1954 C. F. Martin D-28 Natural
SN: 138866. Easy playing D-28 celebrating its 70th birthday.
The voice shows both power and finesse with great attack, volume and lovely chordal blooming. One strum and I knew it would be worth the cost of restoration. Recent work includes new frets and PLEK by Mike Lull Guitar Works, neck reset and setup by Mark Tossman, some light touchups around the heel. It's in terrific cosmetic condition with light playwear east of the fretboard and one scratch from the case just below the bridge. The finish is original except the area around the heel. An inside pickguard crack was sealed long ago and is barely visible. The tuners are original "ridgebacks" and work well.
There are a couple of mysteries. The bridge looks original as sin – correct footprint, shape and age appropriate. However, a look inside at the original bridge plate shows two small extracurricular holes. The original bridge may have been bolted down Gibson-style and replaced with a replica. The second mystery is in the heel. A black light shows a filled strap button hole and a thin check emanating from the hole. All has been tightly repaired. Mark had the neck out with no issues and proclaimed it healthy. I’ve priced it accordingly.
Overall, a beautiful instrument. The Sitka top glows and the Brazilian back and sides are amazing. The neck profile is a modified V that feels very fast with a 1-11/16” nut and 2-1/4” string spacing. The geometry is dead solid perfect and the action medium low. It plays so easily thanks to the neck reset and refret. So responsive, she generates volume and power with even a light touch.
It comes in a very cool 70s case with brown tolex and a green, white and red decorative belt running diagonally across the lower bout. The case is a little large for the guitar. Overall, a superb playing, sounding and looking guitar dialed in for the next 70 years of playing.
SPECS:
Top: Sitka
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Binding: White top and back
Trim: w/b/w
Appointments: large dot position markers
Nut width: 1-11/16”
String spacing: 2-1/4”
Body width: 15-5/8”
Depth: 4-7/8”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: HSC
Condition: EX-
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We represent the instruments as accurately as we can. All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.
All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.