1929 Martin 1-44 Olcott Bickford Artist Model

This is very possibly the rarest Martin guitar we've ever had through the shop. Vahdah Olcott-Bickford was, in the early 20th century, the preeminent classical guitarist in the United States and a celebrated guitar instructor. Early in her career, she was known to play style 42 guitars, but starting in 1914, she began to special order what she called "Soloist" guitars from Martin. The idea was to use the same top-notch materials as a style 45 would have, but with plainer appointments and no pearl inlay. These new guitars became known as "style 44" instruments and were always ordered in extremely limited quantities by Vahdah herself and her students until 1938. A grand total of 37 style 44 instruments were made in a variety of body sizes during the 24-year run, and this guitar is only 1 of 2 1-44s ever built. Ordered through Ditson, this unique "shrunken dreadnought" shape was exclusive to the Oliver Ditson Company and is extremely scarce in any style. This particular guitar is completely uncirculated and has been with the same family since the early 1960s. Many folks in this business will go their entire careers without seeing an Olcott-Bickford, making this a true once-in-a-lifetime instrument.