1929 C.F. Martin & Co. OM-28
The first OM-28 — Martin's inaugural Orchestra Model. Only 28 made. The long-scale 000 body concept was revolutionary, designed for plectrum players transitioning from banjo. Extremely rare.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Spruce (top), Brazilian Rosewood (back and sides — herringbone trim, scalloped bracing) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 25.400" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | None (acoustic) |
| Bridge | Ebony belly bridge |
| Tuners | Grover Sta-Tite |
| Finish Options | Natural |
| Est. Production | 28 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic — the first Orchestra Model.
What Changed in 1929
First year of the OM-28 — Martin's Orchestra Model combining a 000-size body with the longer 25.4-inch scale. Designed for plectrum and fingerstyle players. Only 28 made in the inaugural year. Banjo players transitioning to guitar drove the design.
Collector's Notes
First-year OM-28s are museum-grade instruments. Every known example is documented. The OM was discontinued in 1933, making the entire original run extraordinarily rare.