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Product Details
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Martin / 1966 D-28 Employee

"A rare and highly unique model, the only one of its kind in the world"

"Employee" means "employee," and as the name suggests, this model was made by an employee working at Martin for themselves.

The Employee model reflects the maker's preferences and features unique specifications not found in regular models.

We also believe that the wood selection was involved in its creation.

The "D-28" engraved on the neck block suggests that this instrument was built with the D-28 as its target.

Although there is no serial number engraved, the wood used suggests that it is a 1960s model.

Furthermore, looking through the soundhole at the center back bracing reveals the "C.F.Martin.Co NAZAREETH PA, MADE IN USA" brand mark, whereas this instrument lacks it. Perhaps this step was omitted, and the extra time and effort were spent on the assembly process to create this instrument? I imagined this.

—Brazilian rosewood with beautiful straight grain

The sides and back are made of Brazilian rosewood, which features a fine, eye-catching striped pattern.

The use of Brazilian rosewood with its beautiful, fine striped pattern on the sides suggests that high-quality wood was selected.

The binding is wrapped in 3-ply celluloid.

-Center Strip

The center strip adorning the Brazilian rosewood back features a pattern commonly known as a checkerboard pattern.

This pattern was changed from the zigzag pattern in 1947.

—Spruce that has changed to an amber color

The top is made of spruce, the binding is 6P celluloid, and the rosette decorating the soundhole uses the same 3-ring design as the conventional D-28.

Furthermore, the binding material changed from ivoroid to Voltaron in 1966, and since this instrument also uses Voltaron binding, we estimate it to be a 1966 model.

—Original Tortoiseshell Pickguard

The tortoiseshell pickguard has been standard equipment since 1934, when the 14-fret D-28 was introduced, but its shape and color changed over time.

Until around the 1940s, the base of the pickguard had a gentle curve, while around the 1950s, the base became somewhat flatter.

Dark tortoiseshell patterns like this one are seen on instruments from the 1960s onwards.

—Jet Black Ebony and Dot Markers

The fretboard is made of ebony and features mother-of-pearl dot position markers, but what's noteworthy is the 7th fret position marker.
The D-28 has two dots as standard, but the size is what's noteworthy.
While small dot position markers were used until 1945, they changed to a larger size from 1946 onwards, and this specification continued as the basic specification for later D-28 models.

—The bridge provides a clue to determining the era

The bridge, like the fretboard, is made of ebony and features a short saddle.

Saddles used up to 1964 were long saddles, and the information on the 6-ply binding and checkerboard back center strip alone is insufficient to determine the era because long saddles are mixed in.

The short saddle used on this instrument began to be adopted from 1965 onwards, so it can be inferred that the instrument is from 1965 or later.

-Thick Neck Shape

Comparing the neck grip of the mahogany neck to D-28s from the early and late 1960s, while the latter has a relatively thin V-shape (with individual variations), this instrument employs a thicker, soft V-shape.

This may reflect the maker's preference for a thicker shape.

—Wide, rounded headstock

The headstock, made with Brazilian rosewood veneer, does not have the C.F. Martin decal.

This is a unique specification, whether intentional on the part of the manufacturer or not.

—PAT-stamped tuning machines

From 1958, the specifications changed from KLUSON shielded back tuners to GROVER rotomatic tuners.

In the late 1960s, a characteristic feature was the slightly larger washer size, as seen on this instrument.

[Specifications/Included Case]
TOP: Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Brazilian Rosewood
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Mahogany
NUT WIDTH: 43mm
SCALE: 646mm
CASE: Non Original Hard Shell Case

[Repair/Modification History/Replacement Parts/Exterior Condition, etc.]
*This information is based on our inspection of this used/vintage item.
Please understand in advance.

-The guitar is in age-appropriate condition with scratches, dents, and scuffs.
-The top has been over-lacquered.
-There is a crack repair (patch reinforcement) on the lower right of the SH.
-There is some celluloid peeling on the left side of the back of the body where the neck is narrowed.
-There is a crack repair on the back of the headstock, from the right volute to above the 6th string tuning peg.
-The back of the headstock has been refinished due to the crack repair.
-There is refinishing on the upper part of the center strip on the back of the body.
-There is paint erosion on the back of the neck due to lacquer softening.
-There are signs that the neck has been reset.
-The nut and bridge pins have been replaced with ivory.

[Playing Condition]
-String height at the 12th fret: 2.4mm on the 6th string side, 2.1mm on the 1st string side
-Saddle protrusion: Approximately 1.0mm
-The saddle has little remaining life, but it is still comfortable to play.

*Consignment
[Warranty Information]
As this is a consignment item, our store warranty is not included.
Of course, after purchase, we are happy to discuss adjustments and repairs (for a fee) upon request.
(No returns accepted)

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Please note that all items are for sale in our Tokyo store.
There is a chance they might be sold out. All items are shipped tracked and insured. All import duties or customs fees are the buyers responsibility - please be aware of the requirements for your country. If you have any questions please ask.