Description
The Martin D-28 established itself as one of the benchmark classic steel string guitars and this wonderful example was purchased new by its only owner in late 1954 or early 1955. The serial number suggests completion around late August or September. This specific guitar has one marking, 'MADE IN USA' stamped into the back of the head after assembly. This type of stamp, which Gibson also uses (as seen on this 1947 ES-300) indicates that the guitar was sold outside of the USA, and in this case specifically to Canada.
Currently 72 years old, this exceptional guitar is in good condition with expected wear to the finish. The original nitrocellulose lacquer finish has naturally checked with age, and the top shows wear from enthusiastic strumming. The back has a light 'buckle' or 'rivet rash' from clothing, but considerably less than many guitars we see. It appears as though what damage there is was lightly covered with a thin layer of oversprayed lacquer, many years ago.
There is a repaired crack to the treble side upper bout, but here the finish has not been oversprayed.
This guitar does not appear to have had a neck reset and the action is still comfortable; the guitar plays well and has a very full, warm yet sparkling tone with full projection and volume as desired. It's a great sounding instrument.
A non-original hard shell case is included.
Materials and Construction
Five woods are used in the construction of the Martin D-28: Spruce for the top, bracing and inner back strip, Rosewood for the back sides and head plate, Mahogany for the body blocks, linings and neck, and Ebony for the fingerboard and bridge. A fifth wood, a small section of Maple, is used for the bridge plate.
The neck is joined to the body with a dovetail joint at the 14th fret.
The fingerboard is not bound - that appears on models above the '28' trim. Position markers are Mother of Pearl dots; the larger dots at the 5th, 7th, and 9th frets transition to smaller dots at the 12th position and above. Positions 7 and 12 have double dots, a practice that started when Martin shifted from small diamond inlays to dots in late 1944.
For hardware, a set of Kluson 'Waffle Back' or 'Super', No. 500 series tuners are installed. Martin began using these postwar as materials became available again around 1948, ultimately replacing them with Grover Roto-Matics around 1958.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: D-28
- Instrument Manufacturer: C F Martin
- Instrument year: 1954
- Instrument Finish: Natural Gloss NItrocellulose Lacquer
- Instrument Class: Steel String Acoustic Guitar
- Instrument serial number: 139271, dated to 1954 at the Martin plant in Nazareth PA
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
- Right-handed
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 4.708 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 2.14 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 25.35 in
- Scale Length Metric: 644 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.722 in
- Nut Width Metric: 43.75 mm
- CITIES Documentation Required: Yes
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: No
- Items in Case: N/A
- Case Type: Hard
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190973
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |