❌SOLD❌ C F Martin D28 Brazilian Rosewood, 1969

Here we have a C F Martin D28 with a beautiful set of Brazilian Rosewood for the sides and back, built during 1969 as one of the last production Martins with this wood.

The Martin D28 was introduced in 1931 and has been in production since then. It has been a consistent favourite with performers and appeared on countless stages and recordings. This model features a Spruce top paired with Rosewood for the back, sides and headplate – orignally Brazilian but after 1969 as embargoes were put in place, Indian Rosewood. The neck, body blocks are Mahogany, with Ebony used for the bridge and un-bound fingerboard. Typical of WW2 and later Martins, the top purfling is a multi-layer black and white; originally, and on modern vintage-style models, it was herringbone. The switch was simply for practical reasons – the herringbone supplier was in Germany, Martin ran out during the war, and could not resupply.

This example of Martin‘s late 1960s production is in fair condition – it has definitely been used as intended. The top has no cracks but lots of pick and finger wear; extra, two clear pick guard sections have been added to prevent further wear to the top. Typical of heavy strumming, the finish and Spruce are worn under the E and B strings near the soundhole and at the treble end of the bridge at the edge of the faux-tortoise pickguard. The sides have worn finish but no cracks. The back, like the sides showing exceptional Brazilian Rosewood figuring, has a hairline crack from the bass side of the tail block, about six inches long.

The neck was reset years ago, and could be reset again if the action needed to come down; there is also a crack in the heel that was likely repaired at the time of the reset and evidence of a headstock crack. At the fingerboard’s first position, there are two black dots that may cover dowels, possibly from a repaired separating fingerboard. A previous owner was clearly a smoker, and used the A and D strings at the head as cigarette holders, as evidenced by burn marks.

The C F Martin D28 bridge is solid, and a Macassar Ebony plate has been added to replace the original, worn plate. A Fishman pickup has been installed, with the battery at the neck block and an endpin jack at the tail block providing output.

Aesthetics aside – this guitar is loud, with a fully developed voice, and sounds great. It is very full sounding, rich and warm, and has great projection. This is why these guitars have been so popular with players who have to co-exist with banjos and mandolins!

A Taylor arched top, hard shell case is included,