Custom Martin Tiple 1924/25

This is my Martin tiple. I acquired it from the original owner’s elderly daughter. I’ve enjoyed owning a piece of history, and though I strung it up, I never really played it, so it’s time to send this little gem to a good home.

It’s marked with a pencil date of Jan. 16 1925 though the serial number of 21809 reflects 1924 manufacture. This seems to be a T-18 model with dots on the ebony fingerboard and has an ebony bridge (looks repaired). The body is rosewood (likely Brazilian rosewood, but I can’t verify),  thus purchase is limited to USA–based buyers only. It is one of the earliest of the initial run of tiples that were ever made, in the mid 1920s.

It is in very good condition, considering it’s a 92 year old instrument and appears to be all original. It looks like there may have been some repair to the bridge. The endpin is missing (shown in photos).

Frets are in good shape, showing only minor wear in some of the lower areas. Action is on the moderately high side, on par with a such vintage instrument, (also show in photos).
I always erred on the side of caution with a delicate older instrument and kept it tuned low and it sounded great. I will ship with strings further loosened.

Includes the original chipboard case, pictures. It shows wear, especially with the buckles were.

I’ve included many photos and would send more for those who need a particular detail. I’m open to questions. All sales are final. No returns.

USA ONLY
This is a vintage rosewood guitar, which may include Brazilian rosewood in its construction. The complexities of CITES law make it prohibitive to ship outside of the U.S.A.
USA only buyers!

Check out this article for more on the history of the next model up, a similar instrument, that sold by Mandolin Brothers.


Here’s a lesser model that sold from Elderly





Here’s a lesser model that sold from Elderly