1905 Martin 000-28

In 1905, Henry Sphar placed an order with C. F. Martin & Company that would result in one of the most distinctive early 000 guitars ever built.

At a time when the 000 size was largest guitar Martin had ever built and was still in its infancy, this instrument pushed beyond standard catalog offerings. This is the 4th 000-28 built.  It was built on a Style 28 platform and Sphar requested notable upgrades, including a Style 30 fingerboard and enhanced german silver tuning machines, elevating the guitar well beyond typical specifications of the era. It also featured a Spanish cedar neck, a refined and deliberate choice for both feel and response.

What sets this guitar further apart is the presence of Frank Henry Martin's signature on the inside of the guitar.  He was working as a builder in the shop in 1905 and personally signed and dated the top on the inside of the guitar when it was being built.  In a period when production was still highly hands-on, this detail reflects an awareness of the instrument’s significance even at the time it was built.

In 1905, the 000 was among the largest guitars Martin produced, representing a shift toward greater projection and presence. This example stands among the earliest known 000 six-string Martins ever made, placing it at the very front of the model’s evolution. 

The combination of its early 000 body, uncommon Style 30 appointments, and documented connection to Frank Henry Martin makes this instrument one of the most unique and historically important pre-war Martins ever produced.