Bar Frets

Martin & Coupa Guitar, 1840s

On May 13, 2022 /

Here is another rarity – an 1840’s Martin & Coupa guitar, built in Nazareth PA for John Coupa at 385 Broadway (Upstairs!) in New York. It is extraordinary that an instrument like this Martin & Coupa guitar could be in all original and playable condition, complete with its original “coffin” case, over 160 years after its production! To give a little chronological perspective, this instrument would have been delivered to its first owner by stagecoach and riverboat 20 years before the American Civil War.

Vintage

Price: $26,999.99 USD $30,000.00 USD

This instrument has sold

Martin Style 2K Soprano Koa Ukulele, 1923

On February 24, 2021 /

Here we have a Martin Style 2K Soprano Koa Ukulele built around 1923 in Nazareth, Pennsylvania; this model debuted in 1918 as the Style 2, with the 2K Koa option until 1933, and as the Style 2 until 1965. In 1923, nickel patent tuners took the place of the original wooden friction pegs, helping date this instrument; at this point Martin Ukuleles did not receive serial numbers. This Martin Style 2K Koa Soprano Ukulele is in good working order and sounds quite good, with a warm, sweet tone.

Vintage

Price: $1,699.99 CAD $2,199.99 CAD

This instrument has sold

Martin 00028 Steel String Guitar, 1924

On January 22, 2021 /

This is a rare treat – a Martin 00028 steel string guitar, one of 20 produced during 1924. It plays well and has a fantastic sound! Martin introduced the Style 28 some unknown time before it appeared in their 1874 price list. The 000 body size appeared around 1902, with one built, two during 1904 and one in 1905; from 1910 to 1918, a maximum of four were built per year.

Vintage

Price: $9,500.00 CAD

This instrument has sold

C F Martin 0-18K Steel String Guitar Koa, 1930

On January 17, 2019 /

Built from 1918 to 1935, the C F Martin 0-18K is a small body Koa wood guitar intended for Hawaiian music, which was very popular at the time. Another very similar version, the 0-18KH (for Hawaiian) was built between 1927 and 1928. Based on the proven ‘parlor’ size 0 body, the 0-18K used Koa for the top, sides and back, Mahogany for the neck with an unbound Ebony fingerboard and Ebony bridge. At the time this example was built – likely around November 1930, given the serial number – straight Bar frets were still used.

Vintage

Price: $4,500.00 CAD

This instrument has sold

Bar Frets

Martin & Coupa Guitar, 1840s

Martin Style 2K Soprano Koa Ukulele, 1923

Martin 00028 Steel String Guitar, 1924

C F Martin 0-18K Steel String Guitar Koa, 1930

THE TWELFTH FRET

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