1953 Martin D-28 with Martin Hard Case

Up for sale today is an incredible 1953 Martin D-28 in great cosmetic shape with a Martin Molded Hard Case. The spruce top features a nice and straight grain, and the Brazilian rosewood is beautifully understated. It's playing comfortably with the action at Martin spec - 5/64ths at treble side, 7/64ths at bass - with a set of Martin Phosphor bronze 12.5's. This guitar is being sold on consignment for a customer who's owned it since 1981, it's been played a ton, but very well taken care of.

Being 71 years old, the guitar has seen some work. There is evidence on the inside of moisture which indicates at some point the neck has been reset (possibly by the Martin factory--this was before our customer acquired it). The reset was accomplished by removing the neck at the 14th fret and cutting through the fingerboard extension. It was a quick way to do that job, which is indicative of the type of luthier work being done in the 1970s.

Around 2003 it was taken to a local luthier who replaced the bridge with a drop in saddle, which also required the installation of a bridge plate retainer, likely because the string holes didn't line up. There is a piece of rosewood installed, and the work was done well, but of course is not period correct. The fingerboard was planed at some point, but there is still plenty of beautiful dark ebony. There is a repaired crack in the back that has been reinforced with a strip of wood.

This is a great instrument for someone looking to play a '50s Martin with Brazilian rosewood. It sounds amazing and it is beautiful! Collectors would likely opt to have the bridge and bridge plate replaced with period appropriate components.

Due to the truly clean overall cosmetic condition of the D-28 the customer has elected to post the guitar at the listed price. It works perfectly as-is, but as mentioned before, some purists would likely want to drop some money to get it closer to its traditional specifications.

Guitar includes a 1980's era Martin hard case.

For inquires, please email or call 413-586-0998 Wednesday thru Sunday and ask for Aaron.

We'll match or beat the price of any of the big retailers!

For questions and more information about pricing, shipping and payment options, click the MESSAGE SELLER tab above and send a message.

International shipping is available.

We’re always looking for good used instruments -- cash, trade, or consignment.

Downtown Sounds is a worker-owned cooperative in downtown Northampton, Massachusetts.