Brand: Martin
Instrument Categories: Acoustic Steel String, Guitars, SOLD
The Martin D-28 Dreadnought is one of the classic American guitars, used for countless performances and recordings since its introduction in 1931 as a 12-fret model. In 1934, it gained the 14-fret neck that is almost universally used now.
The Dreadnought body design was first used by Martin for the Ditson company in 1916 but due to poor sales was retired until 1931, with the D-18 and D-28. Since then, it has become the most common body design for steel string acoustic guitars.
Most of the Dreadnought models are based on the same construction tools and fixtures, with the materials and decoration levels varying. The Martin D-28 now pairs a Spruce top and bracing with Rosewood for the back, sides and head plate. The body blocks and neck are Mahogany, while the fingerboard and bridge are Ebony. Before 1942 and the American entry into WW2, the tops were Adirondack Spruce, but with that wood being allocated to the war effort to the point of overharvesting, Sitka Spruce has been used. Until 1969, Martin used Brazilian Rosewood, and then switched to Indian Rosewood.
For hardware, the tuners used have varied over the years; this one carries its original Grover Roto-Matic tuners. There are no pickups or other electronics installed.
This Martin D-28 was built during 1973 at the Martin plant in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. It is in overall good condition with expected play wear and light lacquer finish checking. It plays well, and sounds like it has been played over its now 50 years – it produces a full tone with rich lows and mids, and sparkling highs.
The original molded blue Martin case is included.
- Model: D-28
- Year: Current
- Finish Natural
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 319357, built during 1973 in Nazareth PA
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 14/06/2023
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 4.488lbs 2.04kg
- Scale Length: 25.393in 645mm
- Nut Width: 1.692in 42.96mm
