Welcome to G-CLUB SHIBUYA! We can ship anywhere all over the world!!

Please contact us for more information.

----------------------------------
-Condition-
This instrument was manufactured 79 years ago. It has undergone numerous repairs and replacements, all executed with high precision. All areas except the headplate have been refinished, and since then, it has accumulated significant playing wear and impact marks. There are two repair marks, each about 10cm long, on the lower back panel, likely from cracks that occurred before the refinish. The finish in these areas has worn away, creating slight unevenness. Both the bridge and pickguard have been replaced with oversized versions. The absence of position markers on the fingerboard sides suggests the entire fingerboard may have been replaced. However, it compares favorably to the original and retains a distinctly Martin-like feel without any noticeable discomfort. The tuners are Grover open-gear. The 4th string peg post has also been replaced. The binding has shrunk and cracked over time, with some sections replaced. However, all areas have been securely glued and repaired, so no additional repairs seem necessary at present. There is also a repair mark near the neck heel on the 1st string side, likely filling a hole.

With light gauge strings installed, the neck has a gentle forward bow. The string height is approximately 3.0mm above the 12th fret on the 6th string and approximately 2.5mm above the 12th fret on the 1st string. While this is on the higher side, the saddle height is approximately 2.1mm below the 6th string and approximately 1.2mm below the 1st string, allowing the current string height to be maintained through saddle adjustment.

-D-28 Herringbone-
This vintage instrument was manufactured in 1946. Its most distinctive feature is the herringbone zigzag inlay along the body's binding. It represents the era that served as the prototype for later models like the Authentic, Marquis, Golden Era, and HD-28V. It features a narrower nut width of 42.9mm and a V-shaped neck profile. In terms of modern specifications, the Modified V shape is likely the closest equivalent. Given its age, the neck reinforcement likely uses a T-bar rod. Top wood changed from Adirondack spruce to Sitka spruce in 1946, and this instrument also features a very beautiful Sitka spruce with a tight grain pattern.

The bracing is a non-scalloped, rear-shifted design positioned farther from the soundhole than current models. It seems players increasingly favored heavy gauge strings (14-59) back then, a practice now almost unheard of. Consequently, bracing from this era was constructed more robustly. Combined with a slightly thinner top plate than current models and a long saddle, this bracing contributes to its powerful resonance. The sides, back, and headplate are made of Brazilian rosewood. Beautifully figured Brazilian rosewood, unimaginable given the later depletion and regulations surrounding the wood, was used at the time. It seems to impart a clear, resonant sustain to the powerful sound.

Although the entire instrument has been refinished, the Sitka spruce top has still developed a rich, amber patina over time, giving it the dignified character typical of vintage instruments.

Due to its bracing structure, it doesn't immediately give the impression of “exploding with sound from a light touch.” However, when played with a certain degree of forceful touch, it seems to be liberated from a slight heaviness, suddenly resonating with a large, powerful sound. This is an instrument that embodies the powerful resonance sought by countless guitar players who relied solely on their instrument back when PA systems and acoustic pickups were virtually nonexistent – a sound that truly shines when played loudly and vigorously. It's a guitar where the way you play, whether strumming or picking single notes, dramatically changes its sound. Mastering it likely requires a period of dialogue with the instrument itself, but it possesses a charm that naturally draws you in with a single stroke, making time fly by in an instant.

Regarding this particular instrument, the inside of the top back features a pencil inscription reading “E Fries July 12, 1946.” This suggests it was crafted by Elwood Fries, who worked at Martin from 1946 to 1948. At the time, Martin had an internal program called the Employee Guitar, where employees could purchase guitar materials and parts at cost price and build guitars to their own specifications. Guitars purchased and built by employees typically had the employee's signature penciled on the back of the top. Other similar instruments have been confirmed to exist. However, the Employee Guitar program did not permit the Martin logo to be placed on the headstock.

This particular guitar has a signature on the back of the body top,
and what appears to be an original Martin logo on the headstock.

Please note that the following is speculation based on available information.

There is information that Elwood Rice joined Martin on January 26, 1946, and left the company on September 7, 1948. Furthermore, considering that the number of D-28s produced in 1946 nearly doubled compared to the previous year, it can be surmised that Elwood Rice urgently incorporated the D-28 he was building for himself (or the D-top wood he had secured for that purpose) into the general production line in order to prioritize the manufacture and sale of Martin guitars. Considering that this guitar was made in 1946 using wood selected by the maker himself, it can be said to have romantic appeal and historical significance.

-Specifications-
Top: Sitka Spruce
Bracing Pattern: Rear-Shifted X-Bracing
(Non-Scalloped Bracing)
Sides & Back: Brazilian Rosewood
Headplate: Brazilian Rosewood
Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
Scale Length: 25.4" (approx. 645mm)
Nut Width: 1 11/16" (42.9mm)

Hard case included
----------------------------------
*Notice-
As this product is being sold in our busy retail stores alongside online stores, there is a possibility that it may be sold out. We will cancel the order if this happens. Please understand we do our best to update stock, but sometimes this situation is unavoidable for a busy retailer. 

Customs Tax 

International Buyers Please Note: Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. 

Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying. 

Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges. 

We won't under-value merchandise or mark the item as a gift on customs forms. Doing that is against U.S. and international laws. 

Shipping 
We only ship to PayPal registered address. 
Service: EMS 
Tracking URL: Japan Post 

Please Note: We won't under-value merchandise or mark the item as a gift on customs forms.　Doing that is against U.S. and international laws. 
We only ship to PayPal registered address. Please contact us if you reside in countries in which we do not specify shipping service and cost. Please be aware that delivery could be delayed depending on customs inspection, in case of natural disasters, and other reasons such as postal strikes. 

Payment We only Accept PayPal. The item will be shipped within 4 business day after the payment is received. If payment can't be confirmed within 4 days after the close of the auction, a reminder will be sent to you. 

Return Policy Returns accepted After receiving the item, contact seller within 14 days. Please see more details on Shipping and payments tab. 

Others If you have any problem, please contact us. Your satisfaction is very important to us. 

About Authenticity All our items are 100% authentic. We are officially registered as legal business and we have to comply with all rules and　regulations including tax requirements from the Japanese government. 

About Us Business hours: 11:30am-8:30pm (Web order and e-mail are available 24/7.) 

T.KUROSAWA & CO.,LTD. 
G-Club SHIBUYA Complete Guitar Shop 
2-29-17 Dogenzaka 
Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043