PA

Martin D-18 Dreadnought Natural, 1943

On September 29, 2023 /

Seen here is a wartime (WW2!) Martin D-18 Dreadnought, built during 1943 at Nazareth PA and in great playing condition. Accompanied by a recent appraisal from George Gruhn, this piece is in structurally very good condition with wear expected for over 80 years of use. The back of the head does not have a ‘Made in USA’ stamp, which was typically used to identify guitars built for export, particularly to Canada.

Vintage

Martin Thomas Humphrey C-1R Classical Guitar Natural, 1998

On February 10, 2023 /

Built from 1997 to 2000, the Martin Thomas Humphrey C-1R offers a Humphrey element normally found primarily on high-end classicals – an elevated fingerboard. Thomas Humphrey was an American luthier who apprenticed for a year with Michael Gurian around 1970, and then opened his own shop.

Used

This instrument has sold

SS Stewart American Princess Open Back 5-String Banjo, 1899

On February 4, 2023 /

The SS Stewart American Princess 5-string open back banjo was built in the 1890’s in Philadelphia, and was aimed towards female players with its compact size and light weight. This wonderful SS Stewart American Princess example is in great condition and does not look at all like it’s over a century old.

Vintage

This instrument has sold

Martin 000-ECHF Bellezza Bianca #264, White 2006

On April 8, 2022 /

The all-white Martin 000-ECHF Bellezza Bianca was produced during 2006 in a run of 410 instruments, following the all-black 2004 Bellezza Nera, of which 476 were made. These models were designed by Martin in collaboration with Eric Clapton and Japanese artist Hiroshi Fujiwara; the label has four signatures, C. F. Martin IV, Eric Clapton, Hiroshi Fujiwara, and Dick Boak from Martin.

Used

This instrument has sold

Martin OMCPA1 LH Left Handed Natural, 2012

On January 21, 2022 /

The Martin OMCPA1 LH is a left-handed version of a cutaway, OM body design in the now-discontinued Performing Artist line. The designation breaks down as Orchestra Model, Cutaway Performing Artist 1 (the 1 refers to the wood and trim selection), and Left Handed. The OM or Orchestra Model body design dates to the closing days of 1929 when the great banjoist migration was taking shape as many players shifted to guitar.

Used

This instrument has sold

Martin D-42 Purple Martin Dreadnought #38 of 50, 2018

On January 10, 2022 /

Here is a spectacular rarity – the Martin D-42 Purple Martin, #38 of 50 built during 2018 and featuring a fantastic inlay set. Based on the classic Dreadnought design and pairing a bearclaw-figured Englemann Spruce top with Katalox for the sides and back, this is an example of Martin’s work at its finest. Katalox, sometimes known as ‘Mexican Royal Ebony’ and formally named ‘Swartzia cubensis’, is a hardwood sourced from southern Mexico to northern South America.

Used

This instrument has sold

PA

Martin D-18 Dreadnought Natural, 1943

Martin Thomas Humphrey C-1R Classical Guitar Natural, 1998

SS Stewart American Princess Open Back 5-String Banjo, 1899

Martin 000-ECHF Bellezza Bianca #264, White 2006

Martin OMCPA1 LH Left Handed Natural, 2012

Martin D-42 Purple Martin Dreadnought #38 of 50, 2018

THE TWELFTH FRET

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