Martin
1913 Martin 0-28 Brazilian Rosewood, Adirondack Spruce, Herringbone Trim w Ditson Provenance
1913 Martin 0-28 Brazilian Rosewood, Adirondack Spruce, Herringbone Trim w Ditson Provenance
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No Sales Tax (excl. MO):
No Sales Tax (excl. MO):
Sales Tax:
- No sales tax for all US states except Missouri
- Missouri Residents (only) must pay 6% sales tax.
Payment Options:
Payment Options:
Payment Information:
- We accept PayPal, Credit Card, bank wire transfer, bank checks, personal checks (must wait to clear). We offer discount pricing for bank transfers or other no-fee methods.
- 20% down payment holds an instrument for 30 days.
- If you'd like to check out via other methods, please email or call. Thank you!
Layaway:
Layaway:
- 20% down payment holds an instrument for 30 days.
- Other options are available by request. 30-90 days is possible.
- Down payments are non-refundable.
- If a layaway item is returned, the down payment is not refunded.
Shipping Information:
Shipping Information:
Shipping Information:
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL DOMESTIC ORDERS (lower 48)! We usually ship via FedEx. We ship worldwide via FedEx air, contact us for exact shipping price. Europe is usually around $229. Australia $299… We ship to almost every country in the WORLD! International buyers must contact us prior to purchase.
Packing:
All guitars are packed with exceptional care. Let's face it, packages are going to get thrown around and if not properly packed, they will break. We have shipped thousands and thousands of guitars of all values and know the importance of a good job packing.
Insurance:
All packages are fully insured in transit.
Please allow 24 hours for your package to acclimate. Not doing so could result in finish cracks. This is especially important in the Winter months.
Return Policy:
Return Policy:
48 hour inspection period, buyer pays shipping both ways and must be returned in the same condition as sent, no exceptions. 5% restocking fee to cover costs.
Condition Ratings:
Condition Ratings:
Condition Rating Descriptions:
Mint: blemish-free and not modified
Excellent: used instrument with minor cosmetic defects (light scratches, pick marks)
Very Good: used instrument with cosmetic defects (scratches, finish dings, buckle rash)
Good: used instrument in working order with significant cosmetic defects (scratches, dings, pick marks, buckle rash, binding cracks)
Fair: used instrument with imperfections that affect the function of the instrument
Poor: used instrument with imperfections that generally require repair
Non-Functioning: used instrument that does not work
Contact KC Vintage Guitars:
Contact KC Vintage Guitars:
1913 Martin 0-28 Brazilian Rosewood, Adirondack Spruce, Herringbone Trim w Ditson Provenance!
Here is a very unique and highly unusual 1913 Martin 0-28, featuring a rare combination of classic pre-war Martin construction and distinctive custom-style appointments.
As expected for the period, this guitar is built with Brazilian rosewood back and sides and an Adirondack spruce top, along with traditional X-braced construction, herringbone trim, snowflake inlays, and a zigzag backstrip. It carries all the hallmarks of an early high-grade Martin from the pre-war era.
What makes this example especially interesting are its non-standard decorative and structural features, including a Spanish-style bridge and checkerboard marquetry accents on both the bridge and the center seam, giving it a far more ornate and individualized appearance than a typical 0-28 of this period.
It also features a very striking Oliver Ditson gold interior tag reading “Specifically made for Oliver Ditson Co… Boston… New York.” While we do not believe this guitar was part of a formal Ditson-branded production run, it strongly suggests some level of involvement or customization history, adding another layer of intrigue to its story.
Important Condition Notes / Project Status
While visually impressive and historically fascinating, this guitar is being offered as a project instrument requiring light restoration work.
Most notably, it will need a neck reset, and it retains its original bar frets, which are currently uneven as is typical. There is evidence of a light shellac application on the top from a previous owner, which appears it could be removed if desired during restoration.
Structurally, there is one older repaired top crack, along with three hairline back cracks, which currently do not appear to be active or flexing.
Despite these issues, the guitar remains a highly desirable and visually distinctive pre-war Martin platform, especially for a player or restorer looking for something far outside the norm.
It comes with a nice newer hardshell case.
The Details
- Condition: Project / Restoration Required
- Originality: Original construction with later cosmetic/finish work noted
- Top: Adirondack Spruce
- Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
- Bracing: X-Braced
- Trim: Herringbone with Snowflake Inlays
- Bridge: Spanish-Style Bridge (non-standard)
- Notes: Oliver Ditson gold tag; checkerboard marquetry; bar frets; neck reset required
Playability & Sound
Even in its current condition, this guitar retains clear signs of strong vintage tonal character, with the potential for a rich, open, and powerful pre-war Martin voice once properly restored. As it sits, playability is limited due to setup and fret condition.
Why Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?
We specialize in high-quality vintage and modern guitars for collectors and serious players alike. With over 25 years in the guitar business, we focus on accurate descriptions, originality, and transparency.
- Expert Packing: We take pride in packing guitars safely and securely
- Fully Insured Shipping: Your instrument is covered door-to-door
- Worldwide Service: We buy and sell guitars across the globe
- Trusted Vintage Dealer: Known for honest, detailed listings
Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!
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