1969 was the last year Martin would use Brazilian Rosewood on their standard models, and this D-28 lucked out with a gorgeous set that would be the apple of any luthier’s eye today. Sitka Spruce on top, 28-style appointments, black pickguard, and a 1 11/16 inch nut all make for a good-looking Dread from the sixties with a slick setup. There are only so many Martins from this era that have remained with their original owners, and this is one of the few!
The voice has more balance and note separation than we’d expect from a Dreadnought, and the bass response is also more focused. Combined with extra clarity in the upper mids and trebles, that extra articulation makes for a great guitar for flatpicked solos and lead work. The slim neck also lends itself to fast playing, so if you like to tear it up like Bryan Sutton or Tony Rice this 1969 D-28 is an excellent candidate for the job. Our repair team have gone over every inch and have given it a clean and stable bill of health; plenty of life left to the saddle and the frets are freshly leveled, crowned, and polished.
A great Martin Dread with a vintage, opened up voice that’s less muddy and more articulate.