a longer scale, ideal for fingerpicking over aggressive strumming.

    Source
  • Owners highlight the 00-28's magical sustain and sensitivity, suggesting individual guitars can vary greatly even within the same model line.

    Source
  • Players transitioning from electric guitar find the 00-28 unexpectedly engaging, leading to extended play sessions.

    Source
  • New owners often experience physical strain, such as sore fingertips or tendinitis, due to prolonged initial playing sessions.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Mahogany models excel in sweet midrange tones, complementing rosewood's heavy bass/treble, making them suitable for players seeking a balanced tonal range.

    Source
  • The 00-28 excels for home use and casual recording, with emphasis on comfort for couch playing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Discounts around 10% off can often be negotiated with Sweetwater and Maury's, while Chicago Music Exchange sometimes offers up to $300 off.

    Source
  • Tone Shop Guitars provides a 15% discount on new guitar purchases, potentially exceeding $300 savings, applicable in-store and online.

    Source
  • Owners report discounts up to 26% off in specific regions, surpassing typical deals.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 000 short scale offers slightly easier playability with lower string tension, beneficial for players seeking a slinkier feel.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Clapton uses Martin Custom 00-28VS

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this acoustic live performance of his song "Cypress Grove" at Tokyo with Ed Sheehan, Clapton can be seen using this guitar.

See how Ed Sheeran uses Martin Custom 00-28VS

Ed Sheeran

Guitarist, Singer

Band Aid 30

...
Verified via Acousticguitar

The article was written by Trevor Dawkins, Ed's sound engineer.

"Ed Sheeran essentially plays two Martin Guitar models. The larger models are a pair of 00-28VS customs that Martin put together for us. They’re absolute beauts: figured Koa back and sides, the gecko inlays on the neck (copies of one of Ed’s tattoos . . . ), and the inlaid koa “X” logo on the soundboard. These are fitted with Fishman Matrix Infinity electronics and are used for Ed's acoustic ballad-type songs." From watching live videos, Ed has 4 copies of this guitar. One has black bridge pins, another has white, and the other two have no gecko inlays on the neck.

See how Emma Blackery uses Martin Custom 00-28VS

Emma Blackery

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Emma can be seen playing this guitar in this photo.

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 Custom 00-28VS, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Roland FC-300
Roland FC-300 MIDI Foot Controllers
1

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