...some pre-WWII Martin arrivals. (continued) An older koa guitar in stock is a 1920 0-18K (item #3384) which is set up for Spanish play. These earlier Koa Martins were primarily intended as Hawaiian guitars, but were built as Spanish instruments with a raised nut and saddle, so alterations for conversion for regular play are minimal. This is a lovely fingerpicker with the typical bright but resonant koa sound. The wood is a different species with a subtler grain, but adds to the distinctive sound. Although not "pre-war" in the strictest sence, this 1942 D-18 (item #3775) is a good example of the transition in Martin's guitar building during the late 30's and early 40's. It has to be one of the fullest sounding 14 fret dreadnaughts we've heard in the past few years. As a war time Martin it is a scallop-braced guitar with "low X" position bracing as per post early 1939 specification. Although there is some heavy capo wear on beck of neck, the finish overall is quite original and the body is remarkably crack free. Our Martin stash is also graced with two beautiful prewar tenor Martins, a demurely small 5-17T (item_#3561) and a much bigger-boned 0-18T (item #3489) in a rare sunburst finish. Both of these 4-string wonders are great-sounding but very different, with the 5-17 having a delicately pretty tenor voicing while the 0-18 is full of power and muscle...just think Delmore Brothers! In case your wondering about the introduction to this week's newsletter... that's an MP4 of Merle Travis doing " Re-Enlist My Blues" in "From Here to Eternity". Merle is sitting around the army barracks playing a pre-war D-28 customized by Paul A. Bigsby with his signature neck and sporty pickguards. A similar Martin/Bigsby (item #3738), but with added electronics, came through the shop ealier this year. It never made it onto the web site and is sold, but we've included a photo to round out the gallery. |
