1971 Martin T-28 Tiple
(Serial No. 284642) Think of a tiple as an ukelele with 10 steel strings. Tiples have been a custom order from Martin since the 1940s. If you have never heard swing jazz on a tiple you are missing a treat! Natural lacquer finish, solid spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides, ebony fretboard and bridge, original ebony nut. While not well remembered now, numerous small African-American string-swing ensembles of the 1930's and '40's made extensive use of these small but loud instruments for fast melody work and rhythmic strumming. Two of the best known were the Spirits Of Rhythm (featuring guitarist Teddy Bunn) and Cats and the Fiddle, where Tiny Grimes got his professional start. Overall length is 27 1/2 inches, and the nut is 1 1/2 inches. Has the typical nicks and dings of a well played instrument with some finish checking. A center seam seperation and a small top crack are glued and cleated behind the bridge. All hardware and finish is original. Neck is straight, frets are fine. Action is very playable, not quite 2/16" from the top of the 12th fret to the string. Plays well and has a good sound. Comes with the nice condition original shaped hard shell case.
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