Martin 0-28K 1928 - Natural

Parlor Vintage Acoustic Guitar with Highly Figured Koa Top, Back, and Sides, Mahogany Neck with Volute, Ebony Fingerboard with Diamond and Squares Pattern, Ebony Pyramid Bridge, 28-Style Herringbone Top Purfling - Natural Finish

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Product Description

1928 Martin 0-28K

A wildly figured example from the golden era of Martin production. This 0-28K feature highly figured koa for the top, sides, and back which is something that is somewhat rare on a vintage Martin. The flame is tight and uniform across the top, sides, and back without any spots of runout and has the fine grain and flecking so sought after in koa. The guitar is dressed up with the now iconic 28 style appointments, the 5/9/5 sound hole rosette and herringbone top purfling. The body is bound in ivoroid with the matching heel cap and the famous zig-zag back purfling. The neck features the immediately recognizable diamond and squares inlay pattern on the fretboard, with the headstock volute and the CF Martin logo stamped into the back of the headstock as was standard at that time. The tuners are an engraved set with ivoroid buttons.

The guitar has had a few action friendly repairs made to it, bringing it up to a nice level of playability. The ebony pyramid bridge is a replacement with the maple bridge plate being replaced as well. It has been refretted very nicely with bar frets and a replacement nut, the fret work is exceptional for bar frets and it feels great under hand. The neck has also been reset.

The cosmetic condition is amazing considering the instrument is coming up on its one hundredth birthday. There are a healthy amount of dings, dents, and scratches with a spot around the sound hole, just under the high E string, where the finish has worn away being the only area of note. The neck has a good number of dings, but none that can be felt while playing or are particularly unsightly. The edges of the headstock show fair signs of chips and dents, but nothing out of the ordinary. All in all a very impressive condition for a guitar of this rarity and age.

Serial Number 36979

3 lbs 4 oz

.88" at the first fret to .96"at the ninth fret

Setup with Martin MA540FX Tommy Emmanuel signature strings 12-54

Guardian case with black tolex and dark green interior


A superb example of an outlier of prewar Martin models, restored nicely and ready for another couple of decades of play. Happy to answer and questions or provide additional pictures.


1928 Martin 0-28K Specs

  • Highly Figured Koa Top
  • Highly Figured Koa Back & Sides
  • Mahogany Neck
  • Ebony Fingerboard
  • Diamond and Squares Inlay Pattern
  • Slotted Headstock
  • Engraved Strip Tuners
  • Ivoroid Tuner Buttons
  • Brazilian Rosewood Headstock Veneer
  • Bar Frets
  • Ebony Pyramid Bridge
  • Herringbone Top Purfling

Product Details

Condition Used - Very Good
Availability Out of Stock
Brand Martin
Model 0-28K
Year 1928
Finish Natural
Type Acoustic Guitars
Category Parlor
Subcategory 0 12 fret
Model Series Pre war martin
Made In United States
Item Location Brooklyn, NY