C.F. Martin & Co.’s profound influence on acoustic guitars is undeniable. Their innovative building techniques and designs serve as a blueprint for countless guitar manufacturers today. Within Martin’s rich history lies a significant chapter dedicated to vintage parlor style guitars, instruments renowned for their intimate sound and comfortable size. While Martin’s current lineup features various body sizes, the 0-28 Vintage Series stands out as their smallest full-size offering, perfectly embodying the essence of a parlor guitar. Interestingly, the “0” size was once considered the largest guitar built by C.F. Martin Sr. himself, highlighting the evolution of guitar sizes over time.
As part of the esteemed Vintage Series, the 0-28VS draws inspiration from pre-World War II guitar designs. It meticulously incorporates premium tonewoods, carefully selected to evoke a genuine vintage aesthetic and sonic character. The guitar’s shape pays homage to the parlor guitars that gained immense popularity from the 1870s through the early 1930s, a period marked by musical innovation and intimate performances. The 0-28VS’s charm and exceptional quality led us to recognize it as one of the best parlor guitars available in the market.
The “28” in its name signifies Martin’s “Style 28” designation. This stylistic code represents a specific combination of woods, binding, and visual appointments that contribute to the guitar’s overall character. Style 28 Martins, both vintage and modern, are highly sought after by players and collectors alike, often considered cornerstones of the company’s most prized instruments. The 0-28VS proudly upholds this tradition of excellence.
Staying true to the Style 28 specifications, the 0-28VS features a solid Sitka spruce top, known for its clarity and responsiveness. This is expertly paired with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, a tonewood combination celebrated for its rich overtones and balanced tonal spectrum. The neck boasts a comfortable v-shape profile, slightly wider than many modern acoustics, yet not as wide as a classical guitar neck. This design provides ample room for fingerstyle playing while remaining comfortable for chording. The fingerboard, crafted from solid black ebony, further enhances the guitar’s premium feel and contributes to its crisp articulation. With a 24.9” scale length, 12 frets clear of the body, and a 1 7/8″ nut width, the 0-28VS offers a familiar and inviting playing experience for acoustic guitarists.
Visually, the 0-28VS exudes vintage elegance. Notable aesthetic appointments include a refined slothead headstock, herringbone top trim, zig-zag back purfling, grained ivoroid heelcap, and distinctive diamond and square fretboard inlay markers. These details combine to create an instrument that possesses a “museum-ready” appearance, evoking the charm of historical instruments. However, unlike fragile museum pieces, the 0-28VS is built to be played and enjoyed, offering vintage aesthetics with modern playability and construction integrity.
While the Martin 0-28VS represents a premium instrument with a fittingly premium price tag, it delivers an exceptional playing experience and embodies the legacy of Cf Martin Parlor Guitars. Although discontinued with a previous MSRP of $4799, determined enthusiasts may still locate this remarkable guitar through select retailers, potentially at an increased value due to its rarity and desirability. For comprehensive specifications and further details, visit Martin Guitar.
