Martin 000-45 1928 Jimmie Rodgers Commemorative Limited Edition 1997 (Mint Condition)
A faithful recreation of Jimmie Rodgers’ 1928 000-45 — Brazilian rosewood, Adirondack spruce, 45-style abalone appointments, rare commemorative inlays, and pre-war-style scalloped forward-shifted bracing.
Highlights
This is a rare limited-edition reproduction of Jimmie Rodgers’ guitar — a faithful recreation of his 1928 000-45 complete with 45-style abalone appointments. The Brazilian rosewood on this example is absolutely gorgeous, and paired with the Adirondack spruce top it produces a voice that is punchy and immediate when driven, yet refined and elegant when played sweetly. Not only is it eminently collectable, it also just sounds great — powerful string energy, excellent separation across the registers, and surprising depth for a 000-size body. This is a rare chance to own a Brazilian-rosewood Martin built with true pre-war style and materials.
Overview
Martin’s 000-45 1928 Jimmie Rodgers Commemorative celebrates both the Golden Era of Martin craftsmanship and the centennial of country music’s first superstar. Announced in 1997 as a limited run of 100 guitars, fewer than that were actually built (estimated 56), making this model far scarcer than advertised.
This example is in mint, collector-owned condition – carefully stored, never gigged, and presents exactly as it left Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It’s not just a guitar, but a significant piece of American music history.
About Jimmie Rodgers & This Model
Known as the “Father of Country Music,” Jimmie Rodgers (1897–1933) was the first inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. His trademark “Blue Yodel” recordings blended folk, blues, and early country to influence generations of artists.
Rodgers performed on Martin guitars — especially the 1928 000-45, the flagship 000 model of its day.
To honor his centennial in 1997, C.F. Martin & Co. built this limited edition as an exact recreation of the 1928 000-45 using premium, period-correct materials and craftsmanship. On top of the Golden Era specs, Martin added unique commemorative features such as the “Jimmie Rodgers” script inlaid in mother-of-pearl on the fingerboard (with snowflake markers), the “Blue Yodel” pearl inlay on the headstock, and the subtle “Thanks” inlay on the back.
Every detail reflects Martin’s most luxurious tradition and the artistry of their Custom Shop luthiers.
Tone, Bracing & Playability
This 000-45 1928 Jimmie Rodgers features scalloped forward-shifted X-bracing — a premium, pre-war-style pattern that makes the top more responsive and lively:
Scalloped: Each brace is carved into a gentle “scoop,” reducing mass and letting the Adirondack top vibrate more freely for greater resonance and complexity.
Forward-Shifted: The X-brace is placed slightly closer to the soundhole, activating more of the lower bout and enhancing warmth, depth and volume.
Combined with the Adirondack spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back and sides, this bracing produces a voice that is punchy and immediate when driven, yet refined and elegant when played sweetly — with powerful string energy, excellent separation across the registers, and surprising depth for a 000-size body.
The wide 1 13/16" nut offers vintage-correct string spacing ideal for intricate fingerstyle work.
Investment Value
Ultra-low production, exact 1928 000-45 recreation with commemorative theme, Brazilian rosewood construction, premium Adirondack top, scalloped forward-shifted bracing, wide 1 13/16" nut, Blue Yodel & “Thanks” inlays, “Jimmie Rodgers” script inlay on the fingerboard, Gruhn appraisal, and immaculate condition make this guitar an extraordinary opportunity for collectors. With fewer than 100 built, it’s rarer than many high-end Martin limited editions and positioned as a genuine investment-grade instrument.
Specifications
Model: 000-45 1928 Jimmie Rodgers Commemorative Limited Edition
Year: 1997
Condition: Mint (collector-owned, minimal handling)
Body Style: 000 (auditorium)
Pattern: Exact recreation of the 1928 000-45 with added Jimmie Rodgers commemorative inlays
Top: Solid Adirondack (Red) Spruce, hand-selected for superior resonance and vintage character
Back & Sides: Solid Brazilian Rosewood – the most coveted tonewood for Martin’s Golden Era instruments
Neck: Genuine Mahogany with Ebony fingerboard
Bracing: Scalloped Forward-Shifted X-Bracing — pre-war style for maximum responsiveness
Fingerboard Inlays: “Jimmie Rodgers” script in mother-of-pearl, complemented by classic snowflake position markers
Headstock: Brazilian rosewood veneer with “Blue Yodel” pearl inlay and abalone detailing, vintage-style tuners
Back Detail: Subtle “Thanks” inlay
Bridge: Ebony
Finish: High-gloss nitrocellulose
Scale Length: 25.4" (long scale)
Nut Width: 1 13/16" (wide nut)
Production Run: Announced as 100 worldwide; estimated 56 actually produced
Original Martin deluxe hardshell case (mint)
Certificate of Authenticity signed by C.F. Martin IV
Original paperwork and accessories as issued
Collector’s documentation and provenance
Gruhn Guitars written appraisal verifying authenticity and current market value
