Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged

The 2018 Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged is one of the most sought-after models Martin has built in recent years. The Authentic Series is crafted with the utmost attention to detail, modeled after historic pre-war instruments, and ranks among the absolute top tier of today’s Martin lineup in terms of both tone and craftsmanship. Thanks to its elaborate hide-glue construction, authentic bracing, and factory-applied aging, it comes exceptionally close to the feel and sound of an original D-28 from the 1930s.

A truly special highlight of this guitar is the solid Madagascar rosewood used for the back and sides. In terms of tone, Madagascar rosewood is considered the wood that comes closest to the legendary Brazilian rosewood. It delivers an extraordinary combination of powerful bass, tremendous clarity, excellent string separation, and impressive dynamics. Martin no longer uses this wood for the Authentic Series, which means these instruments already enjoy special collector’s status and have high long-term appreciation potential.

Combined with the solid Adirondack spruce top, this guitar produces an exceptionally open, powerful, and incredibly resonant sound. This Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged has exactly the big, three-dimensional tone you’d expect from a first-class pre-war reproduction. It responds extremely quickly, delivers tremendous projection, and shines equally well with powerful strumming and delicate fingerstyle playing. In terms of tone, this guitar is undoubtedly one of the best Martin D-28s we’ve ever had in the shop.

The original invoice from the first owner is available.

Overall, the guitar is in very good condition. Thanks to the factory-applied aging process, it already looks and feels like a well-played vintage instrument right out of the factory. Over time, only a few additional signs of wear have developed, which blend seamlessly into the relic finish. The frets show slight notches but are, overall, in very good condition. There is certainly no need for action just yet. One of the buckles on the original suitcase no longer closes properly because the small metal clip has broken off (see photo). The broken metal clip is included and comes with the suitcase.

We carefully set up every guitar. We adjust the neck radius and string action to ensure that the guitar plays cleanly, comfortably, and without buzzing across the entire fretboard.

The string action is 2.7 mm on the low E string and 2.1 mm on the high e string, measured at the 12th fret.

Specifications:

Model: Martin D-28 Authentic 1937 Aged
Year of manufacture: 2018
Serial number: 2257667
Top: Solid Adirondack spruce
Back and sides: Solid Madagascar rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Scale length: 645 mm
Nut width: 44.5 mm
Body shape: Dreadnought
Bracing: Authentic 1937 Forward-Shifted Scalloped X-Bracing
Tuners: Waverly Relic Aged Nickel
Case: Original Martin case

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