Details
In the 1950s & '60s lots of D-28 models were given additional after-market inlays as Martin didn't reissue its flagship D-45 until 1968. For a stage performer the iconic C. F. Martin headstock letters, colorful abalone hexagons and neck binding delivered most of the needed flash, so D-28s like this one are seen in many photos of country & bluegrass performers back in the day.
Gryphon sold this example way back in 1976, but it had already gone back to the Martin factory for a new rosewood bridge plate, slightly larger bridge, and Lester Flatt-inspired pickguard. We're assuming the top cracks were repaired at the same time but can't be sure. Given the amount of wear to the top we're assuming the back and sides were oversprayed by Martin as well as they look nearly perfect and this Dreadnought clearly saw serious rhythm workouts during its earlier life. While discussing what was done back then, the neck must have been refinished when the binding and inlays were added, and at some point the neck was reset by slipping the neck block, a popular way to correct a shallow neck angle back then.
After a few easier decades, this D-28 is ready for the next assignment. The Brazilian rosewood back and sides are of the to-die-for variety by today's standards, with no cracks, and it sounds and plays great.
Specs
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Back sides
Brazilian Rosewood
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Bracing
X-Bracing
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Bridge
Ebony
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Finish
Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
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Frets to body
14
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Inlay
Custom 45 Style
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Neck material
Mahogany
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Nut width
1 5/8"
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Scale length
25.4"
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Top material
Sitka Spruce
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Total frets
20
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Tuners
Original Grover Rotomatics
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Year
1960
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
175570
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SKU
MARD28CUS-175570
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UPC
120670
