Martin D-28 (1945)
Vintage
This D-28 has been played; and its voice shows the benefit of many hours logged under a flatpick. The instrument is hugely resonant, with wide-open punch, power, and midrange clarity.
When we released a video detailing the restoration process on a previously uncirculated 1945 Martin D-28 we acquired several months ago, little did we know it'd be seen by someone else out there who also happened to have a previously uncirculated 1945 Martin D-28! (Not that we're complaining about all-original herringbones finding their way to the shop.)
This D-28, serial number 91961, is less than a thousand serial numbers away from the one that preceded it. It also comes to us from the family of its original owner; and it also had never been worked on before we received it. It sports a Red Spruce top and T-bar neck reinforcement, making it the most coveted variant of the last of the herringbone D-28s (the now-famous top trim was discontinued in 1947). This guitar has been played; and its voice shows the benefit of many hours logged under a flatpick. The instrument is hugely resonant, with wide-open punch, power, and midrange clarity imparted by its non-scalloped braces. It's an amazing-sounding guitar for a bluegrass player who wants to dig in, but its dryness and crystalline high end make it a great recording guitar for anyone who spends time in alternate tunings as well.
As vintage guitars go, we think of this one as being in excellent condition. Our shop has performed a neck reset and refret -- the only non-original parts of the guitar are its new frets, saddle, and one bridge pin. We also reglued the bridge, which was detached when the guitar arrived at our shop, repositioning it slightly forward to correct its imperfect intonation. The guitar shows beautiful playwear across its surfaces, but remains incredibly strong, with a stiff top and neck ready for their next 80 years.
This excellent herringbone D-28 is priced with its original hardshell case. Interested buyers are welcome to contact us for an in-hand description.
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.