Description
Description & Specifications
1955 Martin 000-28
We present an original 1955 C.F. Martin 000-28. Handmade in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.
This instrument is a highly original and exceptionally well-maintained flat-top acoustic guitar. It retains all original components, including the bridge, tuners, frets, nut, pickguard, and finish. The top is crack-free, apart from a minor and typical E-string pickguard impression — entirely common and expected on vintage Martin guitars.
The beautiful rosewood back and sides are stunning examples of quarter-sawn wood and are entirely crack-free. The mahogany neck is structurally perfect — no cracks, no breaks at the headstock or heel, and has never had a strap button installed. Impressively, the neck has never required a reset and does not need one now.
It features a rosewood peghead overlay with a Gabon ebony fingerboard, adorned with graduated dot inlays. The Gabon ebony belly bridge includes a through-cut saddle and boxwood bridge pins. There is light, honest playwear—above the pickguard, beside the bridge, and a few small handling dings on the top. Some typical wear inside the soundhole near the pickguard has been professionally stabilized with a hand-applied sealer. The guitar’s sides are in excellent condition, while the back shows only light button marks and faint surface scratches.
Inside the body, one brace was reglued many years ago, with some visible glue present. The top is bound in 6-ply Ivoroid binding, while the back has 3-ply Ivoroid binding. Additional appointments include an Ivoroid heel cap, multi-layer Ivoroid end wedge, and a marquetry backstrip.
This is an extraordinary vintage acoustic guitar — a rare collector’s piece and outstanding player. Tonally, it offers exceptional balance, with a rich low end, crisp trebles, and a dynamic, responsive feel. Finding a 70-year-old Martin 000-28 with no top or back cracks, and with original frets and nut, is incredibly rare.
A high-end Sunrise soundhole pickup was professionally installed at some point, but we’ve chosen to remove it, as the guitar delivers its best tone acoustically. The pickup is, of course, included with the sale, leaving the choice to the next owner. The original strap button is also included in the case.
Comes with the original hardshell case, with all latches and handle in perfect working condition.
