Description
For many decades the vintage guitar community has looked to the 1937 D-28s for the time when Martin really found its way with guitars that were responsive, tonally complex, and forcefully loud in group settings. This guitar, serial number 66724, is and outstanding example in condition and sound, with a voice that is consistently powerful and colorful in all ranges of the fingerboard. One of only 148 D-28s made in 1937, this instrument retains its original finish and is free of any major repairs. The Adirondack spruce top is very even in grain width and boldness of the grain lines. The quartersawn brick red Brazilian rosewood back and sides are consistent with the very high quality sets that were being used for the relatively new D-28 model at the time. The original 6:1 Grover G-98 tuners were replaced for a while with Kluson Deluxe tuners, and more recently a 12:1 set of 1938 Grover G-98 tuners were located and installed. The original headstock decal is clean and intact.
The consigning owner brought this guitar up to its full performance potential with a recent neck reset and bridge replacement by Dennis Berck. The original bridge had been shaved down some and the replacement bridge was made with an ivory saddle. The bridge pin set is is an unslotted replacement. As part of the neck reset, the bone nut was replaced with an ivory reproduction. The associated refret was an opportunity to cosmetically improve the filled added fret slots just sharp of frets 2, 4, and 6. Dennis Berck glued the small network of outside pickguard cracks at the pickguard’s outer edge. The one small glued hairline body crack is at the very edge of the treble side lower bout on the back. The guitar was played in performance and shows some slight pick wear, fingernail marks, and small dings on the top. There are some small remnants of scotch tape that held the song list to the bass-side upper bout side. The back shows some buckle rash lacquer wear in the waist area. The shaved original bridge and previously installed bone bridge saddle and nut are included in the case accessory pocket.
With the recent neck reset, refret, and new bridge, the guitar now plays beautifully and responds with a very large, tonally complex, and penetrating voice. A great combination melody and rhythm guitar from Martin’s golden period. With TKL hardshell case. SHOWN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
