Music

Summary: Honest playwear and real aging, neck set and binding repair, excellent setup and playability, incredible tone, OHSC. This is the very first Madagascar D-28 built in 2013 for the 2014 NAMM show. I've included a video of Skip Beltz (Director of Product Management at Martin Guitars) discussing this very guitar at 2014 NAMM. As Skip describes, some special wood and a lot of attention went into the construction of this special guitar.Condition: I’ve played many gigs with this guitar since I purchased it from the original owner about 7 years ago, and it is definitely not a museum piece. There are some minor string-changing scratches on the headstock, the requisite pickguard finish scratches, other wear around the guitar, and the thin nitro finish has shrunken here and there as is normal for a decade-old guitar. That said, I’m careful with my guitars at gigs, and there are no glaring dings or scratches. The photos tell the story, so please look closely.Repairs: This guitar represents some of the common Authentic-series growing pains (binding shrinkage and neck angle), and consequently has had the following professional repairs, both by certified Martin shops:Binding re-glue (all four corners, see photos) by Jim at Hogeye Music in Evanston IL. Neck set, new nut, and shorter vintage-correct saddle by Bryan Kimsey.Both repairs were completed about 4 years ago. Setup: The setup and playability are perfect IMO. There is some minor fretwear on the first few frets, but not enough to affect playability. The guitar is setup with EJ-17s with medium action (.07”/.09”) and plenty of saddle, and it plays great.Tone: After 10 years of consistent use, this D-28 sounds absolutely fantastic, and I have no doubt the new owner will be enamored with its huge tone. It's loud and bold as you'd expect from a great D-28, but still sweet and warm, especially in the trebles. The wonderful tone might have something to do with the Adirondack top that features interlocking grain, a rare quality that adds stiffness to the top. (You can see diagonal Medullary rays in some of the photos and they are more pronounced in the right light.) As Skip Beltz describes in the video, a lot of attention went into the construction of this guitar, and you can certainly hear it.Other random notes:No VTS, aging, or relic-ing.No bridge lean or top distortion as was common on some early Authentics.If you are unsure if this guitar is in fact the NAMM guitar, look closely at the pickguard.

The Martin D-28 stands as a legendary symbol in the realm of acoustic guitars, celebrated for its unparalleled craftsmanship and unmistakable tone. This model represents a pinnacle in Martin Guitar's esteemed lineup, embodying a legacy of over a century of instrument-making expertise. At its core, the D-28 boasts a classic dreadnought body shape, which contributes to its robust projection and resonant sound profile. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the D-28 features a solid Sitka spruce top, renowned for its responsiveness and clarity, allowing every note to ring with clarity and precision. Complementing the top are solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, renowned for their warmth, depth, and nuanced tonal characteristics. This combination creates a sonic landscape that is both powerful and balanced, making the D-28 equally adept at accommodating intricate fingerstyle passages and vigorous strumming patterns. Beyond its acoustic prowess, the D-28 is revered for its exceptional playability and enduring design. Its comfortable neck profile and smooth fretwork provide players with a seamless playing experience, whether in the studio, on stage, or during late-night jam sessions. The guitar's timeless aesthetic, characterized by elegant appointments and meticulous detailing, further underscores its status as a true icon in the world of acoustic instruments. Since its introduction, the Martin D-28 has remained a steadfast companion to generations of musicians across genres and styles. From folk legends to contemporary virtuosos, its versatile sound and unwavering reliability have made it a staple in recording studios, concert halls, and living rooms worldwide. With each strum, the D-28 continues to inspire creativity, evoke emotion, and stand as a testament to the enduring legacy of Martin Guitar craftsmanship.