1933 Martin C-2 Conversion — 42-Style Flat Top

Up for sale is a beautifully executed 1933 Martin C-2 archtop conversion, professionally converted into a 42-style flat top by renowned luthier Joel Whitehead. This instrument began life as a genuine pre-war Martin archtop platform, then was reimagined with a flat-top voice in mind — delivering the responsiveness, depth, & “played-in” character people chase in vintage Martins, with the elevated cosmetics of Style 42 trim.

The result is a guitar that has a lively, open response that rewards both a light touch & a harder attack.

Specs

• Year: 1933

• Base Model: Martin C-2 (archtop)

• Conversion: Flat top conversion by Joel Whitehead

• Top: Adirondack Spruce (professionally aged to match the instrument’s vintage character)

• Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood

• Bracing: Forward-shifted X bracing

• Neck: Original neck, professionally reset & refretted

• Fingerboard: Ebony w/ snowflake inlays

• Trim: 42-style abalone top purfling

• Bridge: Ebony belly bridge w/ vintage-style pins

• Case: Fitted Cedar Creek case included

Condition

This guitar presents extremely well with limited wear for its age

• Back crack: stabilized/repaired crack just outside the center seam (professionally glued)

Tone

This is exactly what you hope a pre-war Brazilian Martin-style build will do: rich fundamentals, dry clarity, strong projection, & complex harmonic bloom. It’s a serious player’s instrument with a plethora of vintage Mojo