C. F. Martin 0-28KH Model Hawaiian Acoustic Guitar (1928), made in Nazareth, PA, natural lacquer finish, flamed koa wood body; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black soft shell case.
One of the finest examples we have ever seen of Martin's koa wood Style 28 Hawaiian guitar. Fabulous deeply curled koa body, herringbone trim, and slotted diamond inlay in the ebony fingerboard. Original flush-ground frets, high nut, and straight saddle. By the time this guitar was made, Martin Hawaiian instruments were purpose built with these features, unlike earlier examples that were essentially slightly-modified Spanish instruments.
It is increasingly rare to find these fine guitars in an unmolested original state, as many have been converted for Spanish play. With the renewed interest in acoustic steel stylings, these remaining deluxe Hawaiian Martins have gained increasing respect as some of the greatest instruments of the pre-resonator guitar era.
Played as a Hawaiian guitar, the sound of this 00-28KH is dryer than the typical Weissenborn-style hollow neck instrument, with less natural reverb but a rounder, more direct punch to each note. This is simply one of the best-sounding Hawaiian Martins we have heard, with a lush tone and brilliant overtone harmonics abounding. For the "hot" Hawaiian guitarist in the style of Sol Hoopii or King Bennie Nawahii, it would be hard to imagine a better wood-bodied instrument.
Overall length is 38 in. (96.5 cm.), 13 5/8 in. (34.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 4 1/4 in. (10.8 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
Beautifully original with very minor play wear; no cracks or repairs except one tiny grain crack and deep ding above the bridge. We don't see many 80 year old Martins in this condition! Excellent + Condition.
