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Average Price: $2,182
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Description
For guitar enthusiasts and collectors alike, the Martin D-28 from 1970-1984 represents a pinnacle in acoustic craftsmanship. Revered for its rich and resonant tone, this steel-string acoustic guitar is a timeless piece of musical history. Constructed during a transformative era for Martin guitars, the D-28 features a solid Sitka spruce top paired with East Indian rosewood back and sides, offering a warm, balanced sound that's suitable for studio recordings and live performances alike.
The D-28's long-standing reputation as a reliable workhorse stems from its robust build and classic dreadnought body shape, providing excellent projection and a full, dynamic range. Guitarists appreciate the smooth playability of the ebony fingerboard and the vintage appeal of its aesthetic details, such as its mother-of-pearl dot inlays.
Whether you're strumming chords or fingerpicking intricate melodies, this guitar responds with clarity and depth. Its historical significance and impeccable build quality make it a cherished choice for players who value both sound and legacy.
Key Features:
- Solid Sitka spruce top for enhanced tonal clarity
- East Indian rosewood back and sides for rich sound
- Dreadnought body shape for powerful projection
- Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
- Vintage-style tuners for reliable tuning stability
- Mother-of-pearl dot inlays for classic aesthetics
Product specs
| Brand | Martin |
| Model | D-28 |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1970 - 1984 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Rosewood |
| Body Shape | Dreadnought |
| Color Family | Natural, Orange |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Martin D-28 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Sides Material | Rosewood |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used for the back and sides of the Martin D-28 (1970-1984)?
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The Martin D-28 (1970-1984) features rosewood for both the back and sides, which contributes to its rich, resonant tone and strong bass response.
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How does the Martin D-28 (1970-1984) compare to modern acoustic guitars in terms of sound?
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The Martin D-28 from 1970-1984 is known for its warm, full-bodied sound with excellent projection, often considered superior to many modern guitars due to its aged tonewoods and vintage craftsmanship.
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Is the Martin D-28 (1970-1984) suitable for fingerstyle playing?
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Yes, the Martin D-28 (1970-1984) is versatile and well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a balanced tone and clear articulation across its ebony fretboard.
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What is the neck profile like on the Martin D-28 (1970-1984)?
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The Martin D-28 (1970-1984) typically features a low-profile neck, making it comfortable for various playing styles and accommodating different hand sizes.
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Does the Martin D-28 (1970-1984) have any built-in electronics?
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No, the Martin D-28 (1970-1984) does not come with built-in electronics, as it is a purely acoustic guitar designed for traditional performance settings.
Videos
Rosa String Works
630 RSW 1970s Martin D28 Does It Need A Neck Reset
630 RSW 1970s Martin D28 Does It Need A Neck Reset
Rosa String Works
Guitar of the Day: 1971 Martin D-28 | Todd Wisenbaker at Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
"Pick of the Day" - 1974 Martin D-28
Emerald City Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Martin D-28 (1970-1984).
Setup and maintenance
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Pre-1985 models lack adjustable truss rods; neck relief issues require compression fretting or a neck straightening iron by a qualified luthier.
Source -
It's important to inspect the bridge plate for ball ends pulling into the soundboard, a common issue in late '70s and early '80s Martins.
Source -
Check for cracks under the fretboard extension and pick guard, which could indicate past drying or other structural issues.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Johnny Marr mentioned using a Martin D-28, likely a model from the 1970s, as detailed on Smithsonguitar's overview of his gear.
Eric Johnson has been seen playing the Martin D-28 1970-1984 during acoustic performances, as noted on his official website.
In this photo, Bonham can be seen playing a Martin D-28 during Houses of the Holy album in 1972.
Bob Wier used a 1970s Martin D-28 acoustic guitar for "unplugged" sessions at home and during live performances. In August of 2013 Weir noted: "I ran away from home to cowboy for a summer and make enough money to buy a Martin D-28 from a pawn-shop."
This is a newer Martin D-28 from 1970. It's a back-up to the 1951 D-28, Robbie Robertson ownes.
Around 72/73 he swapped the Yamaha acoustic for a Martin D28 and appeared on the Old Grey Whistle Test with Danny. The DeArmond sound-hole pickup up not stuck down by gaffa tape. The acoustic pickup was stuck just below and behind the bridge and cable taped down. DeArmond cable was routed sometimes below the sound hole and occasionally taped up and over the guitar. To fit a De Armond you use the integral wire clamp on the rear of the back plate of the pickup and a locking slide latch on the bottom, under the volume control. This latch clamps the pickup against the sound board from inside. These fixing can work loose, the sliding clamp damages the underside of the sound board and looses contact pressure with use and then the pickup can move around and will get displaced if you hit it when playing. Hence the practical useof gaffa tape to keep it in place which he deployed on his Guild D55NT and Martin D28.
The article mentions a 1970 Martin D-28 which he uses live. English translation of the article below." A Martin D-28, estimated to be around 1970, often tuned down a semitone. Attached to the soundhole is a Skysonic Pro-1, which consists of a magnetic PU, a contact piezo and a condenser microphone. When Yamashita plays, only the output of the condenser mic is turned down slightly, while everything else is set to full. It will not be used on this tour, but for recording and acoustic tours. It has a very Martin-like delicate sound."
Album Usage
The Martin D-28 (1970-1984) has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Martin D-28 (1970-1984), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Martin has reimagined the D-28, blending the rich legacy of the guitar with their latest innovations. Vintage appointments include open-gear tuners, an aged toner top, antique white accents, and faux tortoise pickguard. Forward-shifted bracing allows for greater vibration of the top, while a modern neck profile gives you improved comfort and playability.
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The Martin Shenandoah series were assembled in Martin's Pennsylvania factory using parts fabricated in Japan. The D-2832 is equivalent to the normal D-28 with Rosewood back and sides.
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