Martin CEO-1R 1997 w/ OHSC – Used
Here is a stunning example of the very first model in Martin's celebrated CEO series, the CEO-1R from 1997. This guitar delivers a truly special voice, combining the warmth and sweetness akin to a D-35, but with the added midrange bite and focus reminiscent of a Style 28 dreadnought. It's a fantastic sounding instrument with great playability, and its incredible sound will quickly make you forgive its few flaws.
Cosmetically, this guitar presents really well overall, showcasing beautiful wood selection, gorgeous Style 42/45-inspired inlays, ebony tuner buttons, and classic herringbone purfling. As an instrument that has been played and loved, it carries its share of small dings and marks here and there. There is also a little bit of fretwear, but nothing that impacts play. It has received professional attention over the years, including a stable repair to a top crack near the center seam and another stable repair to a crack next to the fretboard extension. The top remains nice and flat. There is a slight lift at the very back edge of the bridge, only about 1/8" deep, which is stable and not structurally significant. The action is comfortable, sitting right around Martin factory specs, with a bit of room to lower if desired.
The real money here is the sound and overall aesthetic—both are simply stunning examples of Martin's best work from the era. It's equipped with a great-sounding LR Baggs undersaddle pickup with a soundhole-mounted volume control. This is a fantastic player's Martin, ready for stage or studio. It comes with its original deluxe hardshell case, which is heavy-duty and in very good shape.
- **Model:** Martin CEO-1R
- **Year:** 1997
- **Body Style:** Dreadnought
- **Top:** Solid Sitka Spruce
- **Back & Sides:** Solid East Indian Rosewood
- **Neck:** Mahogany
- **Fingerboard:** Ebony w/ Style 45 Snowflake Inlays
- **Bridge:** Ebony
- **Electronics:** LR Baggs Undersaddle Pickup w/ Volume Control
- **Scale Length:** 25.4"
- **Nut Width:** 1 11/16"
- **Finish:** Natural Gloss
- **Condition:** Very good player's condition. Features professionally repaired top crack and crack near fretboard extension. Minor, stable bridge lift at the back edge. Shows some fret wear (does not impact play) and cosmetic dings consistent with age and use.
- **Included:** Original Deluxe Hardshell Case
