1980 Martin HD-28

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1980 Martin HD-28

Serial # 423459. Between 1969 and 1985 all Martin Dreadnaughts were built with extra-large rosewood bridgeplates which didn't exactly help tone. Thankfully, in 1976, C.F. Martin & Co. realized that there might be a reason their then-new guitars didn't quite match up to the older instruments so many musicians favored. They rediscovered small maple bridge plates and scalloped braces, and they re-introduced their now venerable herringbone purflings on the HD-28. It's now widely agreed upon that the best sounding Martin guitars built during those years were those with HD-28 stamped on their neck-blocks, just like the one pictured here.
With its rosewood back and sides and scalloped-braced Stika spruce top this is a loud guitar. It's big and it's got no shortage of bass response either - Bluegrassers of the world unite! No cracks, and not much wear, this guitar is in excellent condition. It is completely original, too - right down to the bridge pins. Excellent set up and playability; we've set the action at just shy of 5 to 7 64ths with mediums. In 1980 Martin was still glueing pickguards to their tops prior to applying finish, and this one has not curled up or created a crack in the top as so many do. Additionally, adjustable truss-rods weren't introduced until '85, so this guitar is equipped with the hollow square steel reinforcement used from '67 on, making the neck nice and stiff. In short, it's a killer guitar.
With original hard shell case
SOLD
1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28
  • 1980 Martin HD-28

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