Martin 0-28 Preowned 1924

Shipped to L.F. Collins of Melbourne on 19th November 1924 - likely one of a batch of four instruments - this Martin 0-28 is a pre-war acoustic of the very highest tonal pedigree and genuine historical significance. Red Adirondack spruce top, Brazilian rosewood back and sides, mahogany neck, and all the hallmarks of the golden era of Nazareth craftsmanship that preceded any notion of material compromise. At 1-7/8" nut width and 24.9" scale length, this is a guitar built for the fingerpicking tradition that predates the dreadnought entirely, and it carries the acoustic authority, warmth, and natural resonance of that tradition in every note it produces.

The guitar has been expertly restored by luthier Gary Rizzolo, with guidance from renowned guitar historian and restorer T.J. Thompson. Rizzolo replaced the fretboard, nut, bridge (carved after Thompson consultation), and bridge plate, and installed a Bridge Doctor to correct bellying. A set of period-correct 1925 0-28 tuners sourced from specialist Steve Kovacik completes a restoration of genuine care and historical sensitivity.  An extraordinary opportunity to acquire a century-old Australian-provenance Martin of irreplaceable tonal and historical distinction.

This 2024-built guitar has over a century of genuine playwear, but feels as open and alive as you would imagine, with a wonderfully delicate and balanced voice. An incredible, playble piece of history dripping with character and mojo. Includes Hoffee case.

Features

• Serial 21240, stamped 19 August 1924 and shipped to L.F. Collins Melbourne 19 November 1924 - a documented pre-war Martin 0-28 with a century of Australian provenance and the full tonal authority of the finest golden era Nazareth craftsmanship.
• Red Adirondack spruce top with Brazilian rosewood back and sides - tonewoods now unavailable for new instrument construction and prized above all others by serious vintage guitar collectors and players worldwide.
• Expert restoration by luthier Gary Rizzolo with guidance from T.J. Thompson - replacement fretboard, nut, bridge, and bridge plate, period-correct 1925 0-28 tuners sourced from Steve Kovacik, and Bridge Doctor installation.
• 1-7/8" nut width and 24.9" scale length reflect the pre-dreadnought Martin tradition - a fingerpicking-focused specification of remarkable comfort and tonal sensitivity that rewards nuanced, expressive playing across the full dynamic range.
• A century-old pre-war Martin with Australian provenance, irreplaceable Brazilian rosewood construction, and a thoughtful, historically sensitive restoration - one of the most significant vintage acoustic instruments we have offered.

Specs

• Model: Martin 0-28
• Serial number: 21240
• Date stamped: 19 August 1924
• Date shipped: 19 November 1924
• Original destination: L.F. Collins, Melbourne, Australia
• Body: Size 0
• Top: Red Adirondack spruce
• Back & sides: Brazilian rosewood (pre-CITES)
• Neck: Mahogany
• Nut width: 1-7/8"
• Scale length: 24.9"
• Restoration: Gary Rizzolo (luthier), guided by T.J. Thompson
• Replaced components: Fretboard, nut, bridge, bridge plate, Bridge Doctor
• Tuners: Period-correct 1925 0-28 tuners (sourced from Steve Kovacik)
• Strings: Thomastik Infeld Plectrum .011-.051
• Includes: Hoffee carbon fibre case
• Made in: USA (Nazareth, Pennsylvania)