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
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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 | 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.
How to Authenticate a 1929 C.F. Martin & Co. OM-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 1929, 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. Orchestra Model — verify 25.4-inch scale length (longer than the similar-looking 000-28). Original 1929-1933 OM-28s are extremely rare. Banjo-style tuners on the earliest models. 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.