1968 Martin D-28S w/hsc

1968 Martin D-28S #235923 w/hsc

The D 28S was a relatively low production model (125 made in '68 as opposed to 1959 14 fret D28 standard guitars made the same year) and as a result they don't come up very often. This one is in very good condition overall structurally and cosmetically and excellent condition in terms of playability. Of particular interest with this guitar is that though it comes from the year when Martin enlarged the bridge plate on their dreadnoughts (and changed the material from maple to rosewood) this guitar has an original SMALL rosewood bridge plate. The back and sides are beautiful, straight grained Brazilian rosewood, the back has some really nice spider-web type intersecting grain feature toward the middle of the panels. There are 4 professionally repaired hairline cracks in the back and one hairline side crack (bass side, 3 1/2" long, also repaired). All are flat, level and stable. There is some finish touch up/light over spray on the crack repairs that is very well done. The Sitka spruce top is nicely ambered and there is a repaired top seam separation that is visible but well done and solid, as well as some finish touch up around minor top wear adjacent to the pick guard (see pics). The overall finish condition and cosmetic presentation on the body is very good. The neck is straight under tension and cosmetically clean as well. There is a plugged strap button screw hole on the treble side of the heel that is visible in the pics. The nut width is 1 7/8", standard on Martin's 12 fret guitars of this period. The neck angle is perfect, having been reset several years ago at Kovacik Guitars & Fretted Instrument Repair. The fret board shows some light wear in the first position, minor and does not require any intervention, see pics. The frets are in perfect condition, likely has been refretted, if so a very nice job. The tuners are original Waverly WG-31s. The original black pick guard is gone but the replacement you see on the guitar is an original 1960s era Martin D-28 tortoise pick guard that was salvaged from another guitar and installed on this one, something most of us would consider an upgrade. The guitar plays beautifully...the action is set at 6/64" and 5/64" with plenty of saddle showing. The intonation is good all over the neck. The tone is huge, whether finger picked or played with a flat pick, the guitar responds equally well. As a fingerstyle guitar the voice is sweet and responsive to even a light touch. With a flat pick it is assertive articulate, plenty of head room...a rowdy beast. Comes with a modern Geib-style 5-ply plush lined hard shell case. Be sure to check out the sound file!. $7350 + shipping. Ships to US only, no international shipping offered. NYS buyers pay 8% sales tax.