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Based on an instrument in the Martin Museum, this is one of the earliest guitars built by C.F. Martin in his first shop in New York City (5). It is a near duplicate of the instruments he was trained to make at the Stauffer shop back in Austria(6). My interpretation updates the instrument with internal X-bracing and light gauge steel strings.
Combining a premium Red Cedar top with highly figured hard Birdseye Maple produces a very satisfying result. Red Spruce bracing provides ample strength, but allows the full potential of the top to be realized. Maple is generally "neutral" tonally, but the density and hardness of the Birdseye definitely adds sustain and some complexity to the tone. Unusual features include the scroll headstock, custom tuners, cantilevered fingerboard, "ice cream cone" heel, pearl rosette and inlay. The moustache bridge, although delicate, adds cross grain stiffness that also contributes to the instrument's character. A real treat is in store when you look at the back of the instrument. You will find stunning maple, polished brass, and a complex black/white inlay on the neck and heel. Individually handplaned strips of ebony and white fiber are wrapped around all surfaces and continue down the heel. All details are crisp and a special treat for the player. This is a detail rarely attempted by modern luthiers, but one in regular use on instruments from the Renaissance thru the Industrial Revolution.
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