1953 C. F. Martin D-28 Natural

SN 130646: An exceptional playing and powerful sounding D-28 that falls into a group of guitars in 1953 known as the “mystery tops”. Most of us know that in 1946 Martin switched from Red Spruce to Sitka but we find examples of other woods being used occasionally, predominantly in 1953. The “mystery top” aficionados speculate that tops from this brief era were made either from Engelmann, Alpine or Adirondack spruce. This particular top strongly resembles a very fine grained red spruce and it most certainly is not Sitka. The top shows some run out like some of the wartime D-28s I’ve had. The gorgeous old growth Brazilian rosewood back also resembles some ’44 Martins I’ve which makes me wonder if Martin or a supplier unearthed a large cache of Rosewood and red spruce in the back of a warehouse.

Overall condition is very good – clean but vigorously played on the outside, clean as a whistle and all original in the sound chamber. The top finish is original with two areas of sealed playwear – one east of the fretboard where the pick when through to the wood and just south of the pickguard. There are no cracks. The back has some buckle scratches but not the rash. The bridge looks original though the saddle and pins have been changed out. The nut is original as are the original waffle backs that still function nicely. I’m guessing it’s had a perfectly executed neck reset some time ago and I know there’s a recent setup by Dennis Berck. The frets are in good shape. The strings have a nice break over the saddle. The action is a medium 7/64ths on the bass side with medium strings.

The sonic presence of this guitar is huge. The clarity and overtones make this perfect for bluegrass leads, hammers and pulls and bass runs. It’s as satisfying as any exceptional bluegrass guitar I’ve played without the monetary outlay for a prewar or wartime rig. It ships in a nice period Lifton with a caramel colored interior and brown faux alligator exterior. Overall, a ruggedly handsome package. Consignment.

Top: "Eastern" Spruce
Band & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
Bridge & Fretboard: Ebony
Appointments: Dots 3,5,9, 15; double dots 12
Nut width: 1-11/16”
Saddle spacing: 2-1/8”
Body width: 14-3/4”
Depth: 4.25”
Scale length: 25.4"
Case: Lifton 50s HSC (Possibly Original)