This powerhouse 1946 Martin D-28 comes to us from the family of its second owner; and it hasn't been seen on the open market before. The most recent owner acquired the guitar from its original owner in the early 1970's, and owned it until he passed away a couple years ago. This is a guitar that's been lovingly maintained and played -- a lot -- during its life. And that's likely the reason it sounds as good as it does. The voice is extremely bold and powerful, with impressive low end for a tapered-brace D-28, and a warm, pillowy midrange ideally suited to a flatpicker with a loose right-hand touch. This is a loud & expressive bluegrass guitar, as you'd expect it to be; but the richness of tone and dry, crisp sound remind everyone who plays it why the old D-28 is the one to have if you're only going to have one. For anyone looking for a vintage "herringbone" D-28, this one packs a sweetness per pound that's nearly impossible to beat.
Condition: vintage excellent, by our standards. During the most recent owner's stewardship, a neck reset was performed ~ but to our knowledge, nothing else had ever been done to the guitar when it arrived at TME. The original bridge had been cut down beyond the point of viability; and the original frets were cooked. Our shop performed a fresh neck reset, installed a TJ Thompson bridge, and refretted the guitar. It's now playing wonderfully, with action set at 3/32" (bass side) and 2/32" (treble side) under tension of medium gauge strings. The guitar sports one superficial top crack between the bridge and end wedge area, with all-original finish, and all-original internal components (bracing and bridge plate). Priced with non-original hardshell case -- Calton cases are available if an upgrade is desired. On consignment; expedited shipping required.
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