Everything Wrong with my 1970 Martin D-41
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- Опубліковано 11 вер 2024
- #Martin #D41 #VintageGuitar
I'm Jeremy Sheppard, the Guitar Hunter. Find great guitars that make you a better player and fill the world with music and friendship.
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I would like to see you contact martin and maybe they would agree to you taking the guitar in to one of their special luthiers and filming them shaking down that guitar and fixing everything for a nominal fee? It would be a must see video for not only your fans, but for everyone who loves martin guitars. But that guitar is a family heirloom now. Simply cannot ever be sold.
That is a great idea! I’ll bet Martin would look at that offer seriously.
Right! My 1977 D-41 from my papaw has a lifetime guarantee, but I still have all the paperwork. At this point, though, it doesn't need it. He wouldn't even let me have a belt on when I played that guitar.
I'll beat it, I'm also from 1970, I have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, ed, missing some teeth, everything hurts want more? had three stents put in my hart on 11/2020, and many more, I feel good, I love life, I still get up and go to work every day thank god. just discovered I love guitars, hope to satay healthy many more years, so that I at least can see myself playing decent. have a good day.
Look into the Keto diet it will change your life. I'm 59 and have the body I had in highschool 32 inch waste, 175 lbs after 8 or so months on it. I'm on zero meds.
Hello from 2024. Hope you’re doing well and still playing.
I love your sign-off statement, "Fill the world with friendship and music".
Make the world a better place one note at a time.
Based on what I hear, the glass is 90 percent plus full. Very nice sound from an aged top. That can't be replicated in our lifetimes.
Let's remember that this guitar is 50 years old.
I hope to have minor finish cracks when I'm 50 as well. Great point, mark.
@@JeremySheppard Do you think the latest new 41s are better now?
@@JeremySheppard Exactly: I’m 66 and have a big mark over eight inches long down my chest where I was unzipped and opened wide to do some extra pipe work on my blood pump. I have friends who did not even make it this far 🥲
Was laughing 😂as I watch this joker 😢
Very nice to see a guitar of that vintage not only look so good but have such pure provenance. The story of how it changed hands is not only believable but makes perfect logical sense. Don’t allow this one to become another, “I wish I’d never gotten rid of...”
It's here to stay.
You seem worried Jeremy! That guitar sounds great. I would happily get all the work done. I live in the middle of nowhere in the Fens in England and yet there is a brilliant luthier within 40 minutes. There are more luthiers about than you would necessarily know about. I bought a 1934 Levin parlour for £600 recently and he did fantastic work (including heat treating the neck slowly over 6 weeks). I nearly spent the same again. It’s super brilliant now. If a guitar is a keeper just get the work done. (I am aware how quality can greatly vary from luthier to luthier. Finding the “right” one is more than half the battle! I’ve never regretted spending good money on a good guitar. Good luck and get the work filmed.
Get it sorted and keep it forever.
While I'm all for him keeping it forever, he's said before that he's not a collector.
@@TheThatEthanGuy I understand that. I’ve heard him say that about not being a collector. Hopefully he’ll be able to keep it. It is a business.
I was thinking, “wow, there are quite a few imperfections,” but then I realized it’s an old guitar! To be honest, it looks really beautiful overall for being 50 years old. When you opened the case, I said “wow”. Not sure what you paid (haven’t watched entire video yet if you end up mentioning), but it looks and sounds amazing, so I think you should be satisfied in the end. ✌🏼
Check intonation, the bridge on this era was sometimes not placed correctly
Even just hearing that guitar on video rather than in person, I'm impressed with it's clarity and crisp sound. It's a beauty.
Hi Jeremy. I appreciate your work, and enjoy learning while I get to see some great guitars. I have a 1973 D-41 in beautiful condition, and I understand how excited you are with your new acquisition. And you should be! They are better guitars than I will ever be, but will always accommodate my potential. My Martin is dimensionally in conformance with design, and otherwise unmolested. Although each guitar has a different voice, my D-41 rings, and speaks to me. It is special to me, and yours to you. Grow old together and enjoy!
Do everything you need to do to make it play and sound great and then keep it forever. This guitar has a great history and you are a part of that history.
Most 5 years old guitars are in worse shape than that 50 years old one. lol
When my 1974 D-35 needed a neck reset, it was paid for under the lifetime Martin warranty. I don't understand why most resets aren't done under warranty. My only guess is those needing resets have passed from original owners and and are no longer covered.
Regarding your guitar, its in tremendous condition. Get it in to an authorized Martin shop for the reset and the tech can take care of any other problems you may have. The cracking is miniscule and shouldn't be difficult to fix. Perhaps I'm mistaken, but the pick guard looks larger than stock. (I'm not familiar with D-41's so I might be mistaken..) At any rate, great acquisition! You have an incredible guitar!
You don’t need to remove the bridge to replace a bridge plate
Loved this! I am so blessed to own a '73 D-41 that belonged to Larry Goshorn of Pure Prairie League. As a huge Dan Fogelberg fan, I always wanted one from the 70's. Mine is due for neck reset as well and I'll let you know how that goes. Larry also changed out the bridge to the "three saddle" style because, I was told, it helped with intonation. So a saddle under the 5&6, another under the 4&3, and another under the 2 &1 Strings. Even needing the reset, it's very sweet and full sounding and a week on the ToneRite really helped it out as well. Thanks so much for this video -- and congrats on finding this instrument!
Those cracks are a classic on an old Martin with a black pickguard. The plastic shrinks and puts a lot of strain on the top. If it’s early on it sometimes helps to just remove the pick guard and the crack will close by itself. Put on some new plastic and you can rock for another 50 years.
Actually finishing the video I saw that the pickguard had been swapped, probably due to above reasons! It’s an old guitar and has a very sentimental value to you. Fix the cracks and enjoy it for all it’s worth!
It really is an incredible story to be reunited with a guitar that an old friend wanted you to have. It will sound better one seen to and more importantly from being played again.
I finally moved on from Martin. Had 13 since 1972. Custom ordered a D-42 and was shocked how shabbily it arrived. Horrible sharp-edged frets, high action after I specifically ordered it asking for low action setup. It sure didn't sound anything close to a 1974 D-35 I owned years earlier. The binding didn't line up on the back either. I sold it.I got a D18 after that and it was anything but perfect. I now have a LL-16 Yamaha that blows it out of the water. Super easy to play with a far superior neck and overall workmanship. The output and shear sustain is years ahead of any Martin's I'd owned over all those years. The heat treated top sure does give it that wonderful, aged character none of my Martins had. Whoever buffed out the Martin D-42 I had was obviously having a bad day. Sad they no longer do QC as perhaps they once did.
1st Martin? Thought so. Here's my observations. Everything "wrong" with this guitar is normal and things you must accept in an older Martin.
- end pins - I have a '70 D12-35 - first thing I did was remove the original pins and replaced them with pearloid pins i bought from Martin
- B-string crack - happens when the wood/pickguard shrinks - yes, your pickguard is aftermarket - get a new one and get the crack cleated
- tuners - original Grovers? nothing to complain about, don't replace them
- neck reset - its 50 years old and time for one
- fret markers - live with it
jeremy, that pickguard was placed wrong. its not supposed to be that close to the bridge. there should be a noticeable space. my martin authorized luthier told me that when i brought mine in . i just left it since its in good shape. its a 1972 D 18. some local repairman did that years ago when i brought it in. no big deal unless you're a stickler for details. very nice D 41 though. also, it might be out of tune up high because of an improperly placed bridge which throws the intonation off. the 70's martins were known for that. you can look it up and measure the distance from the nut to the middle of the bridge.( something like that) i forgot what it is. i did it to mine and it was almost spot on. it thats the case , the only remedy is to move the bridge to the correct location. ugh! i think jerry rosa has a video on that. anyway, still a great martin.
Jeremy, how did all of those issues get past you on the initial inspection? Curious to hear so we can all learn.
They didn't really get past me, the only one that I didn't see was the slight crack in the heel.
its a heirloom Martin and moving forward the needed repairs for will give it many more years of enjoyment. the tones ar e gorgeous! all the best!
Hello very interesting listening, I do own a original 1969 late D-41 I am the only owner of it. I had it re fretted at martin also my pick guard lifted this was awhile ago. I love this guitar back in 1969 I only payed 700:00 for it crazy when you think of the prices now great video. Thanks a bunch Rich"
Jeremy, I am a little confused... In an earlier video ( IE, " When Should You Lowball..."), you mentioned Sam and his death with his 47 D-28 being brought into the shop by a predator that had either stolen or scammed Sam's widow. So were you still at the shop following his death?
Have a luthier reset the neck and fill the top crack. Then source some correct end pins and then... just play it.
It needs love after 50 years. It displays beautiful aging. Invest in the restoration and keep it. It has that great aged tone and looks at home in your lap.
I have a 1987 D-35 that I bought from my friend who is the original owner. He said he never really bonded with the guitar, but from the time I laid eyes on it, I did. He contemplated selling it many times, but it didn't feel right after investing so much in it.
He sold it to me after I mentioned I was looking to buy a Martin. I hadn't ever played a D35, but when I did, I was sold. That belonged to my friend and bandmate makes it all the more special
If I were going to purchase a rosewood Martin, it would be a D-35. They are wonderful guitars.
What makes them different is the 1/4 " bracing rather than the usual 5/16ths bracing as found on most D series guitars. I owned a 1969 D-35S.. Very much regret selling that guitar.
Nothing but Age related issues and my opinion is they are minimal due to its age. That’s a keeper buddy! One day I will own my holy grail, a D-45.That D-41 is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
I'm too clumsy to play a 1 11/16" nut width. And no way I play well enough to bring out a guitar as beautiful as that.
I don't agree with everyone that it sounds great.
As soon as you start playing, the intonation issues are apparent because of the neck angle and subsequent string action issues.
You can definitely see a gap between neck and body when you were showing the heel.
As others also mention, the bridge placement may be out too.
While it may sound wonderful when those issues are fixed, it also may just be easier to play with the sound not improving much. If that is the case i would not let the provenance and your history with the guitar condem you into keeping it..
Sure, it is ok sounding, but there are possibly better sounding ones around. I guess we wait to see if the neck reset improves it.
Finally, someone with a reality check and the most common failing of the 70s Martins... bridge placement.
Typical repair with Martins after that many years. My 58 D-28 had the same issue back in the 80's. Had them repaired by an authorized Martin luthier back in the day and no problems since. With a little attention to deferred maintenance that D-41 is a keeper. Martins clean up nicely. Enjoy that dreadnought now.
Always a good thing to save and restore older Martins😊
That’s nice! I’m planning to sell my Martin 000C-16GTE and D15M Streetmaster to get a D-28, my dream will then be achieved!
Similar for me...need to sell my Gibson J-15 and some other gear to get a Martin D-28.
What era D 28 are you looking for?
One piece of advice. Check out one of the newer D-18s made in since 2012. They're very impressive, and I know more than one person who walked in to get a D-28 and walked out with the D-18....
Try a (discontinued) D-18GE or a D-18V. D-28 models are a dime a dozen. I find no magic in rosewood guitars. After 15 Martins ( a 1939 00-17 being my first and purchased in 1961 for $4, yes four dollars) I still buy and own mahogany guitars to include my current 00-18 V with highly figured backs and sides ( I have never seen another as flamed as this one) and a 1997 0000-1 as a classy ( excellent condition) every day go to guitar. Martins current rosewood is not the same quality in the past and as their mahogany. in my opinion. If you want a D-28.. get an older one ( not a 70s) unless the bridge is in the right place and it doesn't need a neck reset....If you want a rosewood guitar consider and HD 28v
Got mine for free ❤ Did have to earn it by being the favorite grandkid but... 😅 Its a 1977, that my mamaw bought for papaw. I never saw him play another one, unless he was testing mine (and then saying to "go get my Martin" 😂)
Jeremy,
Be sure to check the bridge/saddle placement on this this guitar. Late 60’s-70’s Martin bridges were notoriously placed incorrectly negatively affecting intonation. Some are able to be fixed by cutting a new saddle slot on the bridge (my 1979 HD-28) and some are so off that the bridge has to be moved. Just wanted you to be informed. By the way my HD-28 sounds killer now after having the same 70’s issues fixed so I know yours will sound fantastic when you have it fixed.
JR
North Carolina
Love it! Haven't measured it yet. I'll tell Danny about it.
Great video. I too consider the D41 my dream guitar. But I'm a realist and know I'll never get one...lol. Not even a D28. But I just got a Recording King RD-328 and am content. While I'll never own my dream guitar, I at least have a quality, all solid, Martin style guitar that has that sound that I was looking for.
Keep up the great Videos.
Sounds like a keeper, hopefully you know a person that can do a good job on the neck set, as well as address the b string crack, and pickguard ..Best of luck.
I’d do the same. Reset the neck, fix the cracks maybe new frets and ply the heck out of it. I did that to a 93 hd28 and it sounds amazing. The neck reset with a better angle will improve the tone significantly..no you did not pay too much for it. Even with adding on $500 to $750 for repair it is still a deal compared to a new one.
I would add in new frets.
$500 to $700 ? Where do you live? Try $1000 to $1500 for a neck reset, re-fret, proper pick guard, put the bridge in the correct location, crack repair.
@@jeffhildreth9244 I live in PA. If Jeremy is spending that much then he might as well sell it and get new one. I guess that’s a good question is how much is his estimate to fix everything. That is the selling point of a new Martin with the warranty but they changed their policy on neck resets and it’s hard to get them to do it.
@@thomasmoore3822 I do not believe the new Martins are any better than the old. The materials are not the same and they are made on an assembly line with "workers" Years ago they had guitar makers. Warranty.. Many of these guitars that need neck resets had LIFE TIME WARRANTIES. to the original owner. Many of these guitars that now need neck resets are still owned by the original purchaser. Martin has changed there policy by stating that the neck reset is a normal occurrence ad a characteristic of the guitar. Folks swallowed this pablum and either did not have it fixed or had local techs fox it for them. Here is the problem. When the guitar was purchased, the LIFETIME warranty to the original owner was part of a contract and there was nothing in that contract that excluded the neck reset which they had been doing for years under that warranty. Here is just another weasel move by CFM IV and got away with it. All of those folks that were original owners and had to pay to have the repaired are entitled to have that warranty honored, You cannot break a contract on a whim. I am surprised there isn't a class action suit. There are two problems here, by the contract it was covered, by the fact that they were repairing these for years... And then add to it.. The dovetail neck joint and its imminent failure makes this a design flaw and its complicated, expensive repair if the result. I do not own a Collings, but the reason many folks by Martins is that they want a better built guitar such as the Collings but put off by the price. The Collings is a highly regarded guitar that took the Martin guitar and elevated them to a higher standard, to include abandoning the dovetail , their neck that can be more easily repaired. Taylor did the same but unfortunately those are acoustic appliances. If this D41 was repaired / refurbished to original, it would not be economically viable. And since this is not his family's heirloom, it is just another 70s Martin with all the 70s failings. And when completed, it is just another bejeweled D-28. All the above are my opinions based on observation and experience. Collect the facts, speak the truth.
As to the video, non nonsensical and unnecessary except to elevate the status of the the author.
Not much to balance, or confirm the premise of the opening click bait line.
@@jeffhildreth9244 I agree totally with you on the martin neck reset warranty. i know i will be very pissed if one of my Martins i got new needs a reset and is not covered. That was the only reason to buy a new one.
Also the 70s Martins are not there best years. and to my ears on youtube that d41 didn't really sound that great but was more an emotional attachment to a guitar because of a friend.Jeremy probably remembers it sounding better than it really did. when i was getting some major repairs done to my HD28, the guy asked me if i like how it sounded and and i said yes i loved it, he said then get it fixed but if not sell it. The new Martins I have played have all been pretty nice and sound very good. I live close enough to the factory i can go there to Nazfest and check them out. I do however prefer to buy used and would love to have a Collings or a Huss and Dalton..
@@thomasmoore3822 I no longer buy new Martins. Too many failures . Long stories that disgust me with their "customer service" to include two custom ordered guitars that were botched beyond belief. 5 out of 8 new Martins between 2000 and 2011 needed warranty attention under 30 days ownership. 3 right out of the box to include the 2 customs. Those 3 were destroyed by the factory as unrepairable.. I never was able to play any of the three. They were that bad. They made promises over 13 months , lost one of the guitars, found it after 8 months, built a new one to the wrong specs and cheaper wood, and the replacement needed a neck reset, finish blotches, neck off set to the center line of the guitar.. and the other one was worse. Their repair dept and "customer service" were inept.. let's just say that cured me. I have owned a total of 15 Martins since 1961. I own 2 now; I will never buy a new Martin again. Martin is not the same company as it was prior to CFM IV. Sadly I sold a fantastic one in a million Gibson to buy one of the customs, it was a far superior guitar. You live, you learn.
Over pay? In 1971 I bought a custom Martin D-35 for $375., ($410. shipped) from the factory. Back then that was a chunk of cash.
Your guitar has been really dry at some time. Therefore cracks and shrinking abalone.
To this day the best guitar I ever played was a 2008 D41s that looked like it had been left in the sun outside for ten years. It was a mess and had cracks and loose braces and I’m sure more issues than that. That said , it sounded like a piano or something! They wanted 2k for it and I wish I had found a way to buy it!
I JUST BOUGHT A 2008 D-41. Kind of beat up, but it was pretty cheap and I can't put it down
Jeremy,
Enjoying the channel. First you totally scored on that guitar. By the title of this vid I was expecting issues, real big ones... the neck reset is pretty hefty, but for $2,400? Tough to argue you rocked it. I picked up a 1988 D42LE for $3,300 with a bunch of loose binding from the original owner who “just wanted to get what he paid for it.” I gladly obliged - but that’s no $2,400... My question is about the strap button, my tech who was with Norman’s Rare for 25 years, keeps telling me no! What is the value impact? I hate the string around the headstock!
Thanks and keep hunting!
Tim
It sounds amazing and it looks amazing. The crack in the top should be glued soon as possible - should't cost much.
Speaking of capo damage - what capo would you recommend that work well, looks cool, is functional and doesn’t wear the neck improperly?
Paige is my pic but doesn't work well if you use stringswings.
Still worth it because of the story
I've encountered two D41s where the bridge saddle/bridge was in he wrong place. When you say it plays a bit out of tune then first thoughts would be a good check on intonation to see if bridge saddle is in the exactly correct position.
This is why I only buy used stuff from a dealer I know otherwise I buy new with warranty.
70s Martins have the famous bridge misplacement. Im surprised you didnt check that. Show a video of you checkin the intonation to see if it is indeed correct.
I saw a remark about the truss rod, I don't think that Martin started using truss rods until the early '80s, maybe 1984?
It's true.
My 1997 D41 was a working band guitar . It was in plenty of bars and probably a few bar fights. Off to the luthier $300 later all the nits are fixed of course it sounds amazing. Kinda felt this Martin needed me to rescue it.. I was looking at a new D41 and some used in perfect condition but this one called out to me. After thinking about it.. with a new one I would be freaked out over the first ding/scratch and may be afraid to leave the house with it. Plus I don't have a decade left to wait for my new one to open up. My working D41 wouldn't notice another ding and I'm getting old with plenty of dings myself so we have that in common. I have $2850 in it, but its home now. Think I missed what you paid for it?
$2500
"any martin pre 1985 will need a neck reset"-this is only true because nobody humidifies their instruments. If the martin was humidified the ENTIRE time, 45-55% humidity all year round, and it had strings no heavier than mediums in standard tuning, you will not need a neck reset. Maybe after like 75 years it'll finally start to cave a bit but the problem is almost always humidity related.
You're right about humidification but definitely wrong about neck resets. Even dick boak himself from Martin has said that they had the wrong neck angle until 1984.
@@JeremySheppard ohhhh yeah Also a luthier once told me they had issues where they wouldn't replace tools often enough so there was a period of many years where all their guitars weren't properly intonated. I wonder if that rumor is true. I understand the late 60s-eqrly 80s was the "dark period" for martin
Were there any issues with the placement of the bridge? I understand that was an issue with some Martin 1970's dreadnoughts.
It measures right, well do a compensated saddle too.
Amazing 1970 D41 love it
With a 1970, no truss rod, I believe. I would check the neck relief, especially because it’s not easily adjustable. How about the intonation? Some of the ‘70’s Martins had the bridge glued on in not quite the right spot. It may be hard to tell with the action high, but maybe could be measured to tell. Bryan Kimsey’s channel has details on that problem and how he corrects it.
You're totally right. It slipped my mind and was a typo.
Jeremy is wrong about the bridge pins. He has 5 original and 1 swapped. The D-41 came with pins with dots, not abalone inlay.
Thanks, Christopher!
Maybe next time you should pay to have another guitar tech from another store or company evaluate and give you a report on your purchased. Of course if you had purchased a new guitar you would have had a warranty. Why would you purchase a guitar that would soon need a neck reset? i took my time and really tested my patience before I purchased my last 2 guitars, a Gretsch Country "Gentleman" Classic and a Gretsch 5422-12 string. Both were 2 years old, but they were still considered "new" purchases. Buyer's remorse can be avoided.
I like tortoise pick guards so much better than black. Man, that outro playing sounded great!!!!
Ooooo...me too
The pickguard peeling is probably good. Taking it off might make it easier fix that crack between the soundhole and bridge.
Hey! Now we're talking. It would come off very easily.
OK I'm still peeved at you for selling the '55 D-18...Just wanted to get that out of the way...LOL..This guitar is great. I've always liked the D-41...You may not have any real issues other than the neck reset...Perhaps the crack should be cleated...Other than that I see nothing but minor little things that can be done with minimal cost and effort. Personally, I have a hard time committing to any guitar for my lifetime. Only the ones that have a very special sentimental connection. Sounds like this one does have that for you, so I hope you get all the enjoyment you can get out of it, and then some. Very enjoyable video, as always.
Me too! That was a while ago. Wish I had that one.
No you didn’t over pay, actually not enough….the Martin from that just happens, stores try to use that for 200 discount. Make sure Martin at the factory does the work
I would love to see a video of the work being done on this beautiful guitar!
I think your thinking about it too much. Just play it and have fun. It sounds amazing.
You're right. Haha
Just a small detail - it’s not a “trust “ rod, please try “truss” rod.
I said truss. Listen again.
You've mentioned several times that you prefer mahogany on your guitars. Is this rosewood back and sides built guitar the exception to the rule? It sure is a wonderful accompaniment to your Huss and Dalton.
You've hit it. I appreciate this D41 for its connection to Sam and also it's tone. It's very punchy. It won't be my daily driver but it's so cool to play.
My huss and Dalton is my daily driver. Played it at church yesterday and it sounded killer.
You mentioned a neck reset. I have a Martin I bought 3 years ago and the neck already needs to be reset. Very disappointed.
I'm sorry to hear. That's unusual. What model?
What would be the price of a 1970 D41? I'm looking at one online and don't know if the price is too high considering it needs a neck reset.
Sorted they're in the high $4000's. Without a reset around $4,000.
@@JeremySheppard Ok thank you very much.
What a beautiful guitar! I love the patent number grovers
Would be nice to watch the luthier making the mentioned repairs if that's possible. IMHO....Would make a great video.
Pending covid restrictions and good caution, it will happen for sure!
Did you ever mention how much you paid for this guitar?
A lot of what you've pointed out is very valid, however the price paid determines if these are an issue, yes?
BTW, Beautiful Martin, they are such a pleasure to play when they are sorted.
There is a video of me buying it. In that video, I talk about how much I paid for it, $2,500. Check it out, it's a pretty cool story.
Great review. One question. What is the serial number of the guitar? I have a 1969-1970 D28 and wonder when your guitar fits relative to mine.
Often that is considered like asking for a social security number. He would generous in giving you the number.
The older I get, the more I appreciate age.
I was also born in 1970 and I have several cracks. Hopefully my wife doesn’t sell me. 😂
Hi jeremy!!! what strings and gauge are you using on that D-41? The best strings i have ever used are ernie ball Aluminium bronze gauge 12!!! fabulous channel my friend!!!!
I like the aluminum bronze a lot! This has D'Addario EXP16's
@@JeremySheppard Jeremy I can not stand D' Addario any longer as the tone disappears over night no matter which set you buy.
I agree but their coated ones, EXP, are pretty great.
Wood is “Hygroscopic”. It changes dimensions over time unless it lives 100% in a perfectly controlled environment. The only truly important things about flaws in aging ones are those that affect the sound, playability & structural integrity. Upon close examination, some 300 year old violins recognized widely as part of the elite group of the finest sounding fiddles on the planet have cracks on the face that have been repaired by a top notch luthier decades ago. All that cosmetic stuff like tarnished gold plating & replaced bridge pins are normal wear & tear. It (and who owned them previously) only matters to collectors that play at a level not worthy of owning such a finely crafted tool. These collecting fetish freaks have artificially driven the cost of important instruments to the point that real musicians can’t begin to think of owning them. IMHO
Call me crazy but man I hate pick guards on these beautiful instruments
I mean come on man give me the option of withouts please
It sounds great...look forward to hearing it after the work
"Trust" rod ? The 1970s Martins are well known for the bridge being located in the wrong position. Perhaps I missed you checking this notorious fault. There is nothing wrong with a slot head screw that cannot be dealt with by a competent craftsman with the proper fitting screw driver. What I see as a problem is that the guitar has the strap pin at all. As to the wonky inlay, typical of 70s Martin workmanship.
Auto correct got the best of me. Trust rod, sheesh.
Wow! Mike is an amazing guy!
real question is, did you “underpay that grandpa for his 1967 d28 ?” 👍
Did you see the conclusion of that story?
I would have a neck reset and keep forever great sounding guitar 🤠
Your non-concern about the guitar needing a neck reset & a cracked top doesn't make sense . The last time i had a guitar that needed a reset i got quotes from $600 and higher . Probably should have done a better job tallying up the cost of all these issues . There's plenty of 70's Martins out there the D-41 is just a dolled up D-35 with the fancy inlays ( they looked poorly done ! ). Good luck with this one .
I have a great tech and we've already discussed these issues before the video.
Is it a given that removing a bridge will do some damage (such as some of the nitro finish chipped away) to the top finish around the edges of the bridge?
I'm not sure. I've seen it tidy but sometimes involves a slightly bigger bridge.
What is your opinion of 1970 vintage martin guitars?
'70s Martin certainly have some problems, I like them a lot and think they are better than most people say. Typically they have hazy finishes, play harder, sound a little spongy and dull. All of these things can be fixed but could be a little expensive to do so.
thanks. I purchased a 1970 D28 about a year ago and haven't been able to play it yet because of a Stroke I suffered. A lot of the message boards and forums I visit aren't very complimentary of this particular year and I'm conerned that I made a poor investment at $2,000. It's easily the most I've ever spent on a guitar and I wonder if I should come in off the ledge.
I really Enjoy your videos and passion for guitars. Please keep them coming,
Randy
It sounds great!
I’m goin to look at a 1970 D-18 tomorrow. Do you think the 70’s issues are somthing to be worried about or should I pull the trigger!
Dull finish doesn't bother me too much. Bridge plate isn't a big deal I don't think. How much? Cool guitar.
Check out the information from Brian Kimsey to learn for what things that are sometimes wrong with a 1970’s Martin. He has a lot of videos about it too.
www.bryankimsey.com/music/lutherie.htm
Unlike the D-41 "find and inspect" , the first thing to check is the bridge placement. I have a 71 passed down in the family , GF first buyer and never swapped around. Bridge in wrong location.
I have a ‘71 D-18 that’s just amazing! When I bought it at Manny’s on 48th St. I had them bring me every D-18 they had in stock. I played five and picked mine. It was noticeably better. Several friends were so impressed with my D-18 that they went out and bought D-18’s and they were terrible. From my experience, they made some lemons in the early ‘70’s but mine and my brother’s ‘69(close to ‘71) are beauties. BTW, my pickguard shrunk and I have the prerequisite crack under the B string. I replaced pickguard with a tortoise look one and replaced the Grovers with Waverly’s a couple of years ago. Sacrilegious? I’ve been called worse but I’ll never sell the guitar so I don’t need original. I have the original Grovers and the pieces of the pickguard, bridge pins, saddle and bridge - I’ve updated the plastic with ebony and bone.
Replacing pins, bridges, pick-guards, saddle, nut, tuners, etc it like changing shocks, filters, fan belts, and tires on a car. Note that many famous guitars played by famous people have been modified and often worn. It's your guitar, do with it what you want. My 1946 J-45... Grover Roto-Matics. My 1929 Stromberg Voisinet decalcomania 12 fret..... I made a new ebony bridge with a bone saddle and replaced the tuners with Stew Mac "vintage" . No big deal.
Jeremy... ya but... D-41... Martin... dude it sounds great, beautiful guitar.
A D-28 with some pearl/abalone. Not much else makes a 41 special. At Martin's option some got (cosmetic grading only) #8 tops. I would rather have a D-28 in better condition.
Where u get the mat?
From our martin rep when I worked for a dealer.
I'm going to be making and selling some soon!
@@JeremySheppard ok. I will check back..subscribed..
Jesus 🤦🏻♂️ this is like buying your dream car with 1,000,000 fuckin miles on it. What were you thinking
Did they tell you it was new? Its a 50+ year old musical instrument.
I have a Seagull (lovely sound) with 10years. The Martim has less, LESS signs of high "millage"
It’s a 70’s Martin not a wise choice
Have you played many 70’s martins?
@@jesselet5073 yes, repaired guitars for over 40 years. I’m a lousy picker but have
played and repaired most everything. Every major guitar manufacturer has had it ups
and downs. In recent times many Martins have bad neck sets, needing a reset in
only 6 years. I’m not a Taylor fan but they have about the best neck attachment for
acoustic guitars
update on this guitar?
Waiting for a reset soon.
Dude, it’s a 50 year old guitar. Give it a break.
I would never buy any Martin or Gibson made in the '70s. Neither Company had good quality control during this period. Basically the Guitar Boom happened and these companies were struggling to keep up with demand.
Give me a break on that intro (did I overpay). Does it make that much of a difference?
Have to crank up the stakes. Haha.
I certainly didn't overpay but also want to look at this guitar with clear eyes.
Click Bait.
U did not especially with whom might of owned it im happy gor ya brother
If I was you I would road trip the guitar to Dan Erlewine. That's a phenomenal instrument and worth the extra care and expense. It deserves a pro. It would also make great UA-cam content, Part 1 the trip, Part 2 the results. Collab helps your channel, trip is 100% tax deductible.
Danny, my repair tech, worked with the Erlewine brothers for years. He is a wizard in his own right.
@@JeremySheppard Excellent! I am so envious of that guitar Jeremy. The tone - omg.
You should have noticed many of those things before purchase, they are obvious
If you are unhappy with it I would gladly give it a good home 😉😉