USED Martin / M-38 SQ Grand Auditorium Natural 1996 [10]

We've just received a 1996 Martin M-38 in Quad-O size!

A 1996 C.F. Martin M-38 has arrived.
The M-38 features a Grand Auditorium-shaped body in the Quad-O (0000) size.
The body depth is 4-1/8 inches (approx. 105 mm), the same as a Triple-O (OOO), and the maximum body width is 16 inches (approx. 406 mm), close to that of a Dreadnought (D); it is referred to as the 0000 size or M size.
Compared to the 000 size, there is a striking difference in volume.
Its sound may combine the delicacy characteristic of an auditorium-shaped body with powerful strength.
Since this model is designed with a square rod (SQ) embedded inside the neck, there is no hollow space within the neck as found in adjustable truss rod configurations; this may make it easier to achieve a pleasant sound with excellent resolution and response.

Repairs Performed After Arrival
・Fret & Nut Replacement: Sanko Seisakusho SBB-23 frets, unbleached cowbone nut
・String Action Adjustment: Saddle height adjustment
・Repair of detached bracing: Positions 1, 2, and 3 / Back
・Binding repair: Body waist area (4 locations on front and back), body back (near the neck heel)
・Crack on the body side near the 1st string: Reinforced by gluing a wooden patch to the underside of the affected area
Although the instrument arrived in a condition with multiple concurrent issues, professional repairs have transformed it into an ideal, excellent condition that far surpasses its original state upon arrival.

Overall Condition
This instrument has reached its 30th year of age.
While the exterior shows signs of age, the instrument is in clean condition.
(Please note that it is by no means in like-new condition; this item is intended for buyers who appreciate vintage and older guitars.)
Various scratches—including scuff marks and dents—are scattered across the body and neck, but there are no issues that interfere with playing.
The neck appears to have a satin finish, but due to friction during play, the finish on the grip area has developed a slight sheen.
You can also see some thinning of the finish and minor cracks due to aging, but please consider these to be desirable signs of aging that add to the instrument’s character.
While there were areas of wear and tear, they have been restored through the professional repair work mentioned earlier.
The neck condition has been optimized to ensure ideal neck relief and string action through adjustments to the tang size of the replacement frets and corrections to the fingerboard surface.
There are some minor scratches on the pickguard, but they appear to be on the protective film, which has not been peeled off.
The original tuning pegs from that era (Martin-logo M-6 Gold, OEM-manufactured by Schaller in Germany) are still in excellent condition, showing only minimal tarnish.

Condition Grade: B+: Some minor scratches, but no issues for normal use

Serial Number: 571773
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Country of Manufacture: United States
Case: Hard case (original accessory from that era, custom-sized for the M-38/0000, shows slight signs of age and wear, with sticker residue)
Accessories: Original Japanese quick start guide, original English quick start guide, English spec card, HC key
Truss Rod: Square rod specification
Fret Wear: No issues; in like-new condition
String Height (Low String Side): 2.6 mm at the 12th fret
String Height (Treble Side): 2.0 mm at the 12th fret
Nut width: 43.0 mm
Neck thickness near the 1st fret: 22.0 mm
Neck thickness near the 9th fret: 25.3 mm
Scale: 645 mm (25.4")
RADIUS: 406 mm (16")
Strings at Setup: D'Addario EJ-16 / .012-.053 set
Repairs and Maintenance: Cleaning, string replacement, truss rod adjustment, octave adjustment, saddle height adjustment, fret and nut replacement, reattachment of detached back bracing, reattachment of detached binding, repair of a crack on the body side near the 1st string

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, and other imperfections that are not clearly visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any listed measurements regarding the truss rod, remaining fret height, string action, etc., were taken by our staff during setup and are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be identical when the item arrives at your location.

* This is a one-of-a-kind item, and we are listing it simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. We strive to promptly remove product listings once an item is sold, but updates may not always be in real time.
We sincerely apologize if the item happens to be sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding in such cases.