1932 Martin C-1

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1932 Martin C-1

The C-1 was the least expensive of the three 15" C series archtop models built by Martin Guitars between 1931 and the onset of WWII. Featuring mahogany back and sides, black celluloid binding, rosewood fingerboard and bridge and simple dot markers in the fretboard, the C-1 was mostly analogous to the company's popular style 18 flattops. The guitar's pearl inlaid C.F. Martin vertical headstock logo and engraved nickel-plated tailpiece added all the glitz that Martin felt a budget priced professional-level archtop needed.

An early C-1, this example features the round soundhole, X-braced carved top, and 25.4” long-scale neck particular to those built in the first two years of production. In 1933 the C-series necks all changed to a 24.9" short scale, and the round hole was dropped in favour of Gibson-style F holes. Martin built a total of some 400 of this first C-1 variant between April or May of 1931 and the end of 1932. This example dates from early 1932.

The guitar is in beautiful playing condition and has recently been set up in our shop. The original bar frets are nicely dressed and properly crowned, making for easy and comfortable playability. As the original bridge’s top had cracks, we made a one-piece non-adjustable bridge with a glued-in saddle for the guitar. The solid bridge helps to bring out the best of the guitar's tone. The original adjustable bridge is included but spends its time in the pocket of the original case. A K&K Pure Mini pickup has been professionally installed.

Original G-98 clipped-plate tuners, original nut, pickguard, and tailpiece. The instrument's finish remains in excellent condition throughout, showing rather minimal playwear. There is one nearly invisible back crack that was glued in our shop, and a 1” side repair on the lower treble bout. The guitar’s neck was cleanly reset in recent years, and a few back brace ends have been reglued carefully and cleanly. Playability is excellent; the action is set at 4-6 64ths with 12-53 strings.

With its braced flat back and round-hole top, the C-1 has a tone that's something of a hybrid of arched and flat top guitars. It's reactive and quick, punchy through the mids, and has rounded trebles. The bass is succinct and articulated; excellent for single-note runs. The guitar finds its place in an acoustic mix nicely, as one would expect of an archtop, but holds on to some of that warmth and resonance handed down by the flattop side of its gene pool.

Medium thick neck with a soft V carve and a nut width of 1-3/4". String spread at the bridge is 2-3/8”. First fret neck depth is .836”.

With original chipboard case, and a properly-fitting modern deluxe hardshell.
1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1
  • 1932 Martin C-1

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