Martin Custom Shop 000-28
 
This Martin Custom Shop 000-28 is basically a museum exhibit that accidentally slipped out of Nazareth and into the real world. It has never been owned by a private individual — only handled by a business — which means it’s about as close to “brand new” as you can realistically get without hopping a fence at the Martin factory.
 
It’s pristine. Time-capsule clean. All the case candy, hang tags, paperwork, little treasures, and factory-fresh goodies are still sitting in the OHSC exactly as they arrived. Open the case and it feels like you just signed for it from UPS.
 
The build is full Custom Shop flex. The Adirondack spruce top practically glows, paired with beautifully straight-grained East Indian rosewood that looks like someone leveled up the "select" grade. Golden Era forward-shifted scalloped Adirondack bracing gives it that open, articulate, punchy 000 thing that sounds huge for its size. Fingerstyle feels effortless, strumming sounds rich and blooming, and flatpicking is shockingly authoritative.
 
The Modified V neck with the standard taper might be one of Martin’s best-feeling shapes — vintage-inspired but super comfortable. The black ebony fingerboard and bridge look like deep pools of ink. And that figured headstock overlay? That’s Martin showing off. It looks custom even by Custom Shop standards.
 
All the details hit hard: abalone diamonds, antique white binding, bone nut and saddle, 24.9" scale, vintage-style Grover Sta-Tite tuners, classy Style 28 rosette — nothing about it feels phoned in.
 
Condition is exactly what you want: untouched, unbothered, and unplayed outside of basic handling. Never gigged, never privately owned, and preserved like someone knew it was special before it was even strung up.
 
If you want a Custom Shop Martin that feels factory-fresh and absolutely nails the 000 vibe, this is it.