C. F. Martin 0-15 Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1960), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 172816, natural lacquer finish, mahogany back and sides and top; mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, Ameritage hard shell case.
This is a relatively clean, fine-playing and sounding early 1960 0-15, the lowest-ranked guitar model in Martin's period line. The all-mahogany 0-15 is a study in careful economy; the standard Martin appointments are reduced to the discreet minimum. There is no ornament besides a W/B/W sound hole ring, tortoise celluloid pickguard, and gold Martin logo decal on the headstock.
This small-bodied all-mahogany guitar has a surprisingly loud and rich voice, and sounds great finger or flat-picked. While this was the least expensive guitar Martin offered, listing for $99.50 in 1960, it is still built to the expected Martin standard of quality and is an extremely fine instrument. Only 526 of these little mahogany marvels were shipped from Nazareth in 1960, the model's next-to-last production year. This is a very well-preserved survivor of the last 60+ years and is one of the nicer final-period 0-15s we have seen.
Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/8 in. (10.5 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This is a nicely original and fine-playing example, recently given a neck reset to the original full height bridge. The top and back show some light lacquer checking throughout. The finish overall shows a number of dings, dents and scrapes, particularly as is common on the unbound body edges. There is a small grain split ahead of the pickguard that did not go through to the inside, and a couple of impact marks on the lower treble bout but no real cracks or repairs. There is a small strap button added at the heel.
The back of the neck has some finish loss along the spine marks and in the first position but is free of the heavier capo wear evident on so many old Martins. The interior of the guitar including the small maple bridge plate is clean and tidy showing no signs of repair; there is an older 3-spot contact pickup under bridge, wired to an endpin jack. The original rosewood bridge has been fitted with a new bone saddle. The guitar was also recently neatly refretted with period correct wire and shows little subsequent wear. A new bone nut and bridge pins were added.
The tuners look to have been replaced more than once, the guitar is currently fitted with recent repro Kluson Deluxe machines. Overall this little mahogany gem has been tweaked for maximum playability and has an excellent sound as well. It is housed in a very clean, high-end Ameritage case and comes with a nice letter documenting some history on the guitar, like we wish they all did! Overall Excellent Condition.
