1934 C. F. Martin 00-40H Natural VG++
Description
SN: 55690. There are few true bargains among collectible prewar Martins, especially the pearly models. The 00-40H model might just be one of them. Produced in very small numbers between 1928 and 1941, the 00-40H was Martin’s fanciest Hawaiian guitar in regular production. The tonewoods include the finest quarter-sawn Brazilian rosewood for the back and sides and red spruce for the top. It shares many design details with the Style 42 and 45 models—abalone trim and rosette, ivoroid binding on both top and back, a fancy Style 45 backstrip, and fingerboard inlays of snowflakes, diamonds, wings, and the “flying saucer.” Yet, the 00-40H, converted is about half the price of a 00-42 of the same year and around a third of the price of a 00-45.
Only 12 were made in 1934, this one was stamped March 19, 1934. It was part of a batch that included serial numbers 55679 through 55690. Norman Blake’s 1934 00-40H, which he used extensively for more than a decade, is from the same batch. All 00-40Hs were originally set up for Hawaiian lap-style playing. Converting them for standard play requires expert craftsmanship. When done properly, they become stunning, easy-playing tone machines.
This particular example has three distinct advantages.
First, it features an excellent conversion by Dennis Berck, one of the top Martin luthiers on the West Coast. The fingerboard is properly radiused, and the bar frets are full height and smoothly crowned. The neck has been reset to the correct angle; string height off the top is optimal, and the saddle is perfectly set for intonation. The bridge is a remarkably accurate replacement—so well done it could pass as original—and may have been positioned slightly forward of the original location for intonation. There is a small area of touchup behind the bridge.
Second, it’s from 1934—one of the most desirable years for Martin enthusiasts. That year, the 00-40H featured a belly bridge, “tortoid” pickguard, and Grover Sta-Tite tuners—all hallmarks of the golden era.
Third, this guitar has been played. Its tone has fully opened up, and the honest playwear means you don’t have to baby it. I’ve been playing her often and think of her as my “mini dreadnought.” As expected, she’s a lovely fingerpicker—warm, balanced, and clear—and somewhat surprising is how she responds to a heavy pick. There’s a satisfying rumble in the bass and a robust sustain across all strings, with no dead spots up or down the neck.
Aside from the conversion work and one replaced tuner, she’s as original as they come—even the pins appear correct. There’s moderate playwear on the top, some rash on the back, a one inch crack near the butt end and a near invisible crack on the bass side rim. The scratch on the top is not a crack.
The case is an early-to-mid-1950s Lifton with green felt lining. A lovely package, through and through.
Details:
Status: Available
Builder: C. F. Martin
Year: 1934
Serial Number: 55690
Model: 00-40H
Condition: Very Good
Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Neck: Mahogany (Modified V Profile)
Nut Width: 1-7/8"
String Spacing: 2-3/8"
Tuners: Graver Sta-Tites (one replacement)
Appointments: Abelone trim, ivoroid binding top and bottom,42-style inlays
Body Length: 19-7/16"
Upper Bout: 9-15/16"
Lower Bout: 14-1/4"
Body Depth (at endpin): 4 1/8"
Scale Length: 24.9"
Only 12 were made in 1934, this one was stamped March 19, 1934. It was part of a batch that included serial numbers 55679 through 55690. Norman Blake’s 1934 00-40H, which he used extensively for more than a decade, is from the same batch. All 00-40Hs were originally set up for Hawaiian lap-style playing. Converting them for standard play requires expert craftsmanship. When done properly, they become stunning, easy-playing tone machines.
This particular example has three distinct advantages.
First, it features an excellent conversion by Dennis Berck, one of the top Martin luthiers on the West Coast. The fingerboard is properly radiused, and the bar frets are full height and smoothly crowned. The neck has been reset to the correct angle; string height off the top is optimal, and the saddle is perfectly set for intonation. The bridge is a remarkably accurate replacement—so well done it could pass as original—and may have been positioned slightly forward of the original location for intonation. There is a small area of touchup behind the bridge.
Second, it’s from 1934—one of the most desirable years for Martin enthusiasts. That year, the 00-40H featured a belly bridge, “tortoid” pickguard, and Grover Sta-Tite tuners—all hallmarks of the golden era.
Third, this guitar has been played. Its tone has fully opened up, and the honest playwear means you don’t have to baby it. I’ve been playing her often and think of her as my “mini dreadnought.” As expected, she’s a lovely fingerpicker—warm, balanced, and clear—and somewhat surprising is how she responds to a heavy pick. There’s a satisfying rumble in the bass and a robust sustain across all strings, with no dead spots up or down the neck.
Aside from the conversion work and one replaced tuner, she’s as original as they come—even the pins appear correct. There’s moderate playwear on the top, some rash on the back, a one inch crack near the butt end and a near invisible crack on the bass side rim. The scratch on the top is not a crack.
The case is an early-to-mid-1950s Lifton with green felt lining. A lovely package, through and through.
Details:
Status: Available
Builder: C. F. Martin
Year: 1934
Serial Number: 55690
Model: 00-40H
Condition: Very Good
Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Neck: Mahogany (Modified V Profile)
Nut Width: 1-7/8"
String Spacing: 2-3/8"
Tuners: Graver Sta-Tites (one replacement)
Appointments: Abelone trim, ivoroid binding top and bottom,42-style inlays
Body Length: 19-7/16"
Upper Bout: 9-15/16"
Lower Bout: 14-1/4"
Body Depth (at endpin): 4 1/8"
Scale Length: 24.9"