Vintage 1952 Martin D-28 w/ New Deluxe Hard Shell Case

Weight 4 LBS

So, this man in his 60's walks in to our store, says he has a Martin guitar his Father left him in his will. He said his Dad was a fulltime musician who played all around Chicago-land (back in the day). I lifted the guitar from its case without looking too closely - obviously it was a Dreadnaught... but it felt so light I figured it was a D18. Completely out of the case, I catch a glimpse of the side, rolled it over to see the back... and my knees give a little quiver. The most beautiful Brazilian rosewood I have ever seen on a Martin. I tap the side of the guitar at the top-waist and seriously, the over tones present like nothing natural. I got a bit nervous just holding it yet I needed to continue my inspection. I immediately see the bridge had been reattached many years ago yet... it appeared to be holding solid (aesthetically not a great job - said his Dad did the work). At closer inspection I could see lacquer-overspray throughout, with crazing present and more evident on the top. The overspray appeared to be done decades ago and aged/amber in color.

As most 70 year old Martins: this girl needed a neck reset, new frets, a new saddle, new nut, and, a cleat for the typical "pickguard crack" - just starting to present itself. Insignificant yet a piece or two of binding had been reglued or replaced several years back - job-not great but the binding held.

After a week I made a deal with the guy for the guitar and went to work. Never in my wildest... would I have expected... that this restoration would produce this tone and I've been repairing and making guitars for over 50 years.

To my ear and dozens of the top musician in our area, the tone is VERY balanced and clear, has a HUGE volume that just fills the room with very articulate notes. Seriously, I get nervous around her - it's the best Martin I have ever heard.

I set the action: the low E at the 12th fret, at 2mm... so Bluegrass players can dig-in should you need to.

Please: inquiries only by serious buyers - tone is not warrantied - sold as is with no returns

• Intonates Very Well
• $400 New Hard Shell Case Included

PRICED TO SELL – SOLD AS IS – NO RETURNS (Please ask questions prior to making an offer!)

Luthier’s Workshop is the home of Jasper Guitar Company and a premier Wisconsin destination for repairing and selling guitars, banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins. We are also a Taylor and Eastman dealer with dozens of models on display, as well as a certified repair center for Taylor, Eastman, and Jasper guitars.

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