Martin Rolando Model 1500 Prototype 1916, Natural

This Rolando Model 1500 Prototype is a remarkable piece of guitar history. It’s one of just six original samples crafted by Martin for the Southern California Music Company. Designed in the style of the Martin 00-28 but optimized for Hawaiian-style playing, it features steel strings and fan bracing—an innovative approach inspired by Martin’s Hawaiian guitars delivered to the Ditson Company just months earlier. While later production models had koa tops, this pre-production prototype boasts a spruce top, making it an incredibly rare and unique instrument. 

Cosmetically, this guitar wears its years proudly, with the kind of hard-earned mojo that only decades of playing can create. Despite its vintage charm, it’s in incredible playing condition thanks to a series of meticulous repairs. These include a refret, a new nut, bridge, bridge plate, saddles, and bridge pins, along with a neck reset (with a shimmed fingerboard extension), a heel crack repair, and a bass-side lower bout side crack repair. 

The result? A guitar that plays effortlessly and produces a warm, rich, and highly responsive tone. This is a one-of-a-kind instrument that seamlessly blends historical significance with modern playability. Comes with a TKL hardshell case, ready to be treasured by its next owner.