This is a unique 1902 Martin Style 2-21 that has undergone an extensive, historically sympathetic restoration.
A new Brazilian rosewood rim was fabricated, then relined and kerfed to restore the body structure. The original headblock was preserved, which retains the original Martin serial number and factory stamp, as shown in the photos.
The original Brazilian rosewood back was also preserved, along with all of its original back braces. And stamped center reinforcement strip. The back braces have been carefully reglued, and the various cracks in the back have been professionally repaired and stabilized.
The guitar retains its original top; however, due to extensive cracking, it has been "double-topped." This means a new Adirondack spruce backing top has been glued beneath the original soundboard and thickness plain to correct size to reinforce and preserve it. The top has also been re-braced using accurately sized braces modeled after the original Martin bracing.
Additional restoration work includes:
- New ebony pyramid bridge
- New bone saddle
- Professional neck reset to restore proper neck angle and playability
- Complete body refinish in aged nitrocellulose lacquer, carefully toned to blend with the original neck
- Original neck with its original Martin stamp
- Aftermarket tuning machines
- Original bar frets professionally leveled, crowned, and dressed
