1933 C.F. Martin & Co. OM-28
The final original OM-28 — discontinued after 1933, not to return for 57 years. Only 35 made. Last-year examples carry special significance for collectors of the Orchestra Model format.
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 | 35 |
Pickups & Electronics
Pure acoustic fingerpicking guitar.
What Changed in 1933
Final year of the original OM-28 — the model was discontinued after 1933, replaced by the 000 designation. Only 35 made. These last-year originals are highly prized by collectors.
Collector's Notes
Final-year OM-28s carry a premium as the last of the original run. The model would not be reintroduced until 1990. Verify all pre-war specifications: scalloped bracing, herringbone, Brazilian rosewood, ebony fingerboard.
How to Authenticate a 1933 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 1933, 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.