C. F. Martin D-28S Model Flat Top Acoustic Guitar (1971), made in Nazareth, PA, serial # 288699, natural lacquer finish, rosewood back and sides, spruce top; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original molded blue plastic hard shell case.
These fairly rare 1960-70s 12-fret Martin Dreadnoughts tend to be something of an under appreciated design. With a big, booming sound and wide neck, these are great old-time guitars and we think they are often tonally more muscular than their 14-fret brethren, especially in the 1970s. This 1971 model missed being built of Brazilian rosewood, but features some fine straight-grained Indian on the back especially nonetheless.
Only 251 of this model were made in 1971, compared to nearly 5,500 14-fret D-28's, so when we say "comparatively rare", it's not an exaggeration! This is a lovely looking, great-playing guitar with a very powerful voice.
Overall length is 40 3/8 in. (102.6 cm.), 15 7/8 in. (40.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 5 in. (12.7 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 7/8 in. (48 mm.).
This is an extremely clean, impeccably kept guitar especially for being over 50 years old showing hardly any wear at all. There are some very small scuffs and handling marks but no real damage or structural repair. The saddle and pickguard are replacements, with the originals still in the case pocket along with the original bridgepins. The original black acetate guard is shrunken and cupped, as practically all of them are and the repro is especially nicely done. Also in the original case pocket are the original hang tags and even the store receipt; someone paid $535.50 for this guitar new. This is the nicest of these '70s 12-fret rosewood Dreadnoughts we have had, a lovely player with a powerful sound. Excellent + Condition.
