1932 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28
An early 1930s 000-28 — the auditorium-body Martin with herringbone trim and scalloped bracing. The 000 inherited the OM's role as Martin's premier fingerstyle guitar when the OM was discontinued in 1933.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — herringbone trim, scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 24.900" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 35 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic fingerpicking guitar.
What Changed in 1932
Early 000-28 with herringbone trim and scalloped bracing. The 000 body with shorter 24.9-inch scale (vs the OM's 25.4) and 12-fret neck. The auditorium body became the standard for fingerpickers after the OM was discontinued.
Collector's Notes
Early 1930s 000-28s with 12-fret neck are different instruments from the 14-fret versions that followed. Check neck configuration. Herringbone and scalloped bracing are essential pre-war identifiers.
How to Authenticate a 1932 C.F. Martin & Co. 000-28
Martin serial numbers are the most reliable in the industry — verify the number stamped on the neck block (visible through the soundhole) against Martin's published tables. For 1932, the number should fall within the documented range. The back and sides should be Brazilian rosewood — this is the single most important factor in valuation. Brazilian rosewood has distinctive grain variation (chocolate to violet-brown) and a sweet smell. Indian rosewood (post-1969) is more uniform and darker. Scalloped bracing should be visible through the soundhole (use mirror or inspection camera) — this is critical for pre-1944 models. Auditorium size with 24.9-inch scale length (shorter than OM). Verify correct body dimensions. Check for neck resets, top cracks (especially near soundhole and bridge), and bridge plate condition. Tuners should be Grover Sta-Tite. Finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer with age-appropriate wear. Original case adds value.