The Martin CS D28-12, a Custom Shop limited edition 6-string dreadnought produced exclusively in 2012 for the NAMM show with only 125 units made worldwide. This is not a guitar you find every day and it is super clean- in almost new condition.

The Guitar

Built on the foundation of Martin's legendary D-28 platform, the CS D28-12 elevates it with premium Custom Shop appointments throughout. The solid Adirondack spruce top is braced with forward-shifted, scalloped X-bracing — the same recipe responsible for those bold, articulate pre-war Martin tones. The back and sides are stunning solid cocobolo, a tonewood prized for its bell-like clarity, rich sustain, and striking natural figure. The cocobolo headplate completes the look beautifully.

Construction is hide glue throughout, with a hand-carved one-piece genuine mahogany neck and a dovetail neck joint — old-school craftsmanship at its finest. The fingerboard and bridge are solid black ebony, and the nut and saddle are fossilized ivory. Tuners are Nickel Waverly butterbean-style, as tasteful as they come. The finish is Martin's Custom Shop thin nitro — approximately 40% thinner than standard — allowing the top to vibrate more freely and respond with exceptional sensitivity.

Cosmetic details include fine herringbone top trim and backstrip, grained ivoroid binding, and a Style 28 rosette. Scale length is 25.4", nut width 1-3/4", with 14 frets clear of the body.

Condition

This guitar is in excellent plus condition with only very light signs of prior use. It plays and sounds exactly as it should — full, powerful, and responsive. A truly clean example of an already rare instrument. The only notable flaw is some slight finish lift around the bridge which is widely reported as a common condition with this ultra thin nitro finish. The bridge is secure the lifting in only visible on close examination.

What's Included

Martin CS D28-12 guitar

Original Martin Custom Shop Geib-style hard case with embroidered Custom Shop logo

Original case key

Original hang tag

This is a complete, well-preserved package — exactly what collectors and discerning players want to see. If you've been searching for a rare, investment-grade Martin with serious tonal character and genuine collector appeal, this is it. Questions welcome — happy to provide additional photos or details.

• Limited Edition Custom Shop Model, 125 built total
• Gloss natural finish with thin nitrocellouse lacquer
• Dreadnought body of all solid woods
• Adirondack top with scalloped forward X-bracing
• Herringbone top purfling
• Mexican Cocobolo back and sides (looks a bit like Brazilian rosewood)
• 14-fret mahogany neck with diamond volute
• Modified V-neck profile
• 2 way truss rod
• 20-fret ebony fingerboard with abalone slotted diamond and square inlays
• Ebony belly bridge with long saddle
• Rosewood peghead overlay features silver "CF MARTIN & Co." logo
• Waverly vintage style tuners with butterbean buttons
• Ivoroid-bound body
• Tortoise plastic pickguard
• Neck block reads "Custom Shop / CS-D28-12"
• Zig Zag backstipe, ivoroid heel cap
• Martin "hot stamp" on back of peghead
• 1-3/4" nut, 25.4 scale, 2-3/8" string spacing at saddle
• 15-5/8" lower bout, 4-7/8" body depth at endblock
• With textured Custom Shop OHSC (black lining)