The Martin D-28 is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitars of all time, often considered the grandfather of dreadnoughts. Many believe that during this era, Martin perfected their craft, reaching the pinnacle of guitar building. This particular 1935 model is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of that time. The guitar is loud and articulate, with a natural compression that makes each note stand out. Its dynamic range is impressive, especially for flatpicking, where hard bass notes and intricate high accents combine to create a balanced and captivating experience.
Over time, this instrument has undergone extensive but tastefully executed repairs, all carried out with the highest level of craftsmanship. Most notably, it was re-topped, likely at the Martin factory in 1944, with an Adirondack spruce top. Additionally, the guitar was refinished and received a new pickguard from the factory between 1951 and 1952. Other modifications include a reshaped neck, replaced tuners, a repaired pressure crack from the low E tuner screw, a neck reset, a refret, a replaced fingerboard inlay, filled strap pin holes on the neck heel, a previously bolted and re-glued bridge, repaired top center seam delamination, a maple cap on the bridge plate, two repaired top cracks on the treble side lower bout, finish touch-ups, and a replaced saddle. This instrument's story is as rich and compelling as the music it produces, showcasing the evolution of a guitar that has truly stood the test of time.
HSC included.