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We’d take this Kim Walker 000 over an ice cream sundae any day of the week—twice as sweet and no risk for cavities. Looking about as pretty as a fresh-minted penny but played in like a 50s silver dollar, this handsomely opened up slice of traditional taste from Kim is a dyed-in-the-wool home wrecker to your current collection. Aged Sitka Spruce top, light caramel-stained Mahogany back and sides, and a dark tortoise-style pickguard with bits of Spruce peaking up through the clear bands in the guard.

The 12-fret neck carve is generously curved in the C persuasion, and the Waverly tuners operate like the well-greased machines they are. While yes, this 12-fret Style C is from 1999, it’s in superb condition with but the faintest of fret wear, great playing action, and heaps of meat left in the saddle. Kim Walker’s guitars almost never crop up on the used market, so when’s the next time you’re like to see a piece of Mahogany and Sitka juicy tone to spare like this? So are you interested yet in the intersection between treble bells and woody bark, a dash of 12-fret richness and a propensity for open tunings? Congratulations: you have arrived at your destination. Don’t forget to breathe when you play this guitar; we don’t want anyone fainting on account of our little ole’ Kim Walker 000.

The folks at Martin have brought another historic gem back to new life with a limited run of recreated Martins from the turn of the twentieth century. This is their 00-45S 1902 model, built in 2003 to match exactly the specs of one of four 45-style prototypes built in 1902 (the 45 didn’t come onto the scene until 1904). Thus, this beautiful 00 has Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, Adirondack Spruce top, and the Abalone trim and appointments we’ve all come to expect from a 45-style Martin—except this prototype also features an integrated pickguard between the bridge and soundhole in the style of Martin mandolin pickguards of the time.
This particular example, number nine of 100, is in wonderful condition. The voice is revelatory, with a dark and colorful bass response that’s rare to find in such a small body. The treble strings are well tuned to balance that darkness with a sweet top end and overtone response. This 00-45S has a peculiar way of drawing your ear down the soundhole as you play; it’s engrossing and hard to put down.
Wrapped up in a coffin hardshell case in true 1900s fashion, this 2003 Martin 00-45S is ready to be the centerpiece of your collection, and the first guitar you reach for when inspiration comes calling.

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