Martin Tenor 1T 1960, or 1993?

kepasauke

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Hello. I'm test driving a Martin Tenor. It was advertised as vintage '50s, but is clearly at least 1960 (made in USA stamp).
My question is, are there identifying characteristics that can help narrow the instrument's date between 1960 - 1993?
Thanks for any help.
 
A Martin tenor from prior to 196o , as you noted, will have the made in USA stamp. Up to around 1963 they will have tortoise shell binding. After that the binding was changed to black plastic. Hope this helps.
 
Even the Tom Walsh book gives very little to go on for 1Ts between 1960 and 1994: T-frets since ca. 1934, black champion tuners since 1946, fourteen frets to the body instead of twelve since 1960 with dots added on the 12th and 15th frets with the double dot shifting from 7th to 12th... It's what Iz Kamakawiwo'ole played.
 
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