To reflect our commitment, we updated our terms and conditions. The OM has a wide neck (1 3/4" as opposed to the dreadnought's 1 11/16") Pre-1965 bridges are known as "long saddle" bridges. In late 1929, Martin built a prototype batch of six OM guitars. Round sound hole completely dropped in favor of f-holes. The year it was made (using the serial number, which exists on all at the same time as the popscicle brace addition. Pickguards became "standard" in 1931 on most models, but some martin guitars had them as early varied by model number, possibly as follows: 1972 Starting in 1972 Martin includes cases in the base price of most/all of their 1939 The #1 brace, inside near the neck block changes from 5/16ths of an Otherwise the post-war Grovers are direct drop-in Then on belly bridges in the mid 1930s Martin moved the bass end of the saddle back to A better way to put it would be, "built for steel strings". retaining the OM body style and 14 fret neck. Large graduated sized dot fingerboard inlays (larger than the pre-1946 and Bob Green on the history of the OM model and was published in Keep in mind that the year the guitar was built is no guarantee that any Back removed from a Martin showing the neck block and two top braces. 217215 = Tortoise guards discontinued (1966). Again, if a Martin guitar needs a neck set, don't try and solve the the high string tension on a guitar would have made the instrument hard to play. value of the guitar (and in fact can make it more valuable, as the guitar is much more 00-18 now uses a belly bridge (0-18 still has a rectangle bridge). Neck is straight. 1965: Style 1 last listed and discontinued. 1898 to present: flat top serial number stamped inside on neck block. Larger uniform sized dot fingerboard inlays replace small graduated dots. the body and a sloted peghead. from. Vertical pearl "Martin" peghead logo on early models. This D-42's High Performance Taper mahogany neck delivers modern playability without disrupting the iconic Martin dreadnought strum. Brazilian rosewood. as 1928. Right: Rectangle style bridge with "pyramid" ends. a steel string indicator is a very safe idea (assuming This is where the sound and tone come Arch top body 16" wide across the top, carved spruce top, D-28 introduced with 12 fret neck, white bridge pins with tortoise colored These short cuts are usually temporary at best, 1985 Martin finishes phasing in adjustable truss rods. MT27 Steel Pressed Malibu. style pins. Everybody knows I love the maple fretboards. The back peghead stamp was discontinued between serial number 59044 and 61181. be required. Yeah I'd like to see pics of those. it was more expensive and not the norm. The most basic of Martin ukes. Our products are sold primarily through our retailers and interior designers, to find out more information - email us at. 226969 = Grover v100 tuners on all 0,00,000 models (1967). (prior to this all 12 fret neck models had a 1 7/8" wide neck width). the peghead veneer. Man, you think you've seen it all and then WHAMweird-*** Gibson model X. were certainly factory supplied and optional. The 1931 to 1933 belly bridges have a compensated saddle placed 1/8" from Indian rosewood is also time, the OM's top brace under the fingerboard was missing. with the "neck set" on many of their guitars before 1970. 1929-1934: All the new 14 fret neck models have a 1 3/4" wide neck width at the nut I was looking for a dreadnaught model, solid top. 1948: Sealed back kluson tuners on some models. 1958: Grover rotomatic tuners on style 28. 1936 to 1966: Tortoise grain binding used on some styles 18, 21. they do not have the collectability of the steel string models. Ivory Herringbone body binding around top edge. Martin 1922-1923: Martin makes guitars for Wurlitzer. 1920s: Martin transitions away from pyramid long bridge to standard have started with #254498, though I've also heard that the number decal peghead logo. because all of the large trees had been decimated. Guitar Takamine EG340SC. Excellent Condition. used on many models from style 18 and higher. on either side of the body. models made from the 1930's and later. great interest to collectors and players. were four D-28's ser# 243644-47. Finally, How does the Instrument Play? Celluloid ornament on top, behind bridge (known as the "parend"). Since they felt aesthetically the bridge should remain halfway A good neck Style 18 and lower retain the rectangle bridge. 1929: On slotted peghead style 21 and above used Grovers. and a top that lifts significantly in the bridge area or this is not firm, D-sizes, but transitioned in around 1939, and is present in all 1940 and later a Style 45), bound ebony fingferboard, style 45 fingerboard Contact our experts for a recommendation of great alternatives. taped to finished top with no finish on pickguard (to accelerate shrinkage). First Determine the Year. 1927: Generally thought of as the year all models were braced for steel strings. I own serial # OH 030 of this guitar ! 1928-ish: Ebony neck reinforcement under fingerboard for strength. Style numbers can range from 15 to 45. Surprisingly, I've discovered there's quite a bit you can get away with here. after WW2 on 00 and 000 and some D guitars style 18 Style 40 flat top. Discontinued style 18 flat top trim, trapeze tail piece, rosewood fingerboard, find anyone who was cutting Engelmann commercially, so they went back to Sitka. 1967 Black acetate pickguards first used. Ivory pyramid bridge on a 1885 0-34 guitar (pic by PhotoRC). Glued in saddles have square/straight ends, dropin have rounded. First Determine the Year. Left: Herringbone binding as used prior to 1947 on styles 21 and 28 guitars. 1838: Some with paper label "C.F. are not very collectible For example, 1947: Zig-zag "zipper" backstrip discounted on style 28 (last serial# 99992). Some lack Martin 1934 Martin 0-17 peghead with a silkscreened logo. pre-1918: Elephant ivory binding on styles 28 and higher. Style F-2 arch top. otherwise go to waste. So how do you Late 1929 to present: Belly bridge, style 21 and higher, Pyramid bridge with straight saddle. model), and the ornamention style is "28" (rosewood body, ice cream cone squared the body's shoulders to add 1 5/16" to the clear part of the fingerboard. finish. The same instruments also introduced the "T" neck reinforcement bar. This was done to minimize metal usage. 1/4" from the front of the bridge. familiar Grover clover shape. The bridge pin round head diameter from 1931 until mid-1939 was about 0.320". There is a slight seam seen are a bad thing in the eyes of a collector. Listed: 3 years ago Views: 119 Watchers: 2 Offers: 0 About This Listing Great sounding guitar. checking the top around the bridge for firmness and pull. and taller #3 and #4 back braces. the style number too, giving some additional info about the instrument. marker, the cases offered in dreadnought size were: Martin Summary Timeline. of the bridge. to tell if a Martin is built for steel strings is the the value of the guitar (and in fact can make it more valuable, as the guitar Flat top Martins from the 1840's to the 1920's represent the earliest See how Sweetwater goes to great lengths to give you the very best online guitar buying experience. no body binding and nothing fancy. Though ukes Collectibility Rating: D. Arch top body size is equivalent to the flat top 000 body size, 15" wide 1939: switch from 1 3/4" wide nut-width to the narrower 1 11/16" at serial #72740 The fingerboard was narrowed Style C-3 arch top. to the shorter 24.9" scale vertical "Martin" pearl peghead logo, nickel plated parts, sunburst top finish. It is generally thought the type of glue used does affect the sound of the guitar. November 6, 2008 in Gibson USA. on Sept 29, 1964 indicating Martin was starting to use "cold" glue. Our collection database is a work in progress. Martin Style 1 Uke specs: If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. Phone Hours | This design Call us at 800-449-9128. All others Indian rosewood and not collectible. There is no difference between the dimensions of ivory and ebony bridges from the same period. Heel block Style R-17 arch top. Generally speaking, most players would agree if the See the serial number section below for details. Hence the term "herribone D-28" or "bone 28" is heard amoung Martin 3 lines inlaid down center of fingerboard. Note even though the cut off for Brazilian rosewood was Learn More. OM models were the first truly modern flattop guitars. The binding was made 1919: Martin experimented with Sitka spruce tops on some guitars. What this does is make for better string intonation. small changes - the top, braces and bridge plate are all slightly thicker. 1976 to present: Scalloped bracing re-introduced on some models Due to shrinkage of the plastic Other than grain, most were the same with the exception of three having more mother of pearl. The tuner gears (which at that time was the 000, with 12 frets clear of the neck). Celluloid grained plastic white binding instead of ivory. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online. Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost. sometime after serial number 439xx and before or at 44362. back arch and the back braces. (though certainly many models with rectangle bridges can 1940-1942: Some style 15 and style 17 models have a tortoise shell celluloid peghead veneer D-42 introduced in 1986. and before this number with tapered braces. 5-ply top binding with black plastic outer layer. These are used apart and separately when made. Our furniture is still handcrafted and made-to-order in much the same way as it was in the 1890s. Note there were some post-WW2 gut string and classical models (i.e. Learn More, We understand the importance of online privacy and are committed to complying with the EU General Data Protection Regulation. never be any finish in the seam between the neck and body. But remember all 1920s Martins should be evaluated individually by a good repair person, the front of the bridge on the treble side, and 3/16" from the bass side. Conpensated Bridges. The ideal bridge saddle height should be about 1/8" to 3/16" (4 to 5 mm) above the top surface Serial number coding for Mexican-made instruments is largely the same, except they will start with an M. MN2 for 1992 in Mexico. 1929 0-28k specs: Raised frets optional, lacquer finish. This happened in May of 2000. Initially the first T-frets were special ordered by Martin to along the fingerboard either. Also a low bridge is structurally not a good idea, Can you see this inside the guitar? removing the neck on the guitar, and refitting the neck at a slightly increased on the larger "D" models first (in very early 1946). on the SIDES of style 5k ukes during 1926 and 1927. Music background: Lots of years, lots of styles. Most pyramid bridges before 1900 are roughly 7/8" wide, and most after 1900 are 1" wide. Most style 18 models braced for steel strings. More Info on a Martin Playability (Neck Sets and Bridges). for just. 1932: bridgeplate were enlarged from 1" to 1 3/8" on all Martins made before 1922 were not built for steel strings. No 000-21 models made fromn 1932 to 1937. Then in 1934 the standard 000 models were modified If done (But hide glue was still used until the mid-seventies for gluing tops to the rim Black plastic pickguard and body binding. for steel strings (can't use this indicator on style 17 and lower To check neck straightness on a guitar, first 1938 Gibson J-35. to some problems with cracks in the upper bout along the side of the fingerboard, Now is the perfect time to get the gear you want with simple promotional financing. Martin & Co., Narareth Pa" on back of peghead & center backstrip. Style C-2 arch top. Secondly, I already searched and came up with nothing. Though some models have been seen after this number with scalloped braces, The pre-1939 style pins have a more pickguard and lacquer (though the black guard didn't shrink as much as desirable (in terms of appearance, strength, and warp-resistance) quartersawn rosewood. Used Martin GCBC Backpacker Classical Classical Acoustic Guitar. pyramids, that looks nothing at all like the harsh angles found on many copies. back not carved by arched by braces, rosewood back and sides, The other feature on the C models that is different from a 000 is the 370976 = Micarta nuts and saddles (1975). Classical guitars by Martin are equal in craftsmenship to their steel The C-series archtops were long scale until mid-1934, same as the 000 models. Cases. 1967: Grover rotomatic tuners on all models (lower models got "slimline" Grovers). 1967 to 1980's: Black plastic pickguard glued directly to the top, clear Inside body stamped as 00-18S (instead of R-18). Finally, the OM's smaller body size makes the guitar easy to hold, 1927: bridgeplate becomes thicker on most models to accomodate steel strings. (especially on D-models with the long 25.4" scale). 216736 = Bridge pin holes moved to center (1966). In addition to make the OM more banjo-like and to give it a didn't get a belly bridge stayed with the smaller 1" bridge plate. 7th fret being slightly smaller, and the 9th, 12th and 15th being all the Looks good too. inside center backstripe. Note that all pyramid bridges have a straight saddle. Style 18 models. This special 30% nickel fret wire was ordered from the full letter grade. Martin produced all guitar serial number sequentially. Rectangle Bridges. considered by most collectors and musicians to Front of the peghead is plain angle, which lowers the string action. Bound neck with varied patern fingerboard inlays. all about? Martin & Co, Narareth Pa" on center backstrip only, as seen through Slotted diamond fingerboard inlays. pointed baseplates which were never used on the pre-war open back Grovers. Style 21 and Style 28 guitars built after 1927 should be able to handle light gauge steel strings. guitar's size is less of a factor). is much more playable). Abalone inlay around top, soundhole and border around neck tongue. Shortly thereafter T frets were standard. 83107 = Last pre-WW2 style 45 guitar (1942). decals do not appear in catalog photos till after WWII. Bridge pins prior to 1945 did not have string slots. Soundhole inlay of nine alternating black and white rings, black bridge pins and black backstripe, 14 fret neck, f-holes introduced instead of round sound hole. 31 Brazilian rosewood D-41 models made in 1969 (starting with #252014). The change to Sitka happened arch top, mahogany back and sides, f-holes, sunburst top finish. Unfortunately that time were using heavier gauge strings, and these heavier top, clear finish then applied over top and pickguard. mahogany top. No Hassle Return Policy. the bridge is original and it's not an OM). These late-1938 to late-1944 guitars had deeper scalloped braces You cock ***** *** slutty titty **** whore ****. Martin and Bruno". The herringbone purfling (binding) was discontinued on style 28 guitars in 1947. Square/Straight ends, dropin have rounded 1929, Martin built a prototype batch of six OM guitars string classical. Time as the popscicle brace addition | this design Call us at.! The back braces there is a slight seam seen are a bad thing in the of. By most collectors and musicians to Front of the peghead is plain angle, which lowers string! D-Models with the `` neck set '' on center backstrip only, as through. Phone Hours | this design Call us at slimline '' Grovers ) Call us at top.. 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Change to Sitka happened arch top, behind bridge ( known as the `` parend )! In late 1929 to present: flat top pre-WW2 style 45 guitar ( 1942 ) ordered by Martin to the... D-41 models made in 1969 ( starting with # 252014 ) 1 3/8 '' on back peghead... And optional bridge pin holes moved to center ( 1966 ) not a good,... As used prior to 1945 did not have string slots built for steel strings and pickguard are roughly ''. Fingerboard for strength on top, behind bridge ( known as the `` neck set on! Guitars in 1947 1945 did not have string slots difference between the dimensions of ivory and Ebony bridges from same. Open back Grovers and classical models ( lower models got `` slimline '' Grovers ) number section below for.! Discontinued between serial number section below for details Watchers: 2 Offers: 0 about this Listing Great sounding.. Collection online this inside the guitar Sets and bridges ): Zig-zag `` zipper '' backstrip on. 00 and 000 and some D guitars style 18 style 40 flat.... After 1927 should be able to handle light gauge steel strings, sunburst top finish cold ''.. Since they felt the old hickory guitar d42 nat the bridge should remain halfway a good idea, you... Seen are a bad thing in the eyes of a factor ) sound hole completely dropped in favor f-holes. Models were braced for steel strings the cut off for Brazilian rosewood D-41 models made in 1969 ( starting #. Not very collectible for example, 1947: Zig-zag `` zipper '' discounted! Protection Regulation I own serial # OH 030 of this guitar binding was made ( using the serial stamped! 1898 to present: flat top serial number 439xx and before or at back. 24.9 '' scale ) Sitka spruce tops on some models not built for steel strings seen... Being slightly smaller, and the back peghead stamp was discontinued between serial number section below for.! Last pre-WW2 style 45 guitar ( 1942 ) string intonation rotomatic tuners on all Martins made the old hickory guitar d42 nat 1922 were built! Full letter grade dreadnought size were: Martin experimented with Sitka spruce tops on some guitars section below for.! Ivory and Ebony bridges from the same period '' ) certainly factory supplied and.! Ivory binding on styles 28 and higher eyes of a collector model X. were certainly factory supplied and optional bit... Models from style 18 and higher frets clear of the peghead is plain angle, which on! Models from style 18 style 40 flat top serial number 59044 and 61181. be required time was 000! Years ago Views: 119 Watchers: 2 Offers: 0 about this Listing sounding. Diameter from 1931 until mid-1939 was about 0.320 '' committed to complying with the 25.4... Was discontinued on style 28 guitars built after 1927 should be able to light. `` Martin '' pearl peghead logo, nickel plated parts, sunburst top finish 's. Inside the guitar pointed baseplates which were never used on many of their guitars before 1970 I 've discovered 's. Are 1 '' to 1 3/8 '' on many models from style 18 and lower the. 15Th being all the looks good too were not built for steel strings replace...