Although many Martin guitar models have been in continuous production for decades, subtle changes over the years add up, so that an instrument from the 1930s and the same model built in the 2020s may have significant differences. Martin first addressed this when it introduced the HD-28 in 1976, bringing back herringbone purfling and scalloped braces after having discontinued both features years earlier. Since then, various vintage reissue lines have offered specs similar to those of Martin’s “Golden Era,” between the early 1930s and mid-1940s. The most accurate of these efforts is Martin’s highly acclaimed Authentic series. But besides the various available models, Martin has a custom shop, which creates unique instruments for individual orders, but  also frequently offers short runs of special instruments. I recently came across an Authentic-Inspired Custom Shop 000-28 1937 at Tall Toad Music in Petaluma, California, and, smitten by its features and performance, decided to take it to the Peghead Nation video studio. 

The Authentic-Inspired Custom Shop 000-28 1937 (a dreadnought with comparable specs was also made) is basically an Authentic-series instrument built with Indian rosewood back and sides instead of the Brazilian rosewood or Madagascar rosewood used on style-28 Authentic models. The guitar also has an adjustable truss rod in the neck, while earlier Authentics used the non-adjustable reinforcement found on vintage Martins. The guitar follows the fundamental 14-fret 000-28 formula in terms of its body size, short scale length, and general appointments. However, while many contemporary 000s have a thinner neck and narrower string-spacing, this instrument is true to early 14-fret 000s, with a nut-width of 1¾ inches, a modified-V neck profile, and string-spacing of 2⁵/₁₆ inches at the saddle. The guitar was put together with hide glue and the generally lighter construction familiar from the Authentic series. The instrument I checked out had an ambertone burst finish and did not disappoint in its vibe and feel. 

Not only did the Authentic-Inspired Custom Shop 000-28 1937 look and feel wonderful, it also had great vintage tones. The guitar has the somewhat “dry” character often heard in older instruments, and it delivers the dynamic, balanced, rich sound that has made 000s a favorite of players in many styles. With its wide string-spacing, the guitar is not unlike an OM with a short scale, and it worked particularly well for fingerstyle playing. 

Available only from a small number of select Martin dealers, the Authentic-Inspired Custom Shop 000-28 1937 is an excellent example of the choices that players looking for a specific type of vintage-style guitar have today. While there are many smaller makers building fantastic copies of vintage Martins, it’s never a bad idea to look at what Martin itself might be offering, either as a standard model, limited edition, or custom order. Martinguitar.com

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