1988 Martin MC2-28 Limited Edition “MC Squared” Double Cutaway Acoustic Guitar, 1 of 22 w/ Case
$14,999.99
$14,999.99
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Up for sale, a 1988 Martin MC2-28 Limited Edition “MC Squared” in excellent condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original molded hardshell case. Without question one of the rarest and most unique Martins we’ve had in the shop for some time, this fascinating Martin oddball was designed by legendary Martin luthier and archivist Dick Boak. Only 22 examples of the MC2-28 exist, and this is one of only two produced for export to Japan (recently repatriated).
The so-called “MC Squared” was born out of an accident: one day in the late ‘80s, when Boak was working on a right-handed M-sized cutaway kit, he realized the top he had was cracked on the non-cutaway side - and so set it aside on the shelf. A few months later, while working on a left-handed version of the same kit, he identified a crack located in almost exactly the same place (just mirrored, of course). Inspiration struck: Boak paired the two opposing sides together and removed the blemishes by turning the instrument into an elegant double cutaway with an elliptical soundhole, resulting in a Martin that looks, feels, and plays like no other before or since. “M” for the size (0000), “C2” for cutaway x2; hence, Boak’s Einstein-approved “MC Squared” moniker. Despite Boak’s enthusiasm for the MC2-28, Martin’s higher-ups didn’t approve the design for full-scale production, but Martin has produced a select few custom-built reissues of the model over the years, including one commissioned for Queen’s Brian May in 2010.
Tonewoods include an X-braced Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back/sides, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard. Tonally, this MC2-28 is exceedingly smooth, with a gentle, bubbling rumble to the low end and a rounded pluck to the plain strings that makes this guitar notably well suited to fingerstyle applications and detailed complex chording. However, the M size body (16” across at the lower bout) can definitely deliver power and projection when prompted to do so, opening up big and bold when strummed. An aftermarket piezo undersaddle pickup has been installed as well, with discrete Volume and Tone wheels at the soundhole. Weighing 4lbs 5oz, this MC2-28 Limited Edition “MC Squared” has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Modified Oval, measuring .825” 1st fret, .885” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender, no wear
-Scale Length: 25.4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone
-Tuners: Locking, ebony buttons
Body Specs:
-Wood: Sitka spruce, East Indian rosewood
-Bracing: X (scalloped)
-Bridge: Ebony belly, bone saddle (low)
-Electronics: Active piezo undersaddle pickup
-Controls: Volume, Tone
-Pickguard: John Greven Tor-Tis
-Marquetry: Abalone rosette, multi-ply binding
-Label: “Limited Edition,” signed by C.F. Martin IV
This Martin is crack-free save for a single tiny professionally repaired split in the very center of the back. The gloss lacquer finish exhibits restrained checking on top and along the binding, and cosmetic wear is limited to some pick scuffing across the soundhole, a small ding on the rim at the bass-side waist, and a few additional faint finish scratches on the back and rims. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
The so-called “MC Squared” was born out of an accident: one day in the late ‘80s, when Boak was working on a right-handed M-sized cutaway kit, he realized the top he had was cracked on the non-cutaway side - and so set it aside on the shelf. A few months later, while working on a left-handed version of the same kit, he identified a crack located in almost exactly the same place (just mirrored, of course). Inspiration struck: Boak paired the two opposing sides together and removed the blemishes by turning the instrument into an elegant double cutaway with an elliptical soundhole, resulting in a Martin that looks, feels, and plays like no other before or since. “M” for the size (0000), “C2” for cutaway x2; hence, Boak’s Einstein-approved “MC Squared” moniker. Despite Boak’s enthusiasm for the MC2-28, Martin’s higher-ups didn’t approve the design for full-scale production, but Martin has produced a select few custom-built reissues of the model over the years, including one commissioned for Queen’s Brian May in 2010.
Tonewoods include an X-braced Sitka spruce top, East Indian rosewood back/sides, mahogany neck, and ebony fingerboard. Tonally, this MC2-28 is exceedingly smooth, with a gentle, bubbling rumble to the low end and a rounded pluck to the plain strings that makes this guitar notably well suited to fingerstyle applications and detailed complex chording. However, the M size body (16” across at the lower bout) can definitely deliver power and projection when prompted to do so, opening up big and bold when strummed. An aftermarket piezo undersaddle pickup has been installed as well, with discrete Volume and Tone wheels at the soundhole. Weighing 4lbs 5oz, this MC2-28 Limited Edition “MC Squared” has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Modified Oval, measuring .825” 1st fret, .885” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, dot inlay
-Frets: Slender, no wear
-Scale Length: 25.4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone
-Tuners: Locking, ebony buttons
Body Specs:
-Wood: Sitka spruce, East Indian rosewood
-Bracing: X (scalloped)
-Bridge: Ebony belly, bone saddle (low)
-Electronics: Active piezo undersaddle pickup
-Controls: Volume, Tone
-Pickguard: John Greven Tor-Tis
-Marquetry: Abalone rosette, multi-ply binding
-Label: “Limited Edition,” signed by C.F. Martin IV
This Martin is crack-free save for a single tiny professionally repaired split in the very center of the back. The gloss lacquer finish exhibits restrained checking on top and along the binding, and cosmetic wear is limited to some pick scuffing across the soundhole, a small ding on the rim at the bass-side waist, and a few additional faint finish scratches on the back and rims. The gloss on the neck profile is flawless.
