Martin has dominated the steel-string guitar market for nearly 100 years, so it's easy to forget that—for the company's first 90 years—most Martin designs resemble what is today considered a "classical" guitar. While modern nylon-string Martins may be relatively rare, they are fine instruments, built with the honed precision and attention to detail of the 187-year Martin tradition.
Originally introduced as part of Martin's Performance Artist series, the 000C Nylon adds modern innovations to the traditional classical guitar template. The result is a unique hybrid guitar that covers a vast sonic landscape. It is the ideal choice for any nuanced classical guitarist or curious steel-string player looking to expand their tonal palette.
The 000C Nylon starts with a 12-fret 000 body that has a cutaway, allowing unfettered access all the way up to the 20th fret. Sitka Spruce top and Sapele back and sides, so not exactly a traditional classical wood complement. Like the N-20s of the 1970s, the 000C Nylon sports a longer 26.44" scale, which is typical of the classical guitar tradition. It allows for stronger, more dynamic projection and impressive bass response.
While most classical guitars have a wide 2" nut and a flat fingerboard, the 000C Nylon has an approachable 1-7/8" nut width and a radius fingerboard that facilitates all sorts of playing styles. Equipped with the Performing Artist Fishman F1 Analog, the 000C Nylon is ready for the stage or the studio, but its inspiring tone and smooth playability will ensure it becomes the favorite in the living room, too.
This 000C Nylon was made in 2015. It has been played, and ti shows some superficial signs of play and use, but it is in excellent cosmetic condition (see photos). The worst is a scuff on the edge of the peghead and some slight marks on the top. The setup is excellent, so this nylon is an excellent player. It includes its original hardshell case.