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2004 Martin CF-1

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Body size at lower bout: 17" Body Depth: 3" Scale length: 25" Nut: 1 3/4" Neck depth, 1st, 10th frets: .90/.94

SN# 1029796, stamped on side strut

Materials: Arched fine-grained laminate Alpine spruce top, arched figured laminate flame maple back, solid maple sides; 3 piece solid tiger flame maple neck; solid ebony fingerboard; ebony nut.

Hardware: Solid ebony hardware includes contoured tailpiece, finger rest, and compensated adjustable ebony bridge; gold Martin 510 tuners with ebony keys; custom Handwound Armstrong floating humbucking pickup with volume control, endpin jack.

Notes: We'll say it flat out: there's no better value in a true US made archtop guitar than the Martin CF-1. The combination of design, features, build quality and price seemed almost too good to be true. Or too good to last, in any case: unfortunately this outstanding model was withdrawn from production some years ago.

Founded in 1833, CF Martin and Co. has become the most prominent and widely imitated builder of flat top guitars in the world. Martin's history with archtop guitars dates to 1931, and its C, R and F series models were produced until 1942. It took Martin over six decades to re-enter the archtop market, with the introduction of the CF series in 2004. Designed by noted luthier Dale Unger of American Archtop guitar fame, the CF guitars were built in Martin's Nazareth, PA factory under his direct supervision.

A true US made instrument at an amazingly affordable price, the CF-1 is a full depth 17" Venetian cutaway guitar, with an X- braced arched spruce soundboard, and Kent Armstrong floating pickup. Built in the lineage of the great Benedetto designs, the sleek lines of the CF-1 are accentuated by the binding-free construction, lending the instrument a clean and dramatic appearance.

This example is in immaculate condition, with exceptionally vivid flame maple back, sides and neck. The neck profile is a flattened gentle D, with smooth low action over nicely crowned medium frets on a fingerboard of solid black ebony. Tone is warm and full, with excellent feedback resistance. Now just a memory, the CF-1 has become an instant collector's classic, combining first-rate design, gig-ready craftsmanship and value we may never see again. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe arched tweed plush hardshell case.