For over 60 years, the Martin D-35 has provided an alternative to the 28 Series for pickers interested in a different take on the spruce and rosewood dreadnaught - and even relatively new examples like this 2008 model year showcase all the warmth and low end that have made them some of the most popular production guitars of all time. With a three-piece back, the D-35 is generally regarded as having a bigger bass response than its somewhat tighter counterpart, and that's definitely what we find in the case of this guitar, with a practically endless sustain and room-filling low frequencies that have impressed all of us on staff. In 2008, the D-35 featured a slightly different bracing pattern than modern options, with straight, unscalloped X-bracing shifted a bit more rearward than on the current edition. This era of the D-35 also featured a black pickguard and closed-gear Grover tuners, for a marginally more streamlined look.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, with relatively light-to-typical playing wear for a guitar fast approaching its 20th birthday. Most scuffs and divots appear on the top, are relatively uniform, and do not significantly compromise the D-35's aesthetic appeal. There is also light scuffing on the back. The saddle and bridge pins are both non-original. The finish has begun to shift towards a warmer tan color earlier than expected, and has begun the natural process of pulling into the wood. The set up is excellent, with medium action that accommodates a range of playing styles and does not buzz when driven by players with a strong right hand. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.

Specifications

Top Wood: Sitka spruce
Back and Sides Wood: Indian rosewood 
Width at Nut: 1.69"
Bracing Pattern: X-braced
Scale Length: 25.38" 
Frets to Body: 14
Fingerboard and Bridge Wood: Ebony
Body Binding: White
Rosette: Classic Style 35 multi-ring
Headplate Material: Indian rosewood
Headstock Inlay / Logo: C.F. Martin & Co logotype decal
Neck Binding: White
Neck Shape: Modified low oval
Fingerboard Side Dots: 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets 
Fingerboard Inlay: Mother-of-pearl dots at 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets
Pickguard: Black
Tuners: Grover nickel closed-back
Electronics: None
Case: Original hard-shell case