1918
Martin 000-42 for Oliver Ditson & Co.
Serial #13364
Shipped October 24, 1918
In 1918, Martin produced the first two of their Style 42 guitars in the 000 size, #13137 and #13364. Another would not be made until three years later.
The 000, introduced in 1902, was a slow seller. In 1903 Martin built a single "standard" 000-21, their first six string 000, and three more were built in 1904. From 1902 to 1910, Martin built only 23 "000" size guitars. Ten were "harp guitars". In 1907 and 1908, the only 000 built was a 000-45 Harp guitar. In total, only 13 standard six string "000" size guitars were built in these first nine years. In 1918, Martin produce a total of eleven 000 size guitars of any Styles combined. All except one shop order for three 000-21 were special orders for individual guitars. Martin would not build more than one, two or three 000 size guitars until 1923.
This instrument has essentially the same construction as the early Ditson 111 Dreadnaughts, with the same heavy fan bracing as in all early Ditsons.
Serial #13364
Shipped October 24, 1918
In 1918, Martin produced the first two of their Style 42 guitars in the 000 size, #13137 and #13364. Another would not be made until three years later.
The 000, introduced in 1902, was a slow seller. In 1903 Martin built a single "standard" 000-21, their first six string 000, and three more were built in 1904. From 1902 to 1910, Martin built only 23 "000" size guitars. Ten were "harp guitars". In 1907 and 1908, the only 000 built was a 000-45 Harp guitar. In total, only 13 standard six string "000" size guitars were built in these first nine years. In 1918, Martin produce a total of eleven 000 size guitars of any Styles combined. All except one shop order for three 000-21 were special orders for individual guitars. Martin would not build more than one, two or three 000 size guitars until 1923.
This instrument has essentially the same construction as the early Ditson 111 Dreadnaughts, with the same heavy fan bracing as in all early Ditsons.
The bridge is one of the last to be made of real ivory, and the early cloud shaped guard, produced over a decade before Martin guards would become common, is inlaid into the top.
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