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1969 Martin D-28 Brazilian
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: 242495
Materials: Solid bookmatched figured Brazilian rosewood back and sides; solid bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid one-piece Honduran mahogany neck; solid ebony fingerboard; Brazilian rosewood peghead veneer; solid bone nut; solid ebony bridge with bone saddle; Grover Rotamatic tuners; black pickguard, and inlaid ivoroid bridgepins.
Notes: The scarcest and most coveted of all instrument tonewoods, Brazilian rosewood is renowned for its brilliant, bell-like tone, and dramatic highly figured grain, with highlights ranging from deep purple to cafe au lait. Under strict export embargo since the late 60's, Brazilian Rosewood has skyrocketed in price as old stock reserves have become increasingly depleted over the years. Makers lucky enough to have a remaining stash charge a king's ransom for the material as a custom upgrade, and most offer it rarely if at all.
We are pleased therefore to offer this outstanding Martin D-28 dreadnought, from the very last year for the coveted Brazilian rosewood body. While earlier examples of the model featured rosewood with rather even grain, this stunning guitar is graced with presentation grade tonewood of dramatically varied color and figuration, the ideal complement to the bookmatched spruce soundboard, heavily interlaced with crossgrain silk.
Carefully maintained in superb playing condition, the guitar has excellent neck angle and bridge height, with a compensated bone saddle in a vintage correct solid ebony bridge. The warmly aged soundboard is X-braced, with some older pickwear near the pickguard by the bridge, and some incidental nicks here and there to show for its long career. A pair of short grainline cracks are soundly cleated and resealed on the lower back, with another on the bass side, all immaculately executed. (An additional small cleat is visible under the top in the pickguard area, but no crack is visible there.)
At just 4lb 11oz, the guitar is notably light in weight and well balanced, on the lap or the strap. The Grover Rotomatic tuners are precise and of slightly later vintage, with no additional mounting holes. With fine high pro fretwork, the guitar plays effortlessly, with smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup, on the lightly figured solid ebony fingerboard and light V profile neck. And finally, the voice: wide open and loud as a cannon, with the thundering projection and natural reverb of tonewood aged for over half a century: a true banjo killer.
This handsome guitar is a rare opportunity to play one of the most striking Martins of the Golden Age: gig ready, no issues, and right out of its original black Martin plush lined hardshell case. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings (.013-.056). Action is set from 4/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with light neck relief for easy action. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier strings, according to preference.
