Martin Custom Shop Custom K-1 Major Kealakai #36837 (NAMM 2026)

Martin Custom Shop Custom K-1 Major Kealakai, Ebony Fingerboard, Natural

*This instrument was on display at the 2026 Winter NAMM show. It has been hand-inspected with any significant playwear listed below in detail. The instrument includes its full factory warranty and original case. We'll complete a full professional setup before shipping.*

~Guitar pictured is the actual guitar that you will receive~

Hawaiian musician Major Kealakai, and his custom Martin guitar, helped shape the course of music history. Kealakai was a guitarist and conductor of the Royal Hawaiian Band, and in 1916, Martin made him a unique custom guitar that was wider, deeper, and longer than a 000 to provide more volume and help fill concert halls. That one-off guitar was the precursor to the iconic Dreadnought. Now, Martin is honoring that historic milestone with a new take on his custom 12-fret guitar with a refreshed bridge design to better complement the traditional specifications, as if the company continued to produce it well past 1916. The Custom K-1 Major Kealakai features vintage gloss sinker mahagony back and sides, an Adirondack spruce VINTAGE TONE SYSTEM® (VTS) top, hide glue construction, authentic 1931 X bracing, and a modern, embellished ebony pyramid belly bridge. It blends tradition and innovation, paying tribute to the rich heritage of Martin.

Note: After close inspection, this instrument has impressions on the top lower bout and binding. (See pics, light reflections used to show wear)

We are proud to include a full professional setup to factory spec before delivering your new Martin Guitar. Our world-class techs will dial in your guitar to make sure the playability is maximized on your new Martin!

Empire Music is one of Martin's Worldwide Custom Shop Expert Dealers.