The Martin Orchestra Model Expands
1932 0-18 "Model 32"
The model 32, first stamped on January 19, 1932 and introduced into regular production with a group stamped on February 24, 1932, was the first of the Orchestra Models to be introduced after the OM.
#49750 0-18 Special, Orchestra Model Neck and Scale", January 19, 1932 S.O. #183
#49926 0-18 Special (Orchestra Model Neck and Scale January 27 1932 S.O. #191
#50052-53 0-18 Special February 7, 1932 S.O. #197
#50110-11 0-18 (New Model Body - 14 frets clear 50110 -- OM Scale, 50111 -- 0 Scale February 19, 1932 S.O. #201
#502224-48, 0-18 (32 Model) February 24, 1932 S.O. #
This began the switch to 14 fret guitars replacing 12 frets in the regular line of guitars. While "OM" stood for "Orchestra Model", all 14 fret Martins would be designated as Orchestra Models in future Martin catalogs, eventually including the 14 fret Dreadnaughts in 1934, as these guitars were initially intended to be used in orchestras.
These 1932 Model 32 were finished with a shaded top as standard, as were the larger OM-18 of 1932.
The first five built were produced with an "OM Scale", at 25.4". Later production Model 32 were built with regular scales, called an "0 Scale", which was 24.9"
1932 0-17 "Model 32"
It is interesting to see the shaded finish on the early Style 17, not only where it is barely visible against the dark mahogany top, but also on the back, and even on the sides.
The first 14 fret Style 17 were stamped in March 7 of 1932 (#50394-403) in shop order #217.
The first "00-17 (32)" were stamped on January 13 of 1933 (#52666-90) in shop order #359.
Martin turned down requests at first to make 14 fret Style 28 and 42 guitars in the 00 size before they were set up to build the 00-17. They were prepared to meet a request for a 14 fret 000-42, as they obviously had 000 size body forms for the OM guitars.
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