This is a dizzyingly beautiful instrument. I’m a sucker for all mahogany smaller-bodied guitars and I think I just met their king.
Slip on a thumb-pick and play “Freight Train” on this thing and you’ll be in old-time heaven. There’s a kind of clear warmth to it that only good wood and age can provide. It’s a seamless player. The nut width spec for this year is 1 3/4” (they switched to the 1 11/16th nut in the late 30s), but as every guitar was handmade during this period, this nut’s closer to 1 23/32”. It feels great, though, and that’s coming from someone who prefers wider nuts. ‘34 was also the year they introduced the 14-fret 00-17.
Cosmetically, it’s in great shape for a 79 year old guitar. There are a few minor nicks and scratches along with two small cracks on the player’s “side” near the lower bout. The cracks have been repaired and are tight and stable. There has been some debate among luthiers as to whether or not the neck was re-set, but either way, it plays phenomenally, so it’s either a miracle or an excellent job. The tuners are not original and the bridge was replaced by Elderly. The original bridge is included in what appears to be the original case. All the latches work. Comparable cases have gone for as much as $500 on eBay.
I’ve played my fair share of vintage Martins, and I must say that this has all the elements that make them great. It’s got tonal character for days, it vibrates evenly and freely at the slightest touch, it looks fantastic, it marks a transitional period in Martin history, and most importantly, it sounds unbelievable and has plenty of years left to go.
I don’t expect it to last long, so let me know if this is what you’re searching for. You won’t regret it.
robinson(at)soundpure(dot)com