Description
Less than 2000 of these archtops were made during their decade production period between 1932 & 1942. By '37 they featured carved tops, which of course this one has. Additional features include mahogany back & sides with tortoise binding & a perfectly shaped V-profile mahogany neck. The neck is as straight as an arrow & plays great up & down the fretboard.
Cosmetic Condition: She's into her eighth decade & I'm sure has plenty of amazing stories to tell. Really well worn with an authentic vintage vibe that just cannot be replicated in a factory. This is good, honest play wear folks - lots of nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, weather checking & heavy finish wear on the top from strumming. There are a couple of top cracks - one between the tailpiece & the other just below the bass-side F-hole. The pickguard went missing a long time ago. Overall the guitar has a wonderful vibe to it with a gorgeous patina.
Neck: Soft V-shaped mahogany neck with cream side-dots. Dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with mother of pearl dot inlays. Original frets show some wear, but still have plenty of life in them. Open-gear nickel tuners are in good working condition. The D tuner is slightly bent & has a replaced screw & nut, but still functions properly. 1 11/16" nut width; 24 3/4" scale length. Neck is straight & has not been reset.
Body: Carved spruce archtop with dual F-holes. Nickel trapeze tailpiece with engraved Martin logo. Floating rosewood bridge & missing pickguard. Mahogany back & sides with tortoise binding on the top & back. 14 1/2" lower bout width; 11" upper bout width; 4 1/4" depth. Guitar weighs 3 lbs 12.7 oz.
Case: Vintage Ess & Ess hardshell case included. The bottom latch is partially missing, but overall the case is in great shape & the guitar fits nicely inside.
