This 0042 from 1928 takes us back to a time when Martin guitars were still built with a 12-fret construction. In 1934, the brand switched to the 14-fret construction that we still see today on steel-string guitars.

The Martin 00 was not always equipped with steel strings, because although the guitars were designed for this in terms of bracing, they did not become the standard until 1927. The guitar features a straight pyramid bridge, a replaced one on this particular guitar. From 1930 onwards, the model was equipped with a belly bridge, placing this 0042 in the late 1920s. At that time, Martin built only a few dozen 0042s per year, and in 1928, even just 27.

In addition to signs of wear from playing, the spruce top also has two repaired cracks behind the bridge. Additionally, the guitar features a Brazilian rosewood body, and it is notable that the guitar has a crack running across the entire body, passing through both the heel block and the end block. The nature of the damage led to the replacement of the heel block, resulting in the loss of the serial number. All cracks have been glued, and on the inside of the body, they have been stabilized with linen strips.

The mahogany neck also has a repaired crack on the bass side of the headstock, and it is further noticeable that space around the snowflake inlay on the fretboard has been filled, likely due to material shrinkage. The guitar is currently playable with a beautiful deep tone, but will benefit in the future from a neck reset and fretboard leveling, as well as a repair of the bridge plate.

A nice detail is that the guitar was owned for 20 years by the American singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael Martin Murphy. The guitar ended up in Germany in 2011 via seller Laurence Wexer and can now be admired in our beautiful villa in Dedemsvaart!

This instrument has been carefully inspected for originality, condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.

Consignment.

photos of: Actual Instrument