1953 Martin D-28. Mystery Top. Shade Top. Might this just be the ultimate specification for a post-war Martin? It's an undoubtedly rare and desirable configuration that came about by both the financial willpower of the initial buyer and happenstance of materials. Ordering a D-28 in the early 50's often meant a two year wait, only 675 of the model could be produced in 1953. It was very uncommon to order a "shaded top" sunburst finish, at a price premium, and some estimate that less than 5 exist per year in this time frame. As many know, the majority of guitars in 1953, including this example were made with Red Spruce, a "Mystery Top", instead of the common Sitka variety in years preceding and after. The result is a very full and open sound that bridges the gap between the Pre-War scallop braced Adirondack tops and the Post-War straight braced Sitka tops. As the Cadillac of flat-top guitars, the D-28 is also paired with premium grade straight grained Brazilian Rosewood. This example was well-loved and played. It recently underwent a replica bridge plate replacement and second neck reset that provides a well-balanced saddle height and neck angle for driving the top. Prior to this, likely at the time of its first neck reset, a slightly oversized bridge was installed (with optimal saddle location as many bridges were placed too far back by the factory), and a refret was done. The top cracks, caused by dryness, were glued and cleated with minimalistic spruce diamonds; it is arguable, for what it's worth, that this dry spell many years positively contributed to the magical sound. Only minor lacquer touchup was applied along those cracks, near the tailblock, and on the headstock veneer where lacquer flaking is prone. It is a healthy guitar that is ready for many more years of professional playing. It's a guitar of a lifetime, and quite frankly you would be hard pressed to "find another" mystery shade top D-28 in circulation; we were not able to!
Comes with Modern Martin Hardshell Case
