1966 Martin D-35
With its attractive Brazilian rosewood back and sides and unworn gloss lacquer finish, this early D-35 is a great looking guitar. Martin service records show that it made two trips back to the factory in the years since it was built – first in 1970 and then in 1985, and it was likely upon its second trip home that it was retopped. Since then, the guitar appears to have not been played all too much, as there is very little playwear evident to the frets or top. The binding has been reglued in a few places along the body’s waist and the fretboard binding has been replaced at some point since then and now. There is finish damage along the reglued section of binding, and there is some finish repair on the back of the headstock for no reason that we can deduce.
The guitar’s mid-80’s top is in excellent shape, without repairs modifications, or cracks. 1985 was the year Martin transitioned to over-the-finish pickguards, which is what is on this D-35. The back and sides are in excellent condition as well, without cracks, damage, or repair. The neck appears to be original to the guitar, given its Brazilian rosewood headstock overlay and Grover Pat. Pend tuning machines, but was likely refinished at the time of the retop.
All told, this is a great sounding crack-free 1966/1985 Martin D-35 with some binding repairs. Neck angle and playability are excellent. 1-11/16” nut, 25.4” scale. Big, warm and very open, it’s tone is everything one looks for in a D-35.
With hardshell case
The guitar’s mid-80’s top is in excellent shape, without repairs modifications, or cracks. 1985 was the year Martin transitioned to over-the-finish pickguards, which is what is on this D-35. The back and sides are in excellent condition as well, without cracks, damage, or repair. The neck appears to be original to the guitar, given its Brazilian rosewood headstock overlay and Grover Pat. Pend tuning machines, but was likely refinished at the time of the retop.
All told, this is a great sounding crack-free 1966/1985 Martin D-35 with some binding repairs. Neck angle and playability are excellent. 1-11/16” nut, 25.4” scale. Big, warm and very open, it’s tone is everything one looks for in a D-35.
With hardshell case