Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe

The Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe is one of the highest-quality models in the time-honored 00-28 series and combines classic American guitar craftsmanship with modern technical advancements. Martin developed the Modern Deluxe Series with the goal of combining the proven design features of historic instruments with select innovations. The result is a line of exceptionally high-quality steel-string guitars that preserve the classic Martin character while incorporating enhancements in various areas.

The history of the Martin 00 models dates back well into the 19th century. Long before large dreadnought guitars dominated the market, smaller body shapes were among the American manufacturer’s most important instruments. The 00 body style became a particularly popular size because it combines comfortable playability with a balanced and surprisingly powerful sound. Even today, these compact Martin guitars are particularly prized by fingerstyle guitarists and players seeking a dynamic and responsive instrument.

The Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe offered here was built in 2022 and is one of the most elaborately equipped models in this special series. With its compact 00 body shape, high-quality tonewoods, and numerous exclusive design details, it offers an intriguing combination of traditional aesthetics and modern technology.

For the top, Martin uses solid Sitka spruce that has been treated with the Vintage Tone System, or VTS for short. In this special process, the wood is thermally treated to replicate the characteristics of naturally aged tonewoods. The goal is to achieve a particularly open and dynamic response, similar to that found in instruments that have been played for a long time. This direct response to the touch is especially evident in a smaller body shape like the 00.

The back and sides are made of solid East Indian rosewood. Combined with the Sitka spruce top, this creates the classic Style 28 wood combination, which has been prized for many decades for its warm, balanced, and overtone-rich tone. The rosewood provides a solid foundation and beautiful tonal depth, while the spruce top offers a clear response and excellent dynamics.

Another distinctive feature of the Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe is the scalloped X-bracing made of Adirondack spruce. Thanks to the intricate bracing, the top can vibrate freely and fully express its tonal qualities. Combined with the VTS-treated top, this results in an exceptionally resonant design that responds very immediately even to the lightest touch.

Martin also relies on an interesting blend of tradition and innovation in its neck design. The neck, crafted from genuine mahogany, features the specially developed Vintage Deluxe profile and is connected to the body via a classic dovetail neck joint. At the same time, an exceptionally lightweight titanium truss rod is used. This allows for adjustment of the neck curvature and, thanks to its low weight, contributes to the overall lightness of the instrument.

Another technical highlight is the carbon-fiber-reinforced bridge plate. This modern design is one of the defining features of the Modern Deluxe Series and complements the traditional construction. Combined with the lightweight titanium truss rod and carefully selected materials, the result is a guitar that, despite its high-quality features, is remarkably lightweight.

What really stands out about this particular guitar is its weight. The guitar is exceptionally light and feels wonderfully comfortable in the hand. From the very first time you play it, it conveys a very direct and lively playing feel. Especially with a high-quality acoustic guitar, this combination of light weight, natural resonance, and immediate response is particularly appealing.

In terms of sound, the Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe impresses with a warm, open, and very balanced tone. The compact 00 body shape offers excellent string separation and exceptionally fast response. Individual notes are reproduced clearly and with great definition, while the rosewood fingerboard provides beautiful overtones and a pleasant, full-bodied tone.

What’s truly astonishing is the full bass foundation this comparatively small guitar produces. Despite its compact size, it boasts remarkable richness of tone and offers plenty of headroom for a variety of playing styles. It really shines when it comes to fingerstyle and delicate picking. At the same time, it impresses with a balanced and clearly defined sound when strumming, without any individual frequency ranges becoming too dominant.

Visually, too, the Modern Deluxe Series has a very special appeal. The classic herringbone purfling is reminiscent of historic Martin instruments, while the elegant binding made of flamed European maple adds a distinctive touch. The traditional Style 28 fretboard inlays and the high-quality high-gloss finish on the body round out the look. The satin-finished neck also offers a pleasantly natural feel.

The combination of classic ornamentation, select tonewoods, and modern design details makes this Martin a particularly interesting instrument for discerning guitarists. It offers the familiar character of a high-quality Martin 00-28, complemented by the distinctive features of the Modern Deluxe Series.

Overall, the guitar is in very good condition. It shows only minor, normal signs of play and wear. There are no dents or dings. The frets also show only very slight signs of wear and are in very good condition. Overall, this 2022 Martin is in exceptionally well-maintained condition. The original Martin Geib case is also included.

We carefully set up every guitar. We adjust the neck radius and string action to ensure that the guitar plays cleanly, comfortably, and without buzzing across the entire fretboard.

The string action is 2.6 mm on the low E-string and 2.0 mm on the high E-string, measured at the 12th fret.

Specifications:

Model: Martin 00-28 Modern Deluxe
Year of construction: 2022
Body shape: 00, 14-fret
Construction: Solid-core
Top: Solid Sitka spruce with VTS
Top and Sides: Solid East Indian rosewood
Neck: Genuine Mahogany
Neck Profile: Vintage Deluxe
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Scale length: 632 mm
Saddle width: 44.5 mm
Bracing: Scalloped X-bracing made of Adirondack spruce
Neck Joint: Dovetail Neck Joint
Multi-wall sheet: Carbon fiber-reinforced
Truss Rod: Titanium
Binding: European Flamed Maple
Finish: Glossy Body / Satin Neck
Case: Original Martin Geib Case

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