2008 Martin Bigsby D-28M Merle Travis Natural, Near Mint, Original Hard, $3,800.00
Fantastic reproduction of Merle Travis’s Bigsby re necked pre war Martin D-28 serial number 1325877. A collaboration of two companies and the estate of Merle Travis, hence the label is signed by Frederick Christian Martin IV, Thom Bresh Merle’s son and Fred Gretsch current owner of the Bigsby license. Faithful reproduction copied from the original a historically correct well-made Martin instrument very different than a normal production D-28. In the day it was perfectly normal to have Paul Bigsby modify your guitar, we’ve seen Martins and Gibson’s as well as other brands with Bigsby necks, as the ambition of players like Merle Travis was to get an easier playing faster neck, Bigsby’s maple neck seemed to satisfy this need. Leo Fender also did his share of modifying other brands, we see Martins with added Leo Fender electronics occasionally. This reissue collaboration works very well and we end up with a much different guitar than a normal D-28. This guitar does play very well with very low action and as of now light bronze strings. It’s brighter with more punch clear and loud. The action is very low and the guitar does play like an electric guitar. This example was purchased used by us and does not come with any original paperwork or accessories. The condition however is clearly near mint bordering on mint, this is a crack free no issue instrument. There’s no real playing wear except for superficial scratching on the guard, no modifications or repairs. The guitar has a straight neck with a working truss rod; the neck feels slim and comfortable. We highly recommended buying instruments in this realm of quality, as the investment yield is always greater when buying rare models in perfect condition. There is no better place to put your money than in this fine piece. 2008 Martin Bigsby D-28M serial number 1325877 38 of 100 In Memory of Merle Travis 1917-1983 175 years 2008 stamped into back stripe Cedar Creek hard shell case included, no paper.
Vintage Gear America
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We ship USPS Priority and Fed Ex Ground next business day, all instruments are carefully packed utilizing new shipping materials, all instruments are insured by Heritage Insurance. All parcels are flat rate shipped and are the same price for all buyers in the domestic USA, international shipping is also flat rate for anywhere in the world. The price is based on the cost of new shipping materials, boxes, bubble wrap, tape and labor and has nothing to do with where you are or your ability to pick it up in person. It is not in our business model to offer in person demonstrations of instruments or in person pickup, both of these things take an employee and extra time. If you have a limit as to what you want to spend on shipping please factor this into you instrument offer as we accept reasonable offers on most items. If an item doesn’t allow a lower offer it’s because it’s already been discounted and already at its lowest price. We recommend that you don’t chose an instrument based on shipping cost alone as there are more important issues all of which we have well covered. I might point out that all of our guitars come with professional detailing and set up, this has real value and keeps one from getting inferior work from an unqualified retail establishment. Thanks for your understanding. John Russell Nelson owner VGA Vintage Gear America
We offer a 48-hour approval period on most items, a restocking fee of 10% may be assed depending on the instrument and the situation, buyer pays return postage.