Brand: Martin
Instrument Categories: Acoustic Steel String, Guitars, SOLD
The Martin D-76 Bicentennial Limited Edition guitar was built during 1975 and 1976 in commemoration of the two hundredth anniversary of the United States of America.
The first 200 Martin D-76 Bicentennial models appeared during 1975, with another 1,976 completing the run during 1976.
Based on the classic D body design, the Martin D-76 pairs an Adirondack Spruce top with head plate, sides and three-piece back of Indian Rosewood; the back sections have Herringbone separators. The neck is Mahogany, with Ebony for the fingerboard and bridge. Unique to this model, the fingerboard position markers are small five-pointed stars in Mother of Pearl, and an engraved Mother of Pearl Eagle is inlaid in the head plate.
At the time this Martin D-76 Bicentennial guitar was built, Martin was still using a fixed metal channel as a neck stiffener. As well, during this period Martin installed the pickguard and masked it off – before finishing the top. This often led to a distinctive shrinkage crack when the top and pickguard contracted at different rates (this has not happened to this guitar). Martin now glues the pickguard to the finish, which prevents this crack. Here, the original pickguard was removed and reglued to the top.
This Martin D-76 Bicentennial example was built during 1976 at the historic Martin facility in Nazareth, Pennsylvania and it is number 0819 of the 1,976 produced that year. It is in overall good condition, though it has been used as intended and consequently has some minor finish chipping in a couple of spots. Fret wear is minor, and this guitar has had the almost-inevitable neck reset. This guitar plays well, and has a rich, full sound, perhaps a bit bassier and louder than some other models.
A Gibson branded hard shell case is included.
We’ve recently post a slightly earlier example, Martin D-76 No. 1443, which can be viewed here.
- Model: D-76 Bicentennial
- Year: 1976
- Finish Gloss Natural
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 374144, dated to February of 1976 at Nazareth, PA
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 15/03/2022
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 4.698lbs 2.12kg
- Scale Length: 25.4in 646mm
- Nut Width: 1.698in 43.18mm
