Koa wood Martins...
Posted: Sun Feb 21, 2010 2:57 pm
In response to Jim, who left a post describing his 1931 Martin 0-18K: Koa wood Martins are very interesting pieces. These guitars (and Martin Koa ukes) were made primarily in the 1920's-1930's when Hawaiian music was enjoying widespread popularity on the Mainland. Eventually, supplies dried up, although Koa is once again available from harvesting deadfalls on the Big Island. Koa has a tone of amazing beauty and clarity, as well as a wide variety of grain and figure. The style 18 Koa guitars have a straighter grain, somewhat resembling light colored mahogany, whereas the style 28K received wood with a more decorative flamed pattern. I agree...Jim, if you have any pictures of your 0-18K, give 'em up!