Martin Acoustic Guitars - 1955 D-28 - Vintage
$12,500.00
In Stock
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Every once in a while a guitar arrives here in the shop that sounds better than it has any right to. Given it's vintage and the repairs, high quality repairs at that, this 1955 D-28 stands out as being incredibly responsive, punchy and just a joy to play.
The combination of a straight-braced Sitka top, and a gorgeous set of Brazilian rosewood back and sides, makes for warm focused sound with a mid-range scoop that cuts through a jam and is a sound that made the mid '50s D-28 a favorite of country, bluegrass players of the era.
There is evidence of finish touch up on the top, particularly near the halo of the previously installed large pickguard, along with a handful of playwear spots. We then believe the top was given a very light overspray to blend the touch ups. A really well done, professional job that blends well with the back and sides. The neck and back and sides finish is largely original with minor finish touch ups on the back and sides, notably where a jack was repaired, along with a touch up on the treble side. There is a repaired side crack on the treble side upper bout as well. (see photos)
The pickguard has been replaced with a professionally installed era-appropriate pickguard. The bridge has also been replaced with an appropriate sized bridge. Original waffle back tuners. The bridge pins and end-pin have been replaced. The bridge plate shows signs of wear and repair from the original bridge being removed, but the bridge plate is original and functional. The guitar has previously had a refret, with minimal fretwear.
There are two repaired top cracks, one on the treble side lower bout where a small amount of top damage was also repaired. The second top crack is on the bass side lower bout and extends up towards the bass side of the bridge. Both have been repaired and the top is stable.
Clear, articulate and a fabulously responsive guitar for a mid-50s build, this is the sort of sleeper vintage guitar that we really enjoy having in the shop. The neck is a comfortable soft, V-shape with a 1 11/16" nut width. Standard Martin 25.4 Scale length. Includes a replacement tweed hardshell case (see photos)
