Appearance of new instruments may vary slightly unless Serial Number is listed

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Martin Acoustic Guitars - 1953 D-28

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This vintage 1953 Martin D-28 is an excellent example of a '53 "mystery top" D-28. Not really much of a mystery with this guitar's top after all. After close examination, and comparisons to several older Adirondack-topped Martins from the late '30s through the mid '40s, Jim is confident this guitar is Adirondack Spruce. The top is a beautiful, aged amber and crack free - not even a hint of the commonly seen, traditional E string/pickguard crack. The back and sides are figured and stunning Brazilian Rosewood - also crack free. Overall this guitar is in Very Good condition.

The bridge is an exact size replacement, made in our luthier shop, with a bone saddle of correct height. The neck has been reset and new frets were installed while the nut is original ivory. The 1/4 inch jack installed years ago, was removed from the waist area of the treble side and cleanly plugged with Brazilian Rosewood. The plug matches nicely and is hard to see in the photos. The back and sides are also crack free and gorgeous.

The finish is worn on the back of the neck and the back of the guitar has normal nicks, scratches and an area of buckle wear you'd expect from something of this age. This is a one-owner guitar that was played, but never abused. The tone is big and full, as you would expect from such a fine example that has been played. The inside of the guitar is clean and nice as well. The original bridge plate has two tiny filled holes that correspond to the bolts that were added to the original bridge. The original bridge was also cracked between the pins and was not a candidate for restoration, but it made a perfect model for the correct new bridge. The tuners are original and also in very good condition. This 1953 Martin D-28 comes with a hard case, from a few years later (mid 50s) and is in good condition. The hard case can also be traded for a new Calton case for a nominal charge. Serial #129794.

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