Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar - The Holy Grail of pre-war sound with incomparable depth and history

There are guitars that set standards - and there are instruments that created these standards in the first place. The Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar undoubtedly belongs to the latter category. It is not only an outstanding vintage instrument, but a piece of living music history that is still considered a reference for sound, construction and aesthetics today.

The Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar embodies everything you imagine a „Holy Grail“ acoustic guitar to be. Equipped with the most coveted pre-war features such as scalloped bracing, herringbone binding and the iconic snowflake inlays, it stands for an era in which Martin built guitars with a perfection that still seems unmatched today.

Even at first glance, it is clear that this Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar is something very special. The combination of rare, old Rio rosewood for the back and sides and an Adirondack spruce top is one of the most sought-after tonewood configurations of all. Over the decades, the top has developed a beautiful golden patina that reveals the character and history of this instrument. This guitar has been played, loved and has developed the openness and depth of sound that only a recorded pre-war instrument can offer.

The Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar immediately feels familiar in the hand. The mahogany neck has played in wonderfully over the years and conveys a smooth, almost organic feel - like an instrument that has adapted perfectly to the player. The low weight also helps the guitar to vibrate freely and translate every nuance immediately.

The sound of the Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar is exactly what has made it a legend. The sound is powerful, open and incredibly dynamic. It has an impressive projection and a long sustain, while at the same time every note remains clearly defined. The basses are deep and sustaining, the mids warm and complex, and the highs radiate with a clarity that carries the entire sound forward. This exceptional balance and depth is the result of almost a century of musical maturation.

Despite its age, the Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar is in remarkably good condition. Several expert restorations have been carried out over the years, including several professionally repaired cracks, a neck reset including a repair to the neck foot, and refretting to ensure optimum playability. The bridge and original banjo tuners were replaced and the finish was professionally oversprayed. All of this work has been carried out with the utmost care and does not affect the stability or tonal magic of this instrument.

The Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar is supplied in a high-quality, modern case that provides optimum protection and preserves its value.

This Martin OM-28 1931 acoustic guitar is much more than a collector's item. It is a living instrument with character, history and a voice that has been bringing music to life for almost 100 years. A rare opportunity to experience - and continue to write about - one of the most important acoustic guitars of all time.



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Listed24 days ago
ConditionGood (Used)
Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • OM-28
Finish
  • Natural
Categories
Year
  • 1931
Made In
  • United States
Pickup
  • None
Series
String Type
  • Steel
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Back Material
  • Rosewood
Sides Material
  • Rosewood
Finish Style
  • Gloss
Top Material
  • Spruce
Body Shape
  • Orchestra
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Model Family
Color Family
  • Natural
Active Preamp
  • No
Number of Frets
  • 20

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