It was 30 years ago on this day when I purchased my Martin D-28 guitar. I had my first paying gig in a restaurant, and thought I would buy myself a guitar that didn’t have training wheels attached. I tried Gibson and many other brands of acoustic guitars. They all sounded cool, but they just did not quite fit my music persona.
You see, my music is very eclectic (I like to play many different styles of music). Most of the guitars I tried, even the Martin 12 string, had sounds that were too distinctive. For some of my songs they would sound great, for others-ppppppppptttttttttttt!!!!!
If sounds have color, then I needed a neutral color that would match any style of music I wished to play. The Martin D-28 has a very mellow neutral-color sound. With it, I could play rock, country, jazz, Norwegian folk songs-you name it.
I also have very long narrow fingers; so, the neck of the Martin D-28 fit me like a glove. At the time, the music store that sold Martins had two D-28’s in stock. One was a bicentennial model with solid gold tuning pegs and frets! It cost around three G’s. I decided that I did not need solid gold pegs and frets anymore than I needed gold-plated dental floss; so I paid around $1000.00 for the guitar I am now celebrating 30 years with.
Treble/Bass/Midrange
When I use Martin strings, this guitar has good bass and midrange response, but has weak treble response. However, when I use Dean Markley strings, I can get a much brighter treble response. Also, of course, when this guitar is amplified with a guitar pickup, the amount of treble, midrange and bass can be adjusted on the mixing board.
You can also change the sound of this guitar significantly if you smash it to smithereens after each rock concert. At least, that’s what I have heard.
Specifications
Model: Martin D-28
Construction: Mahogany blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
Body Size: D-14 Fret
Body Style: Dreadnought
Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
Rosette: Martin Style 28
Top Bracing Pattern: D OM
Top Braces: Non-Scalloped 5/16”
Back Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Back Purfling: Martin Style 28
Side Material: Solid East Indian Rosewood
Endpiece: White Boltaron
Endpiece Inlay: Black/White Boltaron
Binding: White Boltaron
Top Inlay Style: Multiple Black/White
Side Inlay: None
Back Inlay: Black/White
Neck Material: Select Hardwood
Neck Shape: Low Profile
Nut Material: Bone
Headstock: Solid/Diamond/Tapered
Headplate: Solid East Indian Rosewood/ Raised Gold Foil Logo
Heelcap: White Boltaron
Fingerboard Material: Solid Black Ebony
Scale Length: 25.4 inches
Number of Frets Clear: 14
Total Number of Frets: 20
Fingerboard Width At Nut: 1 11/16 inches
Fingerboard Width At 12th Fret: 2 1/8 inches
Fingerboard Position Inlays: Martin Style 28
Fingerboard Binding: None
Finish Back and Sides: Polished Gloss/Dark Filler
Finish Top: Polished Gloss
Finish Neck: Semi Gloss/ Dark Mahogany Stain/ Dark Filler
Bridge Material: Solid Black Ebony
Bridge Style: Belly
Bridge String Spacing: 2 1/8 inches
Saddle: 16” Radius/Compensated/Bone
Tuning Machines: Gotoh Chrome w/ Large Knobs
Bridge and End Pins: White w/ Black Dots
Pickguard: Black
As you can see, there are many specifications that go with this guitar. Some guy named Martin sure went to a lot of trouble. Anyway, all you really need to know is this guitar sounds better with age. My 30 year-old Martin sounds so good, that when I play it at home, the rats won’t leave my house-neither will the cockroaches.
All kidding aside, I strongly advise that if you buy a Martin guitar, never ever sell it or trade it. I don’t care how desperate you are. If the landlord needs rent money, play him a tune on this guitar instead, and he’ll love it so much, he’ll give you three days to vacate the premises.
Seriously, if you buy a Martin and keep it over the years, it will age like fine wine. Martin and I have been through a lot together. We have performed at nightclubs, weddings, county fairs, recording studios-but never in the shower. Water is bad for your guitar. I don’t care how stoned you are, don’t take a shower with your guitar-especially with electric pickups attached!
I guess what I am trying to say is that I really love this old guitar. I used to write songs with it for my lady friends, and it has been my good luck charm if you get my drift. But today Martin and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary; so I’m gonna pop open the champagne (pop!) and drink a toast to my Martin D-28 guitar:
