1951 Martin D-28

A no-excuses guitar, this 1951 Martin D-28 is just about as perfect as they come, sounds huge, and plays effortlessly. Perfectly quartered, straight grained Brazilian rosewood, beautifully aged spruce top, a clean reset, original bridge and plate, next to no cracks or repairs, and original finish, tuners, nut, and case. It’s got all the right boxes checked.

This guitar was exported to Canada in the autumn of 1951. It’s lived through 75 Canadian winters without humidity cracks or related issues. The pickguard is pulling on the spruce as they do, but no significant cracks have extended beyond the pickguard margins. The only other crack on the guitar is short (2”); it’s on the lower treble side and was caused by a minor impact. There is no other damage to the guitar apart from some light playwear and the usual assortment of dings and dents.

A big and bold sounding D-28, this 1951 features the straight X bracing that Martin pioneered at the end of WWII along with the switch to a Sitka tops. It’s powerful, dry, and clear, with overtones that are kept well in check - all the ingredients of a great flatpicker. Expect plenty of bass, ample headroom, and bold trebles.

The neck has a fairly deep and rounded carve, with a 1st fret thickness of .865 and a 1-11/16” nut width. The shape evolves into a soft V by the 5th fret and thickens to .965” by the 9th fret. The frets are have been professionally replaced and remain full height, the board was minimally sanded during refret and there remain fingernail grooves in the cowboy chord position. The guitar is presently set up with 13s and an action of 5-6 64ths; ample saddle remains for future adjustments.

The original Kluson waffle-back tuners are in great shape, the original is unmodified and appears to have never been removed, the saddle is a bone replacement, and the bridge pins are unslotted Antique Acoustics red eyes.

A wonderful D-28 for the serious musician or collector.

With original hardshell case.

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