Martin D-35 (1966)

This '66 Martin D-35 is a gorgeous-sounding example of the model, exhibiting a booming low end, lush mids, and round, expressive trebles.

This is a very early Martin D-35, produced not long after the model's introduction in late 1965. It comes to us from the family of the original owner, in beautiful, all-original condition (save for the work we just performed on it). Early D-35s are just the sort of 1960's Martin we recommend to players interested in dipping a toe into the vintage pond: they retain a small, Maple bridge plate, they sport Brazilian Rosewood back & sides, and their light bracing makes them a tonal standout amongst other period dreadnoughts that may sound a little tight in comparison. The subject guitar is a gorgeous-sounding example of the model, exhibiting a booming low end, lush mids, and round, expressive trebles. While 60's D-35s are inextricably linked to David Gilmour and "Wish You Were Here" (he played a 1969 D-35 on that track), they're versatile enough to take on bluegrass rhythm duties and open-tuned fingerpicked etudes as well. This guitar gets our highest marks for its combination of great tone and vintage cleanliness. As mentioned, this guitar arrived at TME in 100% original condition. The action had gotten quite high, and the fret wear quite noticeable. Our shop reset the neck and refretted it, and the instrument now plays beautifully all over the fingerboard. While it can accommodate medium or light gauge strings, we have it strung with lights and think it sounds great that way given its construction. It shows the expected lacquer checking of a 60-year old guitar (Happy Birthday, big fella!); and there's one hairline crack (repaired) in the back (please see our photos). Priced with a period hardshell case--the only one it has ever had according to the original owner's family.