Martin 1996 000-28 12-Fret GE

Product Description

Martin / 1996 000-28 12-Fret GE

The prewar models of the 1930s, known as Martin's golden age.
Among them, have you longed for the deep, full tone of the 12-fret 000-28, hugely popular with fingerpickers, yet held back because original prewar examples are astronomically priced and concerns about condition always come with using one on demanding stages?

On the other hand, even with a brand-new current reissue you face the time it takes for the wood to release its true potential, and as a working player you still find yourself wanting the lustrous response that only a moderately played-in guitar has.
Spend a big budget on an expensive prewar vintage guitar, or compromise on sound and break in a brand-new model from scratch?
For guitarists looking for a lifelong partner they can use hard on the job, this is a very difficult choice.

The wisest answer to that ultimate dilemma is this 1996 Martin 000-28 12-Fret GE: an early masterpiece of the Golden Era series, in which Martin staked its reputation on reviving its prewar models, and which has gained a superb voice over about 30 years.

The elegant prewar-style looks and the dignity of a slotted headstock
It combines the full body shape of a 12-fret joint with a classical slotted headstock.
Its appearance, precisely recreating prewar details such as herringbone binding and diamond and square inlays, gives off an aura close to a real old guitar under stage lights, and gives you the pleasure of owning a piece of golden-age history.

A deep resonance unique to 12-fret models, brought out over about 30 years
The fine spruce top and rosewood back and sides have dried out thoroughly in the roughly 30 years since 1996, producing a dry, vintage-like voice and rich overtones.
With the bridge placed closer to the center of the body, a structure unique to the 12-fret joint, it fills the room with deep, spacious lows you would never expect from a standard 000 size, in superb balance with the lustrous highs of rosewood.

Tough practicality of a modern Martin to support demanding work
It has a neck with a wider nut width ideal for fingerpicking, conveying complex chord work and delicate right-hand nuances fully.
Its greatest appeal is the dependable practicality to play it hard as your main instrument even in demanding modern live and recording settings where accurate pitch and response are required, without worrying about the excessive delicacy of an original prewar guitar.

The Golden Era series revived Martin's golden-age sound and looks with high craftsmanship.
Good examples from the '90s, with a moderately matured, ready-to-play voice that you can use on the job without hesitation, are rare on the market, making this truly a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Experience for yourself the rich resonance nurtured over about 30 years and the supreme tone of a 12-fret joint.
Please feel free to contact us about the condition or to try it out.

[SPEC]
TOP: Sitka Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Indian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 46mm
SCALE: 645mm
CASE: Non Original Hard Shell Case

[Repairs / Replaced Parts / Cosmetic Condition]
As this is a used/vintage item, the information below reflects only what our inspection could confirm.
- New nut and saddle fitted.
- Refretted with new frets.
- Neck reset done.
- Some finish missing on the neck at the 5th fret (6th string side).

[Playing Condition]
- Action at the 12th fret: 6th string 2.5mm, 1st string 2.1mm
- Saddle height above the bridge: about 3.0mm-3.5mm
- No choking or buzzing; plays well.

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Home Trial Service]
Since a mail-order purchase doesn't give you the chance to try the instrument in person, we offer a 6-day home trial after delivery. Please try it out at home, and if you're not satisfied, we'll refund the purchase price.
Note: round-trip shipping costs are the customer's responsibility.