Martin D28 Brazilian Rosewood 1969

This 1969 Martin D28 is a rare find: one of the last dreadnoughts Martin built with solid Brazilian rosewood before switching to East Indian rosewood at the turn of the decade. In excellent condition and gifted with the deep, powerful voice this tonewood is famous for, it is a genuine piece of Martin's most revered era.

Introduced in 1931, the D28 became the benchmark against which every other dreadnought is measured, loved by generations of players for its booming projection and beautifully balanced tone. What makes an example from this period so sought after is the Brazilian rosewood back and sides. By the end of the 1960s dwindling supplies pushed Martin to move to East Indian rosewood, which makes a 1969 D28 like this one a direct link to the golden years of the model.

For a guitar of well over fifty years old, this D28 is in excellent condition and remarkably clean. It carries the light playing wear you would expect from an instrument that has clearly been played and enjoyed, yet it has been cared for beautifully throughout its life. It has received a neck reset, but without any cracks or replaced parts, this is an exceptionally well preserved D28.

Hearing it explains the reputation. The Brazilian rosewood gives this D28 a rich, resonant low end and a shimmering, complex top end, with the kind of overtones and sustain that only this wood delivers. Whether you are flatpicking or strumming full chords, this is a dreadnought that fills the room.

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.