Martin CF-1 Archtop ? Natural

A terrific value in a true US made archtop guitar with the Martin pedigree, just one owner, and just setup in our shop for the 1'st time. The combination of design, features, build quality and price seem almost too good to be true. Unfortunately this outstanding model has been withdrawn from production. Martin's history with archtop guitars dates to 1931, and its C, R and F series models were produced until 1942. It took Martin over six decades to re-enter the archtop market, with the introduction of the CF series in 2004. Designed by noted luthier Dale Unger of American Archtop guitar fame, the CF guitars were built in Martin's Nazareth, PA factory under his direct supervision. Unger & C.F. Martin hand signed the labels. A true US made instrument at an wonderfully affordable price, the CF-1 is a full depth 17" Venetian cutaway guitar, with an X- braced arched spruce soundboard, and Kent Armstrong floating pickup. Built in the lineage of the great Benedetto designs- including the Benedetto Ebony tailpiece, the sleek lines of the CF-1 are accentuated by the binding-free construction, lending the instrument a clean and dramatic appearance. This example is in excellent, hardly played condition, with flame maple back, sides and neck. The neck profile is a flattened gentle D, with smooth low action over nicely crowned medium frets on a fingerboard of solid black ebony. Tone is warm and full, with excellent feedback resistance. The CF-1 has become a collector's classic.
  Now, the reason the price is so low. The original buyer, from whom we acquired her, paid lot's extra for a deluxe Tweed Martin hardshell case with very plush crushed velvet interior. He was "shocked" to see that after several years of not playing her- the case lining has stained the lacquer. This black/gray stain is quite apparent on a natural instrument and shown in our photos. This blemish, which is not noticeable from the front- saves you about $1000+. You would have at least 3 options- 1. Enjoy the bargain & play her as is. Tell your friends its a one-off rare "custom shadowburst" finish. (see if they buy that & let us know) Obviously the sound & structural integrity is not affected. 2. Have the back, rims & neck refinished, or   3. Since it's a Martin Guitar with Martin case (which caused the finish issue & was supplied when new) contact Martin and ask them to correct it under warranty. It is obviously their fault, and perhaps they'll take care of it. We haven't called them to inquire because we're wanting to sell her. Either way it's a fine instrument and priced right, and the rare "shadowburst" CF-1's don't come along often.

FEATURES Include:
• Laminated alpine spruce top
• Sitka spruce bracing
• Laminated European flamed maple back and sides
• Flamed maple U-shaped neck
• Ebony fretboard, tailpiece, and pickguard
• Kent Armstrong floating pickup
• Gotoh gold tuners with ebony knobs
• 25" scale length, 1.75" nut width

WOLFE GUITARS, Jupiter, Florida  

World’s Largest Heritage Dealer for 3 decades & counting.

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