C.F. Martin & Co.’s profound influence on acoustic guitar design is undeniable. Walk into any guitar store today, and you’ll see instruments that either directly emulate Martin’s construction techniques or feature subtle variations on their iconic designs. Among the treasures in Martin’s rich history, vintage parlor guitars hold a special place, embodying a unique blend of intimacy and tonal richness.
While Martin’s current lineup includes various body sizes, the 0-28 Vintage Series stands out as their smallest full-sized guitar, perfectly fitting the description of a parlor guitar. Interestingly, the “0” body shape wasn’t always considered small; in fact, during C.F. Martin Sr.’s time, it represented the largest guitar size available. This historical context highlights the evolution of guitar design and Martin’s pioneering role in shaping it.
The 0-28VS, as part of Martin’s esteemed Vintage Series, draws direct inspiration from pre-World War II guitar designs. It meticulously incorporates premium tonewoods, carefully selected to evoke the aesthetic and sonic character of vintage instruments. The guitar’s shape itself is a nod to the parlor guitars that gained immense popularity from the 1870s through the early 1930s, a period often considered the golden age of these compact yet resonant instruments.
Our appreciation for the 0-28VS is so high that we’ve proudly featured it as one of the top parlor guitars available today. Its vintage-inspired design and exceptional craftsmanship make it a standout in the contemporary parlor guitar market.
The “28” in the name signifies that this model adheres to Martin’s “Style 28” specifications. Style 28 is more than just a label; it’s a hallmark denoting a specific combination of woods, binding, and visual appointments that have become synonymous with high-quality Martin guitars. Both vintage and modern Style 28 Martins are highly sought after by players and collectors alike, often regarded as some of the finest instruments within the Martin catalog and the broader acoustic guitar world.
Staying true to the Style 28 designation, the 0-28VS boasts a solid Sitka spruce top, renowned for its clarity and projection. This is expertly paired with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, a tonewood combination celebrated for its rich overtones, warmth, and complex harmonic character. The neck features a comfortable V-shape profile, offering a substantial feel without being cumbersome. It’s slightly wider than many modern acoustic guitar necks, providing ample string spacing for fingerstyle playing, yet not as wide as a classical guitar neck, maintaining playability for various styles. The fingerboard, crafted from solid black ebony, contributes to the guitar’s overall tonal clarity and provides a smooth, luxurious playing surface. With a 24.9” scale length, 12 frets clear of the body, and a 1 7/8″ nut width, the 0-28VS embodies the traditional parlor guitar dimensions that contribute to its focused and articulate sound.
Aesthetically, the 0-28VS exudes vintage elegance. It features a slotted headstock, a classic design element that enhances the guitar’s vintage vibe and subtly alters string tension. The herringbone top trim, a delicate inlay pattern around the soundboard edge, is another hallmark of vintage Martin guitars, adding a touch of visual sophistication. The zig-zag back purfling, a decorative strip down the center of the back, further enhances the instrument’s refined appearance. Grained ivoroid heelcap and diamond and square fretboard inlay markers complete the visual package, lending the 0-28VS a museum-quality aesthetic. While it possesses the visual charm of a vintage instrument, the 0-28VS is built with modern construction techniques, making it significantly more robust and less fragile than actual guitars from the early 20th century.
This exceptional instrument, embodying Martin’s legacy and expertise in parlor guitar design, was positioned as a premium offering. The Martin 0-28VS previously carried a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $4799, reflecting its high-quality materials and craftsmanship. Although it is now discontinued from Martin’s regular production, these sought-after guitars can still be found through select retailers, often commanding prices reflecting their rarity and desirability. For comprehensive specifications and further details, visit the official Martin Guitar website.
