CIRCA 1930's - 1940's SUPERTONE HAWAIIAN PARLOR ACOUSTIC

In the spring of 2017, John O'Connell. owner of Crazy Horse Guitars in Des Moines unexpectedly passed away.  And, too, so ended one of the iconic guitar shops in the city.   John was always nice to me.  He was eager to help and provide advice on my older guitars.  

This Supertone Hawaiian hung in his shop for as long as I can remember.  I am now the custodian of this piece of guitar history and memorabilia from CHG.

There is a stamp on the interior label that should indicate the year of manufacture.  It has weathered to nearly unreadable.  I can interpret the stamp as either '32 or '42...we will never know.  At a minimum, my research does show that this guitar was made in the '30's - '40's.

The artwork and sound hole ring was stenciled onto the body.  At some point, someone reattached or replaced the bridge with screws.  She definitely needs a neck reset.  A good cleaning wouldn't hurt either.

No matter.  I did not buy this guitar for resale.  It will hang in my guitar room and remind me the "grumpy, old hippie". 

1962 MARTIN F-55

I bought this from Sunday Guitars in Bend, OR in the summer of 2016.  The owner of the shop, Ted Engstrom, was kind enough to spend time on the phone providing some history...

The guitar was purchased, used, in 1964 by the local band teacher, a friend of Ted's.  It was maintained by what is now Sunday Guitars. Much to Ted's chagrin, in the '90's, it spent nearly the entire decade in the case and under a bed.  He was constantly bugging his buddy to play her!  Since 2000, the band teacher returned to playing and had Ted resurrect her.

A bit about the patina...

You will note that there is truss rod cover on the face of the headstock.  These guitars did not have a truss rod.  The cover is there to hide doweling pins used make a headstock repair.  You can also slightly see that the B string tuning peg penetration was repaired.  The luthier who performed the repair must hot have had matching stain.  The headstock is two-tone below the Martin logo.  The color was nicely feathered on the back of the neck.

According to Ted, this repair was done between '62 and '64.  It is the way his friend purchased the guitar and has never been an issue.  To which, I agree.  Playability is fine.

I asked The Lutherie Shoppe in Des Moines about perhaps refinishing the headstock.  They responded, "NO".  This would devalue the instrument.

There is a bald spot on the back of the body from buckle rash.  There are dings and scratches.  The original pickguard has long since been removed.  Given this is a '62 and it was played, nothing out of the ordinary.  Indeed, these 'flaws' add to the character.

BTW - The tech at Sunday Guitars had to talk to me before Ted could officially "sell" this guitar to me.  I had to insure that...

     1) The guitar would be played and properly stored.

     2) I acknowledged that I was becoming a steward of a piece of guitar history, not just a 'buyer'.

The guitar did not have the original case.  For safe travel to Iowa, Ted paired the guitar with a new, 2016 Guardian hard case.

Skip to the Summer of '17... After a complete detail, she went for a complete once over by Jeff the Tech.  Overall, the guitar checked out fine and has a clean 'bill of health'.  The pick-up switch was a "cheap chinese" unit that was installed sometime in the past 55 years.  It was replaced with a new, correct and proper quality switch.  The wiring was thoroughly checked out, corrections were made, as needed, and rerouted for better cosmetic appeal.  Nothing but the best!

PER MARTIN:  The F-55 was made between '61-'65.  This is 1 of 325 made in '62.  A total of 665 units were produced in the 4 year run.

NFS

1964 MARTIN F-50

Lord have mercy!!  This addition fills out my Martin F series collection!

If this guitar had an original Martin lucite bridge, she'd be all there.  However, the previous owner, who had this guitar since 1997, believes that the Bigsby bridge, that came with it, was the original.  Moreover, the shop he bought it from, Umanov Guitar in NYC, thought it was as well.   It is possible... Martin made less than 180 of these in '64.  They could have run out of the lucite bridges (they were depleting stock of this bridge at that time) and grabbed a Bigs to get her delivered.  

Nonetheless, the seller sent the Bigs bridge with her...along with a copy of his 1997 receipt from Umanov.  Sweet!!

This guitar needs nothing.  I unpack her, let her acclimate, tuned her and played her.  WOW.  She oozes cool.  For a 1964 model, it is in unbelievable condition.

The case is period correct.  It is a '62/'63 Martin F-65 case.  (The seller had an F-65 which he sold with the Gretsch case this guitar came with.)  The case has some character, but it's all there and works perfectly.   Adds to the cool factor.

PER MARTIN:  The F-50 was made between '61-'65.  This is 1 of 177 made in '64.  A total of 519 units were produced in the 4 year run.

I got lucky on this one.  NFS

1966 FENDER CORONADO II w/PERIOD CORRECT VICTORIA HARDCASE

Purchased sight-unseen, I think I hit the Fender jackpot. This is a beautiful Coronado II survivor. And paired with a period correct, Victoria Luggage of California case…duuude!!! 1966 was the 1st year of production for the Coronado.

When I took delivery, I expected this to look more like a 1966, not a 2016!! Hardly any scratching, cracking, crazing, chips, player wear…the checkerboard binding is 100% there. She literally shows as near new. I’d cleaner her up, but no need.

At some point in the past 52 years, someone store the guitar in a case with the strap on and touching the finish. As a result, there is minimal (and I mean minimal) deteriorated the nitro finish on the back that had to pointed out to me.

Unbelievably low action. Super light. Great sound. I wish I had more history on this super cool guitar previous owners. It’s as if this specimen came out of a time vault.

From Wikipedia… The Fender Coronado is a double-cutaway thin-line hollow-body electric guitar, announced in 1965. It is manufactured by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. The aesthetic design embodied in the Coronado represents a departure from previous Fender instruments; the design remains an uncharacteristic piece of Fender history.

The very un-Fender like instrument was designed by Roger Rossmeisl, who had previously also designed instruments for Rickenbacker, but who went on to create numerous models for Fender, in an attempt to capitalize on the increasing popularity of semi-acoustic guitars following the high-profile use of hollow-bodied instruments, such as the Epiphone Casino by bands such as The Beatles. During Rossmeisl's time designing for Fender, he also designed the Fender Montego, a "jazz box" style guitar which shares the Coronado's fixed F tailpiece, and the 1967 Fender Wildwood which shares the Stratocaster headstock.

Three versions of the Coronado guitar were produced from 1966 through 1972. The Fender Coronado I, discontinued in 1970, was the original single pickup design. The Coronado II had an added bridge pickup with relative tone and volume controls.

The top, sides, and back of the body on the Wildwood body were constructed from laminated beechwood, and maple was used for the non Wildwood versions, the top being slightly arched, and featuring two generous, routed and bound "f" holes. The body of the instrument was finished in a high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer.

The Coronado also featured relatively thin 'C'-shaped bolt-on maple neck, topped with a rosewood fingerboard, and a headstock shaped similarly to that of a Fender Stratocaster.

Unusual for Fender at the time, the Coronado's pickups were made by DeArmond and the bridge was a free-floating, non anchored, 'tune-o-matic' style bridge, with a suspended tailpiece.

The Coronados all came in cases made by the Victoria Luggage Co, and were made in the USA.

The Coronado gained significant attention when used by Elvis Presley in the 1968 film Speedway, performing the song 'There Ain't Nothing Like a Song' with Nancy Sinatra in the final scene and is the only guitar used by Elvis within the entire film. Rossmeisl's Fender-creations were also used by Elvis in a separate film 'Clambake' where the Fender Wildwood is seen in two scenes.

SOURCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Coronado

Offered at $3,995.00

1971 GIBSON ES320 MAPLE NATURAL

This is a very rare guitar.  I bought this from Lawman Guitars in West Des Moines, IA.  Lawman did a clean up, had the tech put a super set up on her and found the OEM bridge guard.  

Lawman dated the guitar as a '72,.  The owner of Crazy Horse Guitars, John, broke out his vintage research materials and dated it as a '71.   Jeff the Tech replaced the pots in May of 2017... and Dirk Newton used the numbers on the pots to confirm she's a '71.

The ES320 was made at the Kalamazoo Or Nashville Plant in 1970, 1971 or 1972. There were only 669 320's were made, total.  Per John, this is 1 of 1...no more than 4...for 1971 in Maple Natural, as cherry burst and red bodies were more popular . While I cannot confirm, it sure makes this a great conversation piece.

This was obviously from a pro player.  Has the patina one would expect.  

In 2017, we performed a neck reset, added fresh pots and 50's style wiring, which give this guitar a super cool, solid Gibson sound, but all it's own.  GREAT playability.  Low action.  

Lawman did have the OEM hard case (which I have).  To be safe, I added a 2016 Gibson hard case for safer keeping.

NFS

1972 GIBSON ES325 WALNUT

Here's the trouble with being a traveling salesman and the internet...you find cool guitars on the road.  I bought this guitar from Howard Mock, owner of Rhapsody Music in Mankato, MN.  Howard bought it from Gold & Silver Pawn in Las Vegas (yes...the Pawn Stars) while attending a Gibson dealer show.  

The ES325 was only made in 1970, 1971 and 1972.  At the time, Gibson was under different ownership and in a manufacturing cost savings mode.  To reduce cost, there was an access hole cut in the top of the guitar to make it easier (and quicker) to install the wiring.  The market snubbed this "cheap 335" and the model was dropped.  Now, it is somewhat a rare find, especially in this condition.

Deep "Johnny Cash" throaty sound.  Unique look. I like it!

Tuners were replaced somewhere in it's history.  I added a 2016 Gibson Custom Shop hard case.

NFS

‘74-’75 GIBSON FLYING V - Rick Nielsen Owned (Probably)

WOW!! A piece of Rock-n-Roll history has been added to the collection!

This heavily modified 1974-75 Gibson Flying V is assumed to have been owned by the one and only Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick.

Kevin Neal, the “Guitar Wizard”, is very familiar with this V. He’s been aware of it’s existence for years and prepped it for release from the Trent Litten Estate Guitar Collection. “Judging by the modifications done to this instrument, I am assuming that this wasn't just any old guitar out of Rick's collection, but was actually a guitar that was used by Rick. I mean…the mods on this SCREAM Rick Nielsen.”

The mods include 3 Dimarzio p-ups, Dimarzio pots, a global kill switch and coil tap switch. The tuners have been changed and there definitely was a refret done to this at some point. Not much original on this aside from the paint!

Trent proudly displayed this autographed V at Professional Music Center for as long as I have been a customer. Trent befriended many artists who were avid guitar collectors. It was known in the Des Moines music community that he was one of Rick’s guitar sources and, so the story goes, for a time, they would check in with each other to see who had what in their collections and if something was being offered up.

THE LEGEND OF THIS V.

There are a couple stories floating around about how this guitar ended up in Trent’s collection. At a minimum, anyone I speak with says that the guitar was a gift and was not intended to be in circulation. As a result, there is no COA.

There is also speculation as to whether or not this guitar was stage played or only studio played. Either way, everyone agrees that the mods are in strong alignment with Nielsen’s preferences when it comes to customized instruments. And given the bumps and bruises, it is very possible he gigged this V.

STORY #1

This guitar was gifted by Rick to Trent in appreciation for his friendship and time spent hunting for specific guitars that he wanted to add to his collection.

STORY #2

This guitar was gifted by Rick to one of his producers, who also was a friend of Trent’s. The producer either gifted it to Trent or sold it to him. (Most believe it was gifted.)

UPDATE! 6/8/2024 - & STORY #3

I had the original autograph authenticated by AutographCOA in March of 2024. While there was no doubt, I thought it best to have this done. Obviously, this is live ink on the guitar. However, I still wanted to learn the rest of the back story.

Rick now has a line of vodka and performs bottle signings. Most are withing driving distance. On 6/8/24, Carol and I attended the Rock'n Vodka signing event in Sycamore, IL.

Since we purchased a case of his booze, we moved to the front of the line and were afforded extra time with Rick. I was star struck.

After sharing the 'legends' of the V and asking if he could recall owning this guitar he said, "Sure!". His follow up comment was, "I probably owned this at one time. I just don't recall specifically." Which is not surprising as he's owned over 2000 guitars.

Nonetheless, I was able to reunite the guitar with this Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famer and speak to the man. He added a 2nd autograph to the guitar (red Sharpie). He also signed 4 bottles of his vodka and a piece of signage.

This V has the original Gibson hardcase. For good measure, Rick tossed in one his guitar picks and it still with the package.

SUPER COOL!!!

NFS

1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom.  RARE Maple Body / Maple Fretboard.

A friend of a friend let me know that this guitar was coming on the market.  The previous owner bought this when he was 14...nearly 30 years ago...from Ye Old Guitar Shoppe in Des Moines.  The day he bought it, the OE case was walking out the door.  He put it in a chipboard case (GASP) and took it home.  

After a complete cleaning (2 rolls of paper towels), and despite being well played and gigged, this guitar is a survivor.   Neck is straight, no buckle rash, minimal dings.  AMAZING.  Spectacular 'flame' on the back of the neck.

I found a period correct OEM case that is in unbelievable condition for pairing.  Most of the parts I need to replace were located and are period correct.  I was able to locate Gibson NOS pick-up covers and pick-up screws!

The bridge was shot and bowed.  I replaced it with a new Nashville style bridge from TonePros.  To really make her sing, the original nylon nut was replaced with a hand made bone nut.

SUPER LOW ACTION!  Plays like a dream.  The original "T-Top" pickups are super bright.  

NFS - This girl will stay in the collection.

1997 Gibson ES-135. Current Gibson AS339 Hardcase.

Unlike some of my other guitars, there’s not much of a back story on this gem. She’s a Facebook Marketplace find. I’m the 3rd owner.

Life has been good to this girl. No wear and tear beyond what one would expect for a 25 year old guitar that’s been occasionally played. No evidence of gigging! Plays like budha.

There are 2 surface / finish blems on the back of the neck and similar finish blems on the bottom of the body. Neither impact playability…and…I’d have to point the out. Other than that, she cleaned up beautifully. Given her sheltered life, cleaning was a breeze.

Somewhere along the line, she was separated from the OE hardcase. The previous owner received her with an off brand case that did not fit correctly. In 2021, he paired this ES-135 with a Gibson AS339 case. It’s a nice combination.

Serial number: 92677519 - Production year: September 24th, 1997 (serial nr.: 519) - Manufactured in Gibson’s Electric Plant: Nashville or Memphis.

Not sure I want to flip this one. But. if your interested, try $2,695.00.

1998 Fender '72 Telecaster Thinline TN72-85 Natural w/ Wide Range pick-ups & Case. “Crafted In Japan” (CIJ)

I’ve always wanted a Tele Thinline. This one came in on a trade at Professional Music Center here in Des Moines. It shows as near new! It was owned by one of their techs…so…you know it’s been well maintained and unmolested.

Dating this guitar was tricky. Fender replicated serial numbers for the ‘85-’86 and ’97-’98 reissue production runs. To tell them apart, ‘85-’86 models are labeled “Made in Japan”, while ’97-’98 models are labeled “Crafted in Japan”. To authenticate the year of manufacture, I opened this Tele up… September 1998.

Obviously, this guitar is modeled after the original 1972 Telecaster Thinline. It features a semi-hollow ash body with a natural finish, a maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard and a pair of Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups. These guitars were made in Japan by Tokai Gakki Company, Ltd, which is highly regarded for its guitar build quality and attention to detail.

The Fender Wide Range humbucking pickups on this guitar are known for their warm and full-bodied tone, which is unique compared to other humbucking pickups. The semi-hollow body of the guitar also adds to its unique tonal characteristics, providing a more resonant and airy sound compared to solid-body Telecasters.

This Tele is paired with the original Fender Classic Series Wood Hard Case, which shows little wear and tear. This package is a true survivor.

It goes without saying… As a reissue model, the 1997/1998 Fender '72 Telecaster Thinline TN72-85 is highly sought after by collectors and players alike who appreciate its vintage-inspired design and modern build quality. It is also a great choice for guitarists who want a versatile guitar that can handle a wide range of musical styles.

Interested? Try $1799.00.

1983 MARTIN HD-28

Oh my. I went out on a limb on this one. A 1983 Martin HD-28 rescue.

This guitar was in improper storage for 10+ years and in unloved condition (that's code for an absolute mess). She sat in the rafters of a garage! I was shocked that she did not need a neck reset and had only 1 minor top crack.

Some moron tried to do binding repair with Super Glue and created all sorts of runs on the back and sides. Just a mess.

Well... Jeff the Tech (a.k.a. The Guitar Wizard) performed his magic. This vintage instrument looks, plays and sounds awesome.

The 3 part binding was loose on the top and bottom. Moreover, there were missing pieces. To maintain the instrument in as original condition as possible, the decision was made to fill the voids as opposed to a complete binding replacement. Doing so would have created too much of a contrast between the binding and the established patina. These repairs turned out much better than anticipated

We thought the Super Glue runs would require a complete refinish, but that would have spoiled earned aging and reduced the overall value of the guitar.

Wet sanding, using 600 / 1000 / 2000 grit, and a series of passes with buffing compound successfully removed the glue runs from the sides and back. There are some "dents" in the finish where the glue was removed...but, I'll have to point them out.

The minor top crack was expertly repaired. You can't see it. Heck…I can’t find it.

The after market electrical pick up was removed, thereby returning this HD-28 closer to it’s original state.

A non-original strap button was added to the heal by previous owners. I left it as not to have a hole to fill.

Perfect patina and expected finish checking from the age and all of the crap this guitar has endured over time. This is not overwhelming and does not take away from the overall beauty.

Perfectly set up with a fresh set of 12 Martin Marquee Lights… this guitar is a BOOMER.

I have paired this guitar with a new, Martin 640 hardcase. While not OEM, it is the appropriate case model. The guitar deserves nothing less.

She’s not in excellent or new condition. She is in a restored condition with the blems you’d expect. This is a players instrument.

Offered at $2,595.00

1990 MARTIN D-18

I picked this Martin up from Lawman Guitars in West Des Moines. The Lawman got it from Crazy Horse Guitars in Des Moines.  Between the 2 of them, this specimen was brought back from being "unloved" to a classic, all original D-18.

The action is low.  Straight neck.  Intonation is spot on.  Solid Martin sound and feel.  Even smells old.  Complete with original case. 

A great addition to the collection.  This is becoming my favorite acoustic.

NFS

1999 GIBSON SG SPECIAL WHITE w/ GOLD HARDWARE

Purchased from Professional Music Center in Clive, IA.  This was owned by an older gentleman that took really good care of it.  He was a player that had to have the guitar perfectly in tune, so he added a Gibson ABR-1, dial tuner end stop (not period correct).

Low, low action.  I have always felt that I could play "fast" on this guitar.  Solid pick-ups.  Just a great SG.

This was a limited run that was upgraded by Gibson with gold hardware and an ebony fretboard, which give it an SG Custom vibe.   Unfortunately, someone had removed the gold p/u covers and replaced them with 1 chrome... 1 brushed... go figure.

Jump to the Spring of '17 - She went to the shop for period correct, gold pick-up covers and the correct end stop.  These changes returned her to as original as possible.

Jeff the tech found that 2 of the pots were shot, there was no grounding wire and someone fiddled with the wiring.... well, that's all been corrected and the wiring restored to Gibson "50's style" specs.

This guitar was good before the 'minor restore'...now it's awesome.

This was white when new.  She now has the yellowish patina that this vintage and color ended up with over time...it's just how the clear lacquer finish ages and is desirable. 

I have complimented her with a 2015 Gibson SG 50th Anniversary Gold case (which matches the hardware).

Might be available at a crazy, "I really don't want to sell it" price.

2003 MARTIN 000-JBP “Pollywog” (100 of 305) & 000-JBS “Shellback” (100 of 168)

You reading correctly. The “100’s” are in my stable.

Here’s the story…

During the winter of ‘22, I was looking for a Shellback and stumbled upon these listings. Six String Brokerage. located in Nazareth, PA (the home of the Martin Guitar factory) took these 2 instruments in on consignment.

The original owner, who worked at Martin, purchased these guitars through their employee purchase program. That’s right… the Jimmy Buffett Pollywog (#100 of 305) and the matching Jimmy Buffet Shellback (#100 of 168).

The owner of String String Brokerage also shared that the owner was not a guitar player. Since purchase these guitars had been properly stored in a climate controlled environment and unplayed. Heck, the original strings are were still on the guitars!

Jimmy signed each of the labels for both runs of these guitars. For the “100’s”, he added extra love…

On the Pollywog label: “Be good and you will be lonesome. Mark Twain”

On the Shellback label: “Hello from the road. Pine Knob ‘03.”

How could I buy just the Shellback? These guitars deserved to be kept together. And so they are.

I finally summoned the courage to let these guitars out of my site for servicing (I did not have the intestinal fortitude to DIY the cleaning & restringing. God forbid I scratch one of them). After reconnecting with my former guitar tutor and friend, Kevin Neal, guitar wizard and owner of Redd No. 7 Recording Studio, I knew I had the right guy for the job. I’d trust Kevin with any of my guitars!

When I took possession of these guitars they were new condition and are free of any signs of use. Now, after Kevin’s magic touch, they are truly minty.

Kevin’s notes….

“I’d gig the Shellback today. It’s that good. The sound that comes from the Pollywog is phenomenal. It is special.”

Complete with original cases, that show no signs of wear, and case candy. What a find!

NFS

2003 MARTIN JC16WE PREMIUM JUMBO CUTAWAY WALNUT

Shortly after I decided that I was going to stick with the guitar, I purchased this Martin from Professional Music Center in Clive, IA.  The walnut sides and back give this guitar a warm sound.  She's been my "go to" acoustic from the start.  I love, love, love this guitar.  Complete with original issue case.  Fishman onboard electronics are hidden from view.

MSRP in 2003 was $2,349.00.  Not many of these  Premium Walnut models were made.    After this model was removed from production, Martin did offer it from their custom shop for a year or 2, built to order...and that was spendy (over $3,000).

The "crazy, I don't really wanna sell it price" is  $2,599.00.

2008 GIBSON ES335 CUSTOM SHOP DOT PLAIN VINTAGE SUNBURST

And it shall come to pass that you shall purchase your first electric guitar...so, after much coaching from my guitar tutor, this baby came home with me from Professional Music Center in Clive, IA.    Man, oh man...can this guitar sing.  I would purposely bring it into the shop to let the pro players give her a workout, as my skills just cannot do her justice.

Made at the Nashville Plant,  on February 28th, 2008. Production Number: 431Model: ESDPVSNH1.  Nickel Hardware.  Rated by Gibson as "Quality Level 1".

All original with OEM case.  Love that '50's look.  I'd name her "Grampy", but she's not the oldest of the stable.

NFS

2013 FENDER TELECASTER AMERICAN DELUXE

This is my 2nd 2013 American Deluxe Tele. I traded my 1st one off for an old Gibson J-45….and regretted it ever since.

This one joined the stable in December of 2020. She came from a private seller. And, it appears it was rarely played, if at all. Shows as new!

Complete with all of the case candy. She’s a keeper.

From Reverb…

“Complete with higher-end specs, the Fender American Deluxe Telecaster electric guitar really lives up to its name, and its place in the company's American Deluxe series. Compared to American Standard Teles, these Deluxe models features Fender's N3 Noiseless pickups.”

• Alder body with Aged Cherry Burst, Urethane finish, and White Pearloid pickguard

• 25.5" scale length

• Maple bolt-on neck with C shape

• Maple fingerboard with 9.5"-14" compound radius and Pearl dots

• 22 Medium Jumbo frets

• 1.6875" nut width

• Dual Noiseless N3 Tele single-coil pickups

• Strings-through Hardtail bridge with 6 chromed brass saddles

• Cast sealed locking tuners

• 3-way toggle switch with Volume and Tone controls and 2-way pickup phase selector

• Original hardshell case

2014 College Guitar CG-NE#1FP University of Nebraska

GO BIG RED! What guitar collecting Husker fan wouldn’t want one of these?? Heck, College Guitar’s is out of business. So….this is bound to be a collector’s item. Right?

A “Deluxe Guitar” with rosewood fretboard, adjustable truss rod, and mahogany body.

Officially licensed by the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Complete with COA (a.k.a. diploma).

And…it plays pretty darn good for an inexpensive logo’ed instrument.

I paired this with a decent gig bag. She’s tailgate party ready!!

2021 MARTIN D-28 1935 SUNBURST

Trent Litten owned Professional Music Center here in Des Moines. When I heard of his passing…well…I was in shock. There are at least 6 guitars in my collection (currently) that I either purchased directly from him, he helped me restore or indirectly came from his shop to me.

This D-28 is number 7.

“Sometimes innovation is in the details and this is certainly true with Martin’s re-imagined D-28. After nearly a century at the helm, and as the quintessential workhorse of music legends like Hank Williams, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and so many more, Martin's legendary D-28 has been lovingly and artfully enhanced. “The post WWII D-28 had a slightly different look than its predecessor and became the centerpiece of the folk and folk rock movements at their pinnacle in the 1950s and 1960s." says Chris Martin, Chairman and CEO of Martin Guitar, "We have extracted the finest features from the D-28 of both my grandfather’s and my father’s respective eras.” The all new D-28 blends the rich history of the guitar with Martin’s newest and most heralded innovations. The 184 year old guitar maker has combined vintage appointments, including open gear tuners, an aged toner top, antique white accents, and a faux tortoise pickguard with a new neck profile to give D-28 enthusiasts a modern feel and comfortable playing experience. Martin has also added forward-shifted bracing to allow greater vibration of the top. The legend just got better!”

- Willcutt Guitars