There are more than a few reasons why Tommy Emmanuel is one of very few players bestowed with the "Certified Guitar Player" title by the legendary Chet Atkins. There are few fingerstyle guitarists as expressive, as versatile, and as entertaining to watch as Tommy Emmanuel. There are probably even fewer solo performers who fill so much sonic space and captivate audiences quite like he does. This 2001 Martin 000-28VS is a rare opportunity to own a guitar Tommy put through the paces like only he could. When he owned it, Tommy called this one his "pay-it-forward" guitar because he purchased it from a cancer patient to help with medical bills. After owning it and playing it for a few years, Tommy put this guitar up for sale in a charity Reverb.com auction to benefit Guitars For Vets, MusiCares, and Doctors Without Borders. Martin’s Vintage Series strives to recreate prewar specifications with the advantages of modern guitar building. The 000-28VS is a 12-fret 000-body with a Sitka Spruce top and East Indian Rosewood back and sides. Its V profile neck with 1-13/16″ nut width provide a prewar feel and wide-spaced playability that is excellent for fingerstyle playing. Its pyramid bridge with cutthrough saddle, short-pattern diamond inlay, slotted peghead, vintage-style Martin decal and herringbone purfling establish a decidedly vintage aesthetic. Like modern Martins, though, it has a two-way acting truss rod to facilitate action adjustment. This model has a nicely balanced tone that is clear and crisp but rich in overtones. A great fit for fingerstyle players, the larger auditorium body and 25.4" scale length can also handle flatpicking with smooth response and wide dynamics. Overall, this 2001 000-28VS is in excellent condition. It has some minor cosmetic wear on the back and some pick-swirling on the top, but those are just the expected signs that Tommy played and enjoyed this guitar. Fingerstyle players, here's your chance to grab a great-sounding Martin that has already been tested and approved by one of the most inspiring players in the genre.
