2012 Blazer & Henkes D-28 Natural
Friends, one man’s cautionary tale may be another man’s treasure. At first glance, we have a brilliant Blazer & Henkes D-28 with tight grain Alpine Spruce, Brazilian Rosewood back and sides, zigzag back strip, ivoroid bindings and snowflake and diamond inlays. If that’s not enough, it’s the only one made to early 1939 specs, with the wide neck and string spacing and rear-shifted X-brace with no Popsicle brace. Closer examination reveals numerous but well repaired dryness cracks in the top, the unfortunate consequence improper storage during intemperate climate conditions. The repairs were expertly executed prior to the edges curling. They’ve closed up very neatly and feel flush. Only a small part of one crack is visible inside and that may be the center seam. Cleats have been strategically place inside out of an abundance of caution. While there must be some finish drop-fills, they’re undetectable. Most of the cracks look like sap lines until closely examined. Despite the stress, top is properly crowned without any weird pulls and the guitar’s geometry is spot on. All work was reviewed for the current owner by Dennis Berck who provided a pro setup as well.
It’s a great player. The neck profile is a very familiar modified V with a 1-3/4” nut growing to 2-5/16” at the saddle. The action is low at just under 6/64” on the bass side and about 4/64” on the treble. A taller saddle may be required for the bluegrass player. The frets show no wear, the Waverly butterbean repros look brand new. Setup includes a strap button on the heel. My sense is that she’s seen little playing time of late. These shine when driven pretty hard though there’s an intimate, nuanced side to this one that I like. The 80/20s on there now show some good drive but PBs would provide a little more sparkle. Bottom line? Here’s an inexpensive (less expensive) way to own an outstanding players guitar by one of the marquis builders of our time. Comes with a non-original molded plastic case.
Top: Alpine Spruce
Band & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Herringbone trim, diamond & snowflake fretboard inlay
Nut width: 1-3/4”
String spacing: 2-5/16”
Body width: 15-5/8”
Depth: 4-3/4”
Scale length: 25.4”
Case: NOHSC
Payment is by personal check or money order. Payment in full, including shipping and insurance, is required before shipment. Personal checks must clear your bank. Please specify preferred shipping method when you order the instrument and we will calculate the exact price for you.
We represent the instruments as accurately as we can. All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.
All instruments are shipped on 48-hour approval. If there is damage as a result of the shipping, please contact us immediately and we will deal with the insurance company. If the instrument is damaged in transit from you to me, then you are responsible for dealing with the damage and insurance. For refunds, all instruments must be returned in the same condition as we shipped them in.