Since 1934, the Martin 000-28 has combined a playable 24.9" short scale with a comfortable mid-size body to deliver balanced, articulate tone steeped in harmonic richness. While the 000-28's specs haven't varied much since the early days, the latest updates to Martin's Standard Series more closely resemble prewar examples. Like the models of the ’30s, it is set up with a 1-3/4″ nut width, an Ebony fingerboard, Ebony bridge, and also subtle nods to the prewar tradition, such as butterbean tuner buttons and an Old-Style Script decal.
The construction of the 000-28 is straightforward: 14-fret 000 body, 24.9" scale, Spruce top, and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. It produces a warm sound with well-defined bass and shimmering trebles. The short scale makes the 000-28 a great fit for fingerpickers, but it still sounds great with a pick. This Standard Series 000-28 features an Ambertone Sunburst finish that was inspired by the 1933 Shade Top relics held in the Martin Museum in Nazareth.
Refreshed for 2025 with Golden Era specs to enhance tone, comfort, and style, the 000-28 now has the same spruce GE top bracing you find on the Modern Deluxe Series, which helps the model deliver vintage-inspired tone and sustain. Updates like a reimagined neck profile, thinner fingerboard, and refined bridge and heel improve playability and aesthetics. The result is quick response, a balanced sound with plenty of bass, and impressive volume with a lighter touch. As for appointments, the classic Style-28 details—such as Herringbone trim—add elegance without going over the top.
- Body Size: 14-Fret 000
- Construction: Dovetail neck Joint
- Top: Spruce
- Back & Sides: East Indian Rosewood
- Top Finish: 1933 Ambertone Sunburst
- Bracing: GE-Scalloped 5/16" X-Bracing (New for 2025)
- Brace Material: Spruce
- Scale Length: 24.9"
- Neck Profile: Golden Era Modified Low Profile (New for 2025)
- Neck Taper: High Performance
- Bridge: Ebony
- Saddle: Compensated Bone w/ 2-5/32" spacing
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Nut: Bone, 1-3/4" Width
- Tuning Machines: Nickel Open-Gear w/ Butterbean Knobs
Even though it's not considered a small body or "parlor," the 000-28 feels like such a comfortable, approachable guitar. Its sound is full and rich, steeped in nuance, and the short-scale feels playable and adds tons of subtlety. All around, the 000-28 is a proper Martin that will get the job done in style.