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musical instrument details
1954 Martin D-28 Vintage Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Brazilian w/osc, D28
Estimated price for orientation: 7 899 $
Category: Acoustic Guitars
Class:
Description Dexterity: Right-Handed Model: D-28 String Configuration: 6 String MPN: Does Not Apply Soundboard Style: Flat Top Exact Year: 1954 Brand: Martin Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Body Type: Dreadnought UPC: Does not apply
Up for sale, a 1954 Martin D-28 in exceptional condition, with the nuance, incredible projection, and commanding tone that you expect from a vintage square shoulder Martin dreadnought. Few guitars have achieved the status that the D-28 holds in the guitar world, and the combination of a solid spruce top, solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard is oft copied, but rarely perfected. This '54 Martin truly brings out the best in these hallowed tone woods, and there's a crispness and piano-like clarity to this D-28 that's to be expected, but the top end is so pronounced and chimey that it makes for a perfect fingerpicking instrument. Of course the low end has a fullness and authority as well, but it's more restrained than with some Martins, and the balance between the strings is ideal. The guitar is very dynamic, responding to your lightest picking and more authoritative strums without ever losing definition.A very well cared for instrument that's also within reach of serious players, this guitar has two small and cleanly patched holes on the top from an experiment with knobs to control a soundhole pickup decades ago (one hole is virtually invisible and beneath the original pickguard). These holes and a corresponding input jack hole on the side were professionally addressed so that this Martin can deliver optimal tone from its original soundboard and also to have a clean cosmetic appearance. The expected tiny crack that runs from the south end of the pickguard towards the bridge (commonly known as the "B string crack", but actually directly below the high E on this example) has also been addressed and cleanly repaired. The finish checks out under a blacklight aside from light overspray around the aforementioned repairs, and the nitro lacquer is extremely glossy and vibrant, having settled into the grain of both the spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back.The instrument has received all of the maintenance due a dreadnought of this vintage and the work was expertly done, including a neck reset, complete refret, hand-carved bone nut, new correctly shaped ebony bridge and compensated saddle. At the 12th fret, the string height on the bass side is a low and comfortable 3/32", while the treble side measures 1/16" at the same fret. The saddle has its full, optimal height since the reset, designed to get the most articulation and resonance out of the top. The new fretwire is a close match with vintage measurements, with the correct width and height. Currently strung with Thomastik Plectrum 12-59 phosphor bronze strings, this D-28 is the epitome of 1950's Martin dreadnought tone.The neck profile is a very soft V, bordering on a medium C and growing noticeably in depth as you move into the higher registers of the fretboard. The gloss nitro finish on the mahogany shows some honest palm wear down to the bare wood on the profile particularly behind frets 1-2 on the bass side, and along the treble edge of the profile from frets 1-4. Otherwise, there's plenty of gloss left on the neck and it's extremely smooth and comfortable to play, conforming perfectly to the shape of the palm. The ebony fretboard has original pearl dot inlays and shows only light wear into the board itself on the first fret. On the headstock face, the Brazilian rosewood veneer is in great shape, with some moderate finish checking and light delaminating of the original nitro lacquer in some small areas. The Martin logo is extremely prominent and clean, and the gold flake in the font shows almost no wear. There is also a bit of checking that goes through corners of the logo to speak to its originality despite its pristine condition. The nickel Kluson Deluxe "waffle back" tuning machines have clean plating and original flat head screws, turning smoothly and holding pitch as they should.On the body, the original faux tortoise pickguard is present, and the edges are clean and flat with the top. There's a light greening of the original nitro lacquer clear coat on the pickguard, and a small spot where pick wear has worn through the clear coat on the guard as well. This guard was removed and later reinstalled, having only shrunken very slightly from its original dimensions. There is light ghosting in the nitro around the edges of the bridge from when the old bridge was removed and the new one installed. The new bridge matches the shape and contours of the original perfectly.Internally, all of the braces are in fantastic shape, and notably more scalloped and light than later models, giving the guitar the lively and dynamic quality that makes this era of Martin so desirable. The model/serial info is cleanly displayed on the neck heel, and the "C.F. Martin & Co" text is stamped along the center seam of the back and visible through the soundhole.Cosmetically, this Martin is a real stunner. There are the to be expected tiny nicks and light finish scratches in the nitro lacquer clear coat. A strap button has also been added to the neck heel at some point in the guitar's life and the original endpin has been substituted with a Tapastring "Vintage Jack." This discreet 1/8" jack allows for the possibility of an internal or soundhole pickup without altering the endpin route and has a brass finish. This is a clean, well cared for, and expertly maintained example of one of the finest Martin D-28s you're ever likely to play!The original Martin black chipboard case made by Bull's Head is included. This case is remarkably clean given its construction and vintage, with a clean black faux alligator exterior, original handle, and working latches.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $80, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
Description
| Dexterity: | Right-Handed | Model: | D-28 |
| String Configuration: | 6 String | MPN: | Does Not Apply |
| Soundboard Style: | Flat Top | Exact Year: | 1954 |
| Brand: | Martin | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
| Body Type: | Dreadnought | UPC: | Does not apply |
Up for sale, a 1954 Martin D-28 in exceptional condition, with the nuance, incredible projection, and commanding tone that you expect from a vintage square shoulder Martin dreadnought. Few guitars have achieved the status that the D-28 holds in the guitar world, and the combination of a solid spruce top, solid Brazilian rosewood back and sides, and an ebony fretboard is oft copied, but rarely perfected. This '54 Martin truly brings out the best in these hallowed tone woods, and there's a crispness and piano-like clarity to this D-28 that's to be expected, but the top end is so pronounced and chimey that it makes for a perfect fingerpicking instrument. Of course the low end has a fullness and authority as well, but it's more restrained than with some Martins, and the balance between the strings is ideal. The guitar is very dynamic, responding to your lightest picking and more authoritative strums without ever losing definition.A very well cared for instrument that's also within reach of serious players, this guitar has two small and cleanly patched holes on the top from an experiment with knobs to control a soundhole pickup decades ago (one hole is virtually invisible and beneath the original pickguard). These holes and a corresponding input jack hole on the side were professionally addressed so that this Martin can deliver optimal tone from its original soundboard and also to have a clean cosmetic appearance. The expected tiny crack that runs from the south end of the pickguard towards the bridge (commonly known as the "B string crack", but actually directly below the high E on this example) has also been addressed and cleanly repaired. The finish checks out under a blacklight aside from light overspray around the aforementioned repairs, and the nitro lacquer is extremely glossy and vibrant, having settled into the grain of both the spruce top and Brazilian rosewood back.The instrument has received all of the maintenance due a dreadnought of this vintage and the work was expertly done, including a neck reset, complete refret, hand-carved bone nut, new correctly shaped ebony bridge and compensated saddle. At the 12th fret, the string height on the bass side is a low and comfortable 3/32", while the treble side measures 1/16" at the same fret. The saddle has its full, optimal height since the reset, designed to get the most articulation and resonance out of the top. The new fretwire is a close match with vintage measurements, with the correct width and height. Currently strung with Thomastik Plectrum 12-59 phosphor bronze strings, this D-28 is the epitome of 1950's Martin dreadnought tone.The neck profile is a very soft V, bordering on a medium C and growing noticeably in depth as you move into the higher registers of the fretboard. The gloss nitro finish on the mahogany shows some honest palm wear down to the bare wood on the profile particularly behind frets 1-2 on the bass side, and along the treble edge of the profile from frets 1-4. Otherwise, there's plenty of gloss left on the neck and it's extremely smooth and comfortable to play, conforming perfectly to the shape of the palm. The ebony fretboard has original pearl dot inlays and shows only light wear into the board itself on the first fret. On the headstock face, the Brazilian rosewood veneer is in great shape, with some moderate finish checking and light delaminating of the original nitro lacquer in some small areas. The Martin logo is extremely prominent and clean, and the gold flake in the font shows almost no wear. There is also a bit of checking that goes through corners of the logo to speak to its originality despite its pristine condition. The nickel Kluson Deluxe "waffle back" tuning machines have clean plating and original flat head screws, turning smoothly and holding pitch as they should.On the body, the original faux tortoise pickguard is present, and the edges are clean and flat with the top. There's a light greening of the original nitro lacquer clear coat on the pickguard, and a small spot where pick wear has worn through the clear coat on the guard as well. This guard was removed and later reinstalled, having only shrunken very slightly from its original dimensions. There is light ghosting in the nitro around the edges of the bridge from when the old bridge was removed and the new one installed. The new bridge matches the shape and contours of the original perfectly.Internally, all of the braces are in fantastic shape, and notably more scalloped and light than later models, giving the guitar the lively and dynamic quality that makes this era of Martin so desirable. The model/serial info is cleanly displayed on the neck heel, and the "C.F. Martin & Co" text is stamped along the center seam of the back and visible through the soundhole.Cosmetically, this Martin is a real stunner. There are the to be expected tiny nicks and light finish scratches in the nitro lacquer clear coat. A strap button has also been added to the neck heel at some point in the guitar's life and the original endpin has been substituted with a Tapastring "Vintage Jack." This discreet 1/8" jack allows for the possibility of an internal or soundhole pickup without altering the endpin route and has a brass finish. This is a clean, well cared for, and expertly maintained example of one of the finest Martin D-28s you're ever likely to play!
The original Martin black chipboard case made by Bull's Head is included. This case is remarkably clean given its construction and vintage, with a clean black faux alligator exterior, original handle, and working latches.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.Shipping in the continental USA will be $80, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!