{"product_id":"1919-ditson-style-33-719","title":"1919 Ditson Style 33","description":"The first Martin Dreadnaughts were built for the Oliver Ditson Company inthe late 'teens.  The Ditson models 111 and 222 were what were later tobecome the D-18, although there were substantial differences between theseDitson instruments and those which would bear the Martin brand.  The 33 wasthe largest and most ornamented Ditson model then built (the largestinstruments were not offered in the fancy style 3), and is roughly the sizeof a size O Martin.  This instrument has major historical significance toanyone interested in the history of Martin guitars, and this example is inremarkably fine condition despite its weak fan-style bracing and extra-lightconstruction.  The top is crack-free, and the back has only one small (andrepaired) crack.  The bass-side has a long crack that was repairedacceptably some time ago, and is pictured in the photos below.  It had aneck reset about 10 years ago, at which time the bridge was reglued, thebolt holes from the fasteners which held the bridge in place filled, and theinstrument set up.  The playability is great, and strung with custom lightgauge steel strings its voice is lush and loud.  The top-finish is akin tothe style 44 Olcott-Bickford; it is a darker hue than Martin's normal clearshellac of the day, and reminiscent of the coloration of the Spanish-styleguitars popular then.   There are areas of light over-spray near the siderepair, and a bit of over-polish on the instrument's top, but the over-alleffect is that of an original finish.  Original engraved tuners work well,as do the original ivoroid bridge pins.  A length-wise crack through theheadstock has been tightly glued and is structurally sound.  The originalhard case is in great condition as well.  This is one of 24 of suchinstruments ever built. 24.9\" scale length, 1-7\/8\" nut width, serial number 552.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"sold\"\u003eSOLD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"C.F. MARTIN \u0026 CO.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53610386096494,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0979\/3660\/5550\/files\/ditson.jpg?v=1790963984","url":"https:\/\/folkwaymusic.com\/products\/1919-ditson-style-33-719","provider":"Folkway Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}