USED MARTIN / D-28, 1974 [03]

We’ve just received a 1974 D-28, built right in the midst of Japan’s folk song boom!
This is a model from the "blue case" era, featuring a black pickguard (not original to this specific guitar) and Grover Rotomatic tuners—hallmarks of that era. Its robust tone, featuring a square rod and non-scalloped bracing, will likely evoke nostalgia for those who remember that era, while offering a fresh sound to younger generations.
There are dents, scratches, and some paint deterioration and clouding throughout, but overall, the appearance is consistent with its age. There are areas on the top where the finish has been polished out, giving those spots a glossy sheen. Additionally, upon arrival, the neck was warped, and cracks had developed on the treble-side of the back and in the center of the back. We had it repaired at our partner repair shop.As part of the neck angle adjustment, we also performed a fingerboard leveling, refretting, and replacement of the nut and saddle. Furthermore, upon arrival, the guitar was fitted with a significantly non-original, oversized tortoiseshell-pattern pickguard; we had this replaced at the same repair shop with one that closely resembles the original (though it is still slightly oversized).The material is black and has been painted, but there are some marks around the edges due to the size change. The Martin crack was also repaired at the same time. The tuners show some tarnishing and wear, but this does not affect playability.
We have set the string action at the 12th fret to approximately 2.5 mm on the 6th string side and approximately 2.0 mm on the 1st string side. This is on the lower side for a Martin of this vintage. Since it has been properly repaired and adjusted, both playability and sound are impeccable.
True to Martins of this era, it has a powerful, resonant tone. The balance is excellent, and the bass is not overpowering. A blue case is included. As expected for its age, there is some rust, cracking, warping, and dirt on the metal parts, but there are no missing hardware, handles, or rivets.
This is a model recommended by our staff member, who has been a Martin owner for over forty years.

Top: Solid Spruce
Side & Back: Solid Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony

Year of Manufacture: 1974
Accessories: Original hard case (blue case)
Serial Number: 351151

Condition: B: Shows significant wear and signs of use, but is in good working condition for normal use

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, and other imperfections that are not visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any measurements listed for the truss rod, remaining fret life, or string height were taken by our staff during setup. These values are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be the same when the item arrives.

* This is a one-of-a-kind item currently listed simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. While we strive to remove product listings promptly upon sale, updates are not always in real time.
We sincerely apologize if the item happens to be sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding.