Classical Guitars - Kent Guitar Classics

C F Martin of New York

• Year:

  1880's / 1890's. The C.F Martin & Co. stamp was apparently used between 1976 and 1898.

• Body:

  South american swartzia, rosewood or machaerium - nearly all straight-grained, with ivory(?) bindings and heel cap. The bottom of the ribs at the tail block has an ivory fillet and strap button. The back carries the well recognised herringbone centre decoration. The internal neck block and back centre strip inside are both stamped 'C.F Martin & Co, New York'.

• Front:

  Spruce with X-bracing and carrying the usual concentric circle rosette, herringbone purfling, pyramid bridge - with possibly 5 of the original pins and one of different height.

• Tuners:

  Ivory pegs; all of which appear to be original - on a head with Brazilian rosewood facing. The rear of the head is stamped 'CF Martin, New York' and has an original strap button.

• Scale:

  633mm with 19 frets on an ebony fingerboard

• Neck Width:

  ca. 48mm

• Weight:

  ca. 1190 grams

• Condition:

  In astonishingly good condition for a guitar approximately 120 years old. The polish throughout appears to be original and has very little playing wear.
  The sides are in superb condition, with minimal marks.
  The back is also extremely good with one tight crack line by the bass side waist, not repaired and ca.15 cm long.
  The front has a centre seam crack or separation, which is lightly cleated underneath down at the bottom only ... and one crack in line with the 2nd string, below the bridge only. Other than very minor playing wear, it looks very tidy and extraordinarily well-cared for.
  The fingerboard has very little wear and there are no obvious signs of re-fretting.
  The coffin timber case is in full working order and has the original handle, clasps, lock (no key), hinges and 028 label inside.

• Comments:

  This would appear to be a 19th century Martin 028 in exceptionally good condition and with its original coffin case.
  Of great surprise to me; not being particularly familiar with Martin guitars, is the quality, quantity and depth of sound -which with eyes closed, is quite similar to something like a Santos Hernandez. It is strung with nylon strings and is really beautiful with a singing, velvety sound.

  C F Martin - Click here to find out more about this maker

• Price:
  Sold March 2014
• AVAILABILITY
  SOLD + 44 (0) 1732 453 523 Contact via Email

  Available from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. UK time.