2003 Martin D-28 Good, Original Hard, $1,295.00

The Martin D-28 is arguably the ultimate factory flat-top guitar in history, played by many of the best and most sophisticated performers throughout the last 80 years. Huge sound, quality construction, excellent materials—all combine to dominate most jams and concerts. Unfortunately, this particular D-28 had a major trauma at some time in the last 12 years, exacerbated by a determined but amateur owner’s “repairs,” but resurrected by a professional luthier to its previous powerhouse function. So: if you’ve ever wanted to add the power of a Martin D-28 to your gig list or repertoire but you didn’t want to pay $3500 for the privilege, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. In fact, you may want to sell all your other six-string guitars—whatever they are—in order to own this kind of homely D-28.

This guitar’s serial number (922918) indicates it was actually produced in 2003. If you read the almost reverent reviews of D-28s on Harmony Central or the many other websites (just Google “Martin D-28”), you’ll see why this model has attained almost legendary status, worth every penny of its premium price. As one reviewer said, “It’s like holding an orchestra in my hands!” This guitar is still an excellent example of the classic Martin design, and you can play it hard for its booming bass, or you can play it softly for the delicacy of a harpsichord.

The Martin D-28 has a solid spruce top and beautiful solid Rosewood sides and back, a multi-stripe rosette, an unusual patterned back stripe, and a 14/20-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl dot inlay. The solid mahogany neck and headstock accented by the enclosed chrome tuners, the scalloped braces, the ebony bridge and white black-dot pegs reflecting the pure black tear drop pick guard—these are like Martin D-28 trademarks. And of course the raised gold logo on the headstock in the familiar Martin script is the ultimate guarantee. While the D-28 does not feature a lot of fancy inlays and such, check out the pictures: this is still one good-looking guitar!

First, the good news: there is virtually no play wear at the sound hole, the neck joint is solid and the angle is now perfect, and there is very slight visible fret wear in the first three frets (but no buzz or playing issues). The action is fast and easy (a hair under 3/32” at the 12th fret low E), and the new nut and saddle contribute to the phenomenal sound. Twelve years of dedicated playing and seasoning does great things for tonewoods—especially when you start with the quality woods Martin used to create this guitar.

Now, the not-so-good news: apparently somebody some years ago stepped on this gem right at the bridge, splitting the original bridge and causing three cracks under and below the bridge (with some wood loss) and a fourth small crack in the top bass upper bout. Fortunately, there was no visible damage to the neck, back, or sides. This damage was regrettably “repaired” by slathering a coat of what seems to be an epoxy glue in the bridge area and gluing a new bridge rather imprecisely in the middle (with a ½” splice of new wood in front of the bridge). Then the entire guitar was re-finished, from headstock to end pin; in this process, the saddle, nut, tuners, and even the logo were replaced.

My luthier has done what needed to be done: the bridge was pried loose from the glue, the top cracks were properly glued and cleated, several braces were re-glued and the top leveled, the whole top was lightly sanded and sealed (although some epoxy remains), and the bridge was re-located properly to restore the intonation (unfortunately leaving a deep “footprint” in front of the bridge). Believe it or not, it plays and sounds perfectly, just like every other D-28 out there! I have taken it to many Martin players around Columbia—even trying a “blindfold test” on a couple of them—and every one of them has said “This is a D-28! Period!”

So I say again: if you’ve ever wanted to add the power of a Martin D-28 to your gig list or repertoire but you didn’t want to pay $3500 for the privilege, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. In fact, you may want to sell all your other six-string guitars—whatever they are!—in order to own this kind of homely D-28.

The original black hard shell Martin case is in very good condition. Martin’s green plush padding is virtually unworn, and more than sufficient to ensure the safety of the instrument. The hardware works fine, and naturally the Martin brass name plate is conspicuously displayed above the handle.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashiers and personal checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have made every effort to describe and illustrate this “experienced” guitar and its case with scrupulous accuracy. Its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to buy this totally cool instrument.

Thank you for your interest.