I retired from Martin Guitar, the crack you described on the top we called that the Martin crack back in customer repair. Due to the difference in the wood of the top and the material that the pickguard was made of (swelling and shrinking between the two materials), the crack would develop. We would remove the old pickguard and coat the raw wood with our finish. Then we would use a self-stick pickguard, after the top crack was repaired. The guitar you were showing had that done sometime in its life. The part on the back of the headstock for strength we call that the diamond.
My D28 1979 has the same crack in connection with the pick guard. It's not a rare thing according one of my books on Martin & Co. It doesn't affect the sound dramatically. I'm a fingerpicker, Chet Atkins style, so loudness isn't a critical issue, but it doesn't look nice. So I consider taking it to my go to guitar tech. He's done nice woodwork for me previously, but a Martin is a Martin. So I'll see ...
I also have a ‘69 D-28 Brazilian. Great guitar. Note that’69 D-28s made later that year are East Indian Rosewood after Martin lost availability to Brazilian Rosewood.
I have a late '60s/early '70s D-28 with the Indian rosewood. Truth be told I cannot tell the difference in sound between the Brazilian and the Indian rosewoods.
I've got a 64 D-21 that desperately needs a neck reset. Hopefully I can get that done before I leave this life because I would love to be able to hear it again. Your D-28 is a great guitar.
Hey Ron. I was in the same position. My 1990 d62 was unplayble except cowboy chords. I am not in a locatiin where a reset is even an option. It stayed in the case for nearly two years un played. I had seen a video by John Miner doing a kinda diy neck reset. After reading other success stories I gained the courage to try. It worked. The first day after the process I had ideal saddle height and spec action. It bounced back a bit over the next week. It has been stable now for a month a bit lower saddle and slightly higher than spec action but very comfy. I am soooo glad to be able to play it again. I did some videos and will post soon. John Miner has done some updated vids over the years so there are more now. Look him up here on YT. In my opinion it was better than traditional neck reset because it reversed the belly and I dont have a shim under the fretboard extension.....it is for real. Read comments in the videos. I hope you work it out.
I have a 1970 D-28. The big problem with many Martin guitars from this period is the binding had a tendency to separate. Mine is no exception. The binding has come up in several spots. I have retired the guitar for now. I recently found a 1979 Guild D-25 and I'll tell you I like it every bit as much, if not more, than my D-28.
Great video and really cool story about Lewis, I'm sure there are many of us who will soon be facing a similar dilemma. My heart goes out to him as I know it would be very difficult for me to part with some of mine. That guitar is a keeper for sure.
Non adjustable truss rods can bend, so it's a good idea to check the neck under string tension for straightness. If there is too much bow in the neck then resetting the neck will not produce a comfortable playing action. That guitar still has some saddle and a high bridge, so reducing the height of the bridge would be a less expensive fix. This might seem destructive but Martin did fit different height bridges. Done well it would be unnoticable.
I have a 1972 Martin 000-18 and a 1972 Martin D-35. Both of them had pickguard warpage that caused a very minor surface crack at the top edge of the pickguard. So, I was able to purchase new pickguards from Martin, fill in the cracks the with high quality wood filler, and install the new pick guards. If the crack had been deeper, then it would have needed a luthier's skills.
I had a 53 D-28 one of a few with a Adirondack spruce top (confirmed by George Gruhn) it was a gorgeous sounding 28 however I came across a 1940 D-18 that just blew me away. Couldn’t keep both I’m now playing the D-18.
If I closed my eyes and you told me you were playing a J45 I would believe it. That guitar has that same bass forward sound and sustain you find in the iconic Gibson guitar. It seems you have something special there.
Bro it looks like brand new almost. Has it been restored or something? Eighter that or the dude took good care of it like craaazy, like i dont see any scratches on the top. Thats unbelievable. Sounds excellent too.
These guitars really are so special just like you said. When I decided I was going to starting moving some things out of my arsenal to buy a dreadnought, I didn't have a clue how big I was gonna go or how many other guitars I was going to send on to another home. I did play D-28s everywhere I saw them just about and was nearly ready to just settle on trading for a lawsuit Takamine. So so glad I waited a little longer on that though. I sold a 2011 American Telecaster, bought a 1952 D-28 when I found it was just the right one between condition price and sound and then more recently sold a 2015 SG that I bought new. The D-28 will be a forever guitar for me though so long as I don't fall on hard financial times or anything. It's always neat to hear and to see what everyone else who has one thinks about them and why particularly they love the one that they have. Keep on guitar hunting!
My 1963 D-28 has the same exact kind of BRW - straight grain, not the curly “stump wood” that is about the only Brazilian you see used today. I’ve loved the rounded headstock and big Rotomatics ever since I first played it in 1969. Mine also has the cleated pickguard crack. It had the bridge starting to lift so was reglued and a loose brace reglued, along with a reinforcement of the worn small maple bridge plate. One small crack repaired near the edge of the bottom treble lower bout but never had the tortoise pick guard off. Though the ivory bridge saddle is now about 1/8” it still sounds great and has never had nor needed a neck reset! Frets have been Pleked but still original. It’s the guitar of my life and though I have other rosewood dreadnaughts, it will be the last guitar I own. Love those folk era Martins!
If the saddle is down to only 1/8th....then by most standards it probably DOES need a neck reset. Either that or it's grown a serious belly. But if it plays and sounds good to your ears & fingers, then there's no reason to bother with it with a reset. My Mexican Martin sounds just fine with even a bit less than 1/8th of saddle. It's lost some tightness in the bottom end because of it, but also the spruce top is getting some age now, so the overall balance is even better than it used to be. Even if it were in excellent condition it would only be worth maybe $500 tho (and if I didn't have the patience to deal with it being listed for months on end, Id probably only get about $375 for it lol). But I also have a Washburn with 1/8th saddle left, and it lost its voice down to a whisper of what it once was. When a good sounding/playing guitar gets older there's usually both good changes and bad ones. You get 'em both together, it's part of the deal lol.
This guitar really does sound like all the great singer-songwriters - this is what I think of when I want to hear that Martin tone. If I would ever have a Martin in my life, a D-28 would likely be the one I’d want. I know most people seem to be a fan of the D-18, but I definitely prefer the sound of a 28. This is the sound of the music my parents played when I was a kid, and I continued to enjoy these same singer-songwriter greats to this very day. I hope you can keep it. This guitar seems like a great D-28 example from that era.
I spent months trying to decide between a D18 and a D28. I was close to getting the D18 because of the price, but the D28 kept calling after me. I’ve had it for two years now and I play it almost every single day.
@@Rando-ur8lr that’s awesome that you have a D-28 to enjoy! I don’t think a person can go wrong with either model, but you know. If someone handed me a D-18, I’m sure I’d love that too. But when it’s fictitious money at play, there’s no budget to worry about. 😉😂 I never considered that price might be the reason for the D-18’s popularity. It really is a great guitar too. I guess I just relate with the D-28. Anyway, I hope you can keep strumming that D-28 of yours for a long time.
I really like those rounded over corners of those 60's pegheads! I have a 1961 D 18 that is a cannon. got it as second owner in 1974. it had been played very little. Wouldn't sell it for any amount. those late 60's and early 70's 28 martins have a bass "thump" all their own. I like it.
My brother-in-law has a D28 that looks exactly like that. Not sure what year. It has been cracked in the back and repaired. I've always loved the sound. What I never loved about it was how skinny the neck is. I don't even have big hands but I've always felt cramped on that neck.
Congratulations! You bought a very rare and wonderful guitar! Actually, I also had a 1969 D-28 25 years ago. The feature of that era is that the shape of the head is round. I think it was non -scarop without herringbone. Looking at your guitar, I felt very nostalgic with the sound. My 28 was also the back and side of the straight grain of Jakaranda. When I first played it, I was very impressed and played for hours. thanks from🇯🇵🙇
I agree so much with this video! Great review of this year model. I have a 1969 D28 with a beautiful figured back. Would love to show you a picture of it. It was made around September of 1969. I got a neck reset done on it by Mark Erlewine, who works/worked on Willie Nelson's guitar, Trigger.
Great picking........keep this one Jeremy! Its beautiful in its own way with all of its history. Your playing is more outstanding with this guitar than your other ones!!!
My Martins are not vintage, however I own a 1971 J50 I purchased new and it has the classic '70s Gibson sound you hear on the recordings of that period. Unfortunately the $245 I paid was the most I could spend and that was on sale. A Martin was twice that even then. But in recent years I finally bought a new 2019 D35. Now looking for an OMC35. I love the 3 piece back and light top bracing.
Only if you let that continue 😁. Pick one up, go online for some free lessons (justinguitars is a great place to start), and get after it! I stupidly let life get in the way and left my guitars mostly unplayed for almost 25 years (family work took priority). They were staring back at me from my closet during the pandemic, and I thought, well, if not now - when? I've gone from rusty cowboy chords and no calluses to being a pretty good fingerpicker / flatpicker in a really short time - you can too.
And to your point about frets, I took mom’s D28 to see a luthier because I thought it needed a fret job because of buzzing from C chords. Luthier knew the other two luthiers that worked on it. He measured, played, inspected and played some more. His diagnosis was something in my position was the issue, didn’t charge me , sent me home.
I recently sold my 1961 D-28 after owning it for almost 40 years. Great guitar, beautiful Brazilian, near mint, all original. Still, wasn't worth that much, less than any new builder would charge for a Brazilian rosewood guitar. These D-28s were never worth that much. I kept thinking it might go up, but never really did.
@@skatingolden It was a couple of years ago, so I don't remember exactly. But I think about $6,000. It needed a neck reset, but that was it. Original case & tortoise shell guard.
Not sure what your idea of "never worth that much" is judging by the price of Pre 1970 D28s that I've been seeing for decades?! Even just modestly kept ones have always been "up there."
@@springertube When I bought mine, a '59 Strat was about 50% more than the type of D-28 we're talking about. A burst was about 8 times more. Try running those ratios today. Clearly the D-28s like mine have not appreciated very much.
Great information on rosewood bridge plates. I played a 1969 D28 in a store a while back and it wasn't very resonant at all you had to really hit hard to get much out of it and I wonder if it was a rosewood bridge plate causing that. I own a Martin D16 special rosewood that I love because I really enjoy rosewood guitars generally and I was surprised at how tight the vintage Martin was now I may understand what may have been going on with it. I also had a chance to play a 1958 Gibson J 45 that same day and I will say that it is probably the best guitar I have ever played. Now I know what my dream acoustic guitar is LoL although that J45 is long gone but hopefully one day I'll be able to get a vintage J45.
Hello Jeremy. I have a D28S from 1971. It, of course, has an Indian rosewood back, but the sides are the straight grain rosewood that is identical to the wood on your back and sides. I have always wondered about what it was. How could this happen? I can send a picture. Thanks, Philip Jaynes
Pickguard curl was cause there was no finish under the pick guard in those early years. They have learned to put finish under them now so that doesn’t happen and tear at the wood when it curls
I have a ‘68 D-18. The guy I bought it from thought it was a ‘61, but serial numbers are serial numbers. No streaks in my top - it’s very pale, and the grain looks like adirondack rather sitka (sounds like adirondack, too). The guitar is a CANNON, super loud and punchy, no problem keeping up with mandolins and fiddles! If I’m playing by myself, I prefer my ‘85 Mossman (like a really great D-28), but if I’m playing with others, my old D-18 is very hard to beat.
Hi Jeremy , thanks for the update on this very special guitar. And great that you're getting to enjoy it for as long as you want, on your terms. Question: would you also replace the steel tube with a truss rod during the reset? Is there any benefit to doing so? Or is that considering altering it in a way that would reduce its value. (And you are so right about fit - I have a Guild D-25M that my dad gave me when i was 13. Love that guitar, so when I had the means, i bought a Guild D-55E. Its a great sounding and beautifully made guitar, objectively - but I just can't connect with it, so the D-55E is going to a better home).
Sound and tone are a mystery. Some Gibsons have plywood, or ultra thick bridge plates and sound amazing. The neck to body geometry, the downward pressure on the saddle, the variance in the top density, etc . . .so many factors. And almost nothing affects the tone of a particular guitar more than a new set of strings.
Yeah that guitar sounds amazing. I don't think you'll find a better representation of a late sixties D-28. Exceptional tone, really good condition and a beautiful and meaningful back story. I think you would regret it if you ended up letting it go.. what a beauty..
Ok, I’m a bit perplexed. I have a late 50’s J-45 (given to me by dad) and aside from it being the most sentimental thing I own, it’s an incredibly lovely sounding guitar. However, it really needs a neck reset. Long story short, I’ve been to two different techs and both told me the guitar would require a refret along with the reset. The thing is, the frets have at least 85% life if not more. It’s been very well cared for and never gig’d. I could understand crown and polish, but replace all of the frets? This isn’t the fretless wonder, but small and wide, and I like them just as they are. Also, I’d be worried something about the tone would change. What I really need is a Luthier but there’s not a trusted one near me. I’m way too concerned about shipping it off due to how irreparable it is to me. I found it interesting when you said techs oversell refrets when unnecessary and you’re not getting one with your neck reset.
I really enjoy your Site, Jeremy. In regards to the bridgeplate, it is much more the size of it than the wood choice. Further, a very light scallop of the X brace will do wonders for these mid/late-sixties buzzy bass Martin dreads. Change out those gross rotomatics for some open backs of your choice, and you are home...
Having owned them, I feel these have been a bit overhyped because they’re the last year BRW and really the only option we mere mortals can usually hope to acquire, given what the prices have become. Don’t get me wrong, they sound great next to most younger Martins or even 70s models by other imitator brands. But they typically sound downright unimpressive compared to a lot of older guitars that can be had for similar prices, and even some newer.
Jeremy, I have heard the same story about the headstocks of that period, and have often wondered why Martin itself has not purposely re-done that late 60s headstock rounding on some contemporary models - at least special issue. That look is iconic "folk 60s" in itself, however it came about. Judging especially from many custom-shop or boutique builders, some people are ga-ga about the extreme squared treatment...I think I am about this look!
@@davestagner Yes, I understand that and what Jeremy explained, I just have always liked that look whatever the original cause... because it is sort of emblematic of that era. You automatically know what period of the guitar is when you see that.
I was 17 in 1969 and got my first summer job. I saved and saved and went to buy my first guitar. I saw this Martin in the window for $300. But since I didn't have that much money I bought a Harmony instead. It cost $60. Still have it. The Harmony guitar had too high an action after many years and was unplayable. John Gilbert was a good friend and he lowered the bridge as much as possible and the guitar plays well now, although the volume is diminished.
Love the guitar! Sounds amazing. Love how your frugal about a fret job and in the same sentence say how much of your own money you spent on the guitar. 😂 Don't take that the wrong way love your content. Keep it up
😂 I’m a walking contradiction. lol. This guitar is at the repair shop now, neck reset, crown and level on the frets, and we’re swapping the bridge plate for maple. It will be about $1000 for all of the repairs plus shipping it to and from
So sweet to see a BR D28. I have my mom’s 66 D28. I grew up listening to it, and it is the only thing that sounds “right” to me. It has seen the wars, and been to Nazareth for repair, then to Quebec to reunite with Mom. Eventually to me in 2007. Love me some Martins.
I once had a '66 D-28. I did some research and it indicated that more D-28s were manufactured in 1966 than at any other time in the '60s. I regret selling mine.
Yes do not put finish on the pick guard, funny it took them so long to figure it out, anyway, still wish I would have picked up the 28 ,got the Brazilian 35
Doesn’t your TD-M have a rosewood bridge plate? My TD-R custom does and there is nothing muddy or mushy about the way it sounds. Clearer than my M-36 by every measure.
Please keep this guitar . You will always regret "The one that got away !" . My opinion , only . Once it has been re-set , just enjoy it as Lewis has done with it . That is a rich experience that money can't buy 😊 . But you already know this advice .
Keep the guitar bro have been watching from the start love the vids sell some stuff that’s a keeper pure Neil young 4 years ago bought myself a martin d13 siris back and sides no longer make them of that wood great sounding guitar but wood really like a guitar of that period atb mark from Scotland 🏴
@@JeremySheppard I've seen it personally on 2 D28's in four years that I shouldn't have bought and Martin and the seller don't want to know anything. I will "never" purchase another Martin guitar
If you're an intermediate player then I wouldn't spend big bucks on a guitar name brand. Get a good $300 guitar and learn to upgrade it yourself. Set the string action, slotting the bridge, using solid bone pins, saddle and nut. You gain these skills and its fun! If you get inspired to put in the time to improve your playing skills, then reward yourself with a good guitar purchase. By then, you will have developed the tech skills to tell a good guitar from one that's just a name.
Not "bad", but keep it real. It's a heavy, straight-braced, sitka-topped D-size guitar with ugly, heavy Grover tuners. Can't compare it with a Nate Wright or a Josh Young D guitar.the first day it's strung up. Late 60's Brazilian D's are trade bait.
I retired from Martin Guitar, the crack you described on the top we called that the Martin crack back in customer repair. Due to the difference in the wood of the top and the material that the pickguard was made of (swelling and shrinking between the two materials), the crack would develop. We would remove the old pickguard and coat the raw wood with our finish. Then we would use a self-stick pickguard, after the top crack was repaired. The guitar you were showing had that done sometime in its life. The part on the back of the headstock for strength we call that the diamond.
Thanks! And thanks for making these guitars. My whole life is different because of Martins.
@@JeremySheppard You’re welcome, I was there for almost 33 years. A lot of interesting instruments came through the repair department.
On Collings dreadnaughts they call it the volute, I believe
My D28 1979 has the same crack in connection with the pick guard. It's not a rare thing according one of my books on Martin & Co. It doesn't affect the sound dramatically. I'm a fingerpicker, Chet Atkins style, so loudness isn't a critical issue, but it doesn't look nice. So I consider taking it to my go to guitar tech. He's done nice woodwork for me previously, but a Martin is a Martin. So I'll see ...
I wish you could appreciate what you have, how bout that. Whining then waiting for people to watch you play looks stupid.
I also have a ‘69 D-28 Brazilian. Great guitar.
Note that’69 D-28s made later that year are East Indian Rosewood after Martin lost availability to Brazilian Rosewood.
I have a late '60s/early '70s D-28 with the Indian rosewood. Truth be told I cannot tell the difference in sound between the Brazilian and the Indian rosewoods.
My Martin keeper is a 67 000-18 that I bought in 1972. It’s still my nearest dearest possession.
That is one sweet sounding Martin!
I've got a 64 D-21 that desperately needs a neck reset. Hopefully I can get that done before I leave this life because I would love to be able to hear it again. Your D-28 is a great guitar.
WOW!
I sure hope you do Ron.
Hey Ron. I was in the same position. My 1990 d62 was unplayble except cowboy chords. I am not in a locatiin where a reset is even an option. It stayed in the case for nearly two years un played. I had seen a video by John Miner doing a kinda diy neck reset. After reading other success stories I gained the courage to try. It worked. The first day after the process I had ideal saddle height and spec action. It bounced back a bit over the next week. It has been stable now for a month a bit lower saddle and slightly higher than spec action but very comfy. I am soooo glad to be able to play it again. I did some videos and will post soon. John Miner has done some updated vids over the years so there are more now. Look him up here on YT. In my opinion it was better than traditional neck reset because it reversed the belly and I dont have a shim under the fretboard extension.....it is for real. Read comments in the videos. I hope you work it out.
I have a 1967, D-28 so appreciated what you had to say
I have a 1970 D-28. The big problem with many Martin guitars from this period is the binding had a tendency to separate. Mine is no exception. The binding has come up in several spots. I have retired the guitar for now. I recently found a 1979 Guild D-25 and I'll tell you I like it every bit as much, if not more, than my D-28.
Great video and really cool story about Lewis, I'm sure there are many of us who will soon be facing a similar dilemma. My heart goes out to him as I know it would be very difficult for me to part with some of mine. That guitar is a keeper for sure.
That Harvest Moon lick was awesome…
Non adjustable truss rods can bend, so it's a good idea to check the neck under string tension for straightness. If there is too much bow in the neck then resetting the neck will not produce a comfortable playing action. That guitar still has some saddle and a high bridge, so reducing the height of the bridge would be a less expensive fix. This might seem destructive but Martin did fit different height bridges. Done well it would be unnoticable.
I have a 1972 Martin 000-18 and a 1972 Martin D-35. Both of them had pickguard warpage that caused a very minor surface crack at the top edge of the pickguard. So, I was able to purchase new pickguards from Martin, fill in the cracks the with high quality wood filler, and install the new pick guards. If the crack had been deeper, then it would have needed a luthier's skills.
I have a '70 000-18 and a '72 D-18. My favorite acoustics!
I had a 53 D-28 one of a few with a Adirondack spruce top (confirmed by George Gruhn) it was a gorgeous sounding 28 however I came across a 1940 D-18 that just blew me away. Couldn’t keep both I’m now playing the D-18.
Sounds like you got a good plan! Neck reset with fret level. Would love to hear again it after you get that done.
If I closed my eyes and you told me you were playing a J45 I would believe it. That guitar has that same bass forward sound and sustain you find in the iconic Gibson guitar. It seems you have something special there.
Bro it looks like brand new almost. Has it been restored or something? Eighter that or the dude took good care of it like craaazy, like i dont see any scratches on the top. Thats unbelievable. Sounds excellent too.
These guitars really are so special just like you said. When I decided I was going to starting moving some things out of my arsenal to buy a dreadnought, I didn't have a clue how big I was gonna go or how many other guitars I was going to send on to another home. I did play D-28s everywhere I saw them just about and was nearly ready to just settle on trading for a lawsuit Takamine. So so glad I waited a little longer on that though. I sold a 2011 American Telecaster, bought a 1952 D-28 when I found it was just the right one between condition price and sound and then more recently sold a 2015 SG that I bought new. The D-28 will be a forever guitar for me though so long as I don't fall on hard financial times or anything. It's always neat to hear and to see what everyone else who has one thinks about them and why particularly they love the one that they have. Keep on guitar hunting!
My 1963 D-28 has the same exact kind of BRW - straight grain, not the curly “stump wood” that is about the only Brazilian you see used today. I’ve loved the rounded headstock and big Rotomatics ever since I first played it in 1969. Mine also has the cleated pickguard crack. It had the bridge starting to lift so was reglued and a loose brace reglued, along with a reinforcement of the worn small maple bridge plate. One small crack repaired near the edge of the bottom treble lower bout but never had the tortoise pick guard off. Though the ivory bridge saddle is now about 1/8” it still sounds great and has never had nor needed a neck reset! Frets have been Pleked but still original. It’s the guitar of my life and though I have other rosewood dreadnaughts, it will be the last guitar I own. Love those folk era Martins!
If the saddle is down to only 1/8th....then by most standards it probably DOES need a neck reset. Either that or it's grown a serious belly. But if it plays and sounds good to your ears & fingers, then there's no reason to bother with it with a reset. My Mexican Martin sounds just fine with even a bit less than 1/8th of saddle. It's lost some tightness in the bottom end because of it, but also the spruce top is getting some age now, so the overall balance is even better than it used to be. Even if it were in excellent condition it would only be worth maybe $500 tho (and if I didn't have the patience to deal with it being listed for months on end, Id probably only get about $375 for it lol). But I also have a Washburn with 1/8th saddle left, and it lost its voice down to a whisper of what it once was.
When a good sounding/playing guitar gets older there's usually both good changes and bad ones. You get 'em both together, it's part of the deal lol.
This guitar really does sound like all the great singer-songwriters - this is what I think of when I want to hear that Martin tone. If I would ever have a Martin in my life, a D-28 would likely be the one I’d want. I know most people seem to be a fan of the D-18, but I definitely prefer the sound of a 28. This is the sound of the music my parents played when I was a kid, and I continued to enjoy these same singer-songwriter greats to this very day. I hope you can keep it. This guitar seems like a great D-28 example from that era.
I spent months trying to decide between a D18 and a D28. I was close to getting the D18 because of the price, but the D28 kept calling after me. I’ve had it for two years now and I play it almost every single day.
@@Rando-ur8lr that’s awesome that you have a D-28 to enjoy! I don’t think a person can go wrong with either model, but you know. If someone handed me a D-18, I’m sure I’d love that too. But when it’s fictitious money at play, there’s no budget to worry about. 😉😂 I never considered that price might be the reason for the D-18’s popularity. It really is a great guitar too. I guess I just relate with the D-28. Anyway, I hope you can keep strumming that D-28 of yours for a long time.
Please be able to keep it, I pray.
@@coreyjohnston4673 i intend to keep it for a long time and eventually give it away to a friend
@@Rando-ur8lr You're an awesome fellow man. Someone to look up to. God bless you and safe travels. 😊
I really like those rounded over corners of those 60's pegheads! I have a 1961 D 18 that is a cannon. got it as second owner in 1974. it had been played very little. Wouldn't sell it for any amount. those late 60's and early 70's 28 martins have a bass "thump" all their own. I like it.
My brother-in-law has a D28 that looks exactly like that. Not sure what year. It has been cracked in the back and repaired. I've always loved the sound. What I never loved about it was how skinny the neck is. I don't even have big hands but I've always felt cramped on that neck.
I want a Brazilian rosewood D28 so bad.
Congratulations!
You bought a very rare and wonderful guitar! Actually, I also had a 1969 D-28 25 years ago. The feature of that era is that the shape of the head is round. I think it was non -scarop without herringbone. Looking at your guitar, I felt very nostalgic with the sound. My 28 was also the back and side of the straight grain of Jakaranda. When I first played it, I was very impressed and played for hours. thanks from🇯🇵🙇
To paraphrase and amplify Jeremy's own words, this video gladdened my heart and put a smile on my face!
I agree so much with this video! Great review of this year model. I have a 1969 D28 with a beautiful figured back. Would love to show you a picture of it. It was made around September of 1969. I got a neck reset done on it by Mark Erlewine, who works/worked on Willie Nelson's guitar, Trigger.
Wow! That sounds amazing! I’d be interested in buying if/when you decide to part with it.
You just played Neil Young and he played it tonight at the capitol theatre!
Old Man.
Great picking........keep this one Jeremy! Its beautiful in its own way with all of its history. Your playing is more outstanding with this guitar than your other ones!!!
My Martins are not vintage, however I own a 1971 J50 I purchased new and it has the classic '70s Gibson sound you hear on the recordings of that period. Unfortunately the $245 I paid was the most I could spend and that was on sale. A Martin was twice that even then. But in recent years I finally bought a new 2019 D35. Now looking for an OMC35. I love the 3 piece back and light top bracing.
That's a keeper brother 😊
I agree...and zero nits to pick on the sound -- not always the case.
I'm a really old man an I love guitars,have several and can't play a lick. Am I crazy😢.
Only if you let that continue 😁. Pick one up, go online for some free lessons (justinguitars is a great place to start), and get after it! I stupidly let life get in the way and left my guitars mostly unplayed for almost 25 years (family work took priority). They were staring back at me from my closet during the pandemic, and I thought, well, if not now - when? I've gone from rusty cowboy chords and no calluses to being a pretty good fingerpicker / flatpicker in a really short time - you can too.
And to your point about frets, I took mom’s D28 to see a luthier because I thought it needed a fret job because of buzzing from C chords.
Luthier knew the other two luthiers that worked on it. He measured, played, inspected and played some more. His diagnosis was something in my position was the issue, didn’t charge me , sent me home.
Great guitar..longtime subscriber who has wartched your playing improve a lot over the years.
Not that you were bad! Just gettin better all the time.
Wow! Thanks! I’ve been able to play a lot more lately and take a few lessons.
I recently sold my 1961 D-28 after owning it for almost 40 years. Great guitar, beautiful Brazilian, near mint, all original. Still, wasn't worth that much, less than any new builder would charge for a Brazilian rosewood guitar. These D-28s were never worth that much. I kept thinking it might go up, but never really did.
How much did yours sell for?
@@skatingolden It was a couple of years ago, so I don't remember exactly. But I think about $6,000. It needed a neck reset, but that was it. Original case & tortoise shell guard.
Not sure what your idea of "never worth that much" is judging by the price of Pre 1970 D28s that I've been seeing for decades?! Even just modestly kept ones have always been "up there."
@@springertube When I bought mine, a '59 Strat was about 50% more than the type of D-28 we're talking about. A burst was about 8 times more. Try running those ratios today. Clearly the D-28s like mine have not appreciated very much.
@@springertube As an additional comment, I bought a Preston Thompson shipwreck Brazilian 000 and it was much more than the D-28 I sold.
Great information on rosewood bridge plates. I played a 1969 D28 in a store a while back and it wasn't very resonant at all you had to really hit hard to get much out of it and I wonder if it was a rosewood bridge plate causing that. I own a Martin D16 special rosewood that I love because I really enjoy rosewood guitars generally and I was surprised at how tight the vintage Martin was now I may understand what may have been going on with it. I also had a chance to play a 1958 Gibson J 45 that same day and I will say that it is probably the best guitar I have ever played. Now I know what my dream acoustic guitar is LoL although that J45 is long gone but hopefully one day I'll be able to get a vintage J45.
Jeremy, great video as always. I think that guitar sounds great!
Awesome sounding Martin............love your new shop studio!
Hello Jeremy. I have a D28S from 1971. It, of course, has an Indian rosewood back, but the sides are the straight grain rosewood that is identical to the wood on your back and sides. I have always wondered about what it was. How could this happen? I can send a picture. Thanks,
Philip Jaynes
Great sounding guitar and great score; don’t let it go. 😎
Pickguard curl was cause there was no finish under the pick guard in those early years. They have learned to put finish under them now so that doesn’t happen and tear at the wood when it curls
That Martin D-28 certainly has the "sound" . Thanks for sharing.🎸🎸🎸
I have a ‘68 D-18. The guy I bought it from thought it was a ‘61, but serial numbers are serial numbers. No streaks in my top - it’s very pale, and the grain looks like adirondack rather sitka (sounds like adirondack, too). The guitar is a CANNON, super loud and punchy, no problem keeping up with mandolins and fiddles! If I’m playing by myself, I prefer my ‘85 Mossman (like a really great D-28), but if I’m playing with others, my old D-18 is very hard to beat.
Nice job on the Neil licks!
Jeremy, your D-28 sounds sublime. What strings and gauge are you using? Stringjoy? Looking to try something new on my D-41. -Daniel (Paris)
Thanks! Stringjoy Foxwoods lights, there’s a link in the description.
69 Brazilians have skyrocketed in price. Mind sharing what you snagged this for?
Hi Jeremy , thanks for the update on this very special guitar. And great that you're getting to enjoy it for as long as you want, on your terms.
Question: would you also replace the steel tube with a truss rod during the reset? Is there any benefit to doing so? Or is that considering altering it in a way that would reduce its value.
(And you are so right about fit - I have a Guild D-25M that my dad gave me when i was 13. Love that guitar, so when I had the means, i bought a Guild D-55E. Its a great sounding and beautifully made guitar, objectively - but I just can't connect with it, so the D-55E is going to a better home).
Sound and tone are a mystery. Some Gibsons have plywood, or ultra thick bridge plates and sound amazing. The neck to body geometry, the downward pressure on the saddle, the variance in the top density, etc . . .so many factors. And almost nothing affects the tone of a particular guitar more than a new set of strings.
Had me thinking of Neil, and now I too am strumimng a bit of old man, very nice.
Yeah that guitar sounds amazing. I don't think you'll find a better representation of a late sixties D-28. Exceptional tone, really good condition and a beautiful and meaningful back story. I think you would regret it if you ended up letting it go.. what a beauty..
That is a beautiful guitar
Really interesting, I wonder how many of these classic martins are left
Could someone tell me the songs starting from 01:15 to 02:30 ish? Thanks a lot!
That is something I wrote over the years of making UA-cam videos. It is in DADGAD. I’ll post a section of just that song so you can see my hands.
@@JeremySheppard Wow thank you! I would love that!
I need a mic like that. What are you asking for the guitar?
Ok, I’m a bit perplexed. I have a late 50’s J-45 (given to me by dad) and aside from it being the most sentimental thing I own, it’s an incredibly lovely sounding guitar. However, it really needs a neck reset. Long story short, I’ve been to two different techs and both told me the guitar would require a refret along with the reset. The thing is, the frets have at least 85% life if not more. It’s been very well cared for and never gig’d. I could understand crown and polish, but replace all of the frets? This isn’t the fretless wonder, but small and wide, and I like them just as they are. Also, I’d be worried something about the tone would change. What I really need is a Luthier but there’s not a trusted one near me. I’m way too concerned about shipping it off due to how irreparable it is to me. I found it interesting when you said techs oversell refrets when unnecessary and you’re not getting one with your neck reset.
Nice sound, lucky man enjoy .🎸🎼
I really enjoy your Site, Jeremy. In regards to the bridgeplate, it is much more the size of it than the wood choice. Further, a very light scallop of the X brace will do wonders for these mid/late-sixties buzzy bass Martin dreads. Change out those gross rotomatics for some open backs of your choice, and you are home...
Every time you hit that open low E string I thought I heard the voice of god. What an amazingly instrument.
Having owned them, I feel these have been a bit overhyped because they’re the last year BRW and really the only option we mere mortals can usually hope to acquire, given what the prices have become. Don’t get me wrong, they sound great next to most younger Martins or even 70s models by other imitator brands. But they typically sound downright unimpressive compared to a lot of older guitars that can be had for similar prices, and even some newer.
Been waiting to hear this beauty in front of a good mic! 😍
Did I live up to your expectations?
@@JeremySheppard 💯
@@JeremySheppard Sounded great!
Hey now, heard Neil Y play both O M and ..”Moon solo, thinking how good that Martin sounded, really stunning, guess what pal, yours is !!! All There
Jeremy, I have heard the same story about the headstocks of that period, and have often wondered why Martin itself has not purposely re-done that late 60s headstock rounding on some contemporary models - at least special issue. That look is iconic "folk 60s" in itself, however it came about. Judging especially from many custom-shop or boutique builders, some people are ga-ga about the extreme squared treatment...I think I am about this look!
My understanding is that the rounded look was due to the jig being worn out after tens of thousands of guitars made with it.
@@davestagner Yes, I understand that and what Jeremy explained, I just have always liked that look whatever the original cause... because it is sort of emblematic of that era. You automatically know what period of the guitar is when you see that.
I was 17 in 1969 and got my first summer job. I saved and saved and went to buy my first guitar. I saw this Martin in the window for $300. But since I didn't have that much money I bought a Harmony instead. It cost $60. Still have it. The Harmony guitar had too high an action after many years and was unplayable. John Gilbert was a good friend and he lowered the bridge as much as possible and the guitar plays well now, although the volume is diminished.
Sounds exceptional good 👌
It really does have that "special" sound.
Love the guitar! Sounds amazing. Love how your frugal about a fret job and in the same sentence say how much of your own money you spent on the guitar. 😂 Don't take that the wrong way love your content. Keep it up
😂 I’m a walking contradiction. lol. This guitar is at the repair shop now, neck reset, crown and level on the frets, and we’re swapping the bridge plate for maple.
It will be about $1000 for all of the repairs plus shipping it to and from
A lot of the 69 Martin’s are a combination of Brazilian and East Indian Rosewood.
I watched a lot of your videos. i think this guitar makes you play just a little better than usual.
What strings and gauge did you install?
Stringjoy Foxwoods Lights. There’s a link in the bio.
Man just let me hear your J45 maple back and sides!!!
(Beautiful collection and guitar)
It’s live for channel members and patrons now! It’ll be out Thursday.
@@JeremySheppard Id Love to show you the one my luthier friend just Made me
Choice of strings for this amazing Martin?
Stringjoy Foxwoods Lights! Link in bio!
Lemon oil curls up that thick vinyl pickguard. Sounds much better without it!
Lovely guitar even of you end up selling ti would be nice to round it out with a short video after the work.
So sweet to see a BR D28. I have my mom’s 66 D28. I grew up listening to it, and it is the only thing that sounds “right” to me.
It has seen the wars, and been to Nazareth for repair, then to Quebec to reunite with Mom. Eventually to me in 2007.
Love me some Martins.
I once had a '66 D-28. I did some research and it indicated that more D-28s were manufactured in 1966 than at any other time in the '60s. I regret selling mine.
Yes do not put finish on the pick guard, funny it took them so long to figure it out, anyway, still wish I would have picked up the 28 ,got the Brazilian 35
Resprayed?
Looks like your tuners has a yellow spray leftover in it including the screws. This very yellow colour looks like it has been resprayed.
Doesn’t your TD-M have a rosewood bridge plate? My TD-R custom does and there is nothing muddy or mushy about the way it sounds. Clearer than my M-36 by every measure.
I bought one a couple of years ago and it sucked. I gave it to my niece and bought a Guild.
Please keep this guitar . You will always regret "The one that got away !" . My opinion , only . Once it has been re-set , just enjoy it as Lewis has done with it . That is a rich experience that money can't buy 😊 . But you already know this advice .
Answer to this video “nothing is wrong with this precious Martin”. !!
Keep the guitar bro have been watching from the start love the vids sell some stuff that’s a keeper pure Neil young 4 years ago bought myself a martin d13 siris back and sides no longer make them of that wood great sounding guitar but wood really like a guitar of that period atb mark from Scotland 🏴
👍
Sorry to nitpick, but I believe you meant provenance 😎
Hey, at least it's not a brand new Martin that already needs a neck reset
Shots fired. I haven’t seen that to be true in the 18 years I’ve worked in the guitar industry.
@@JeremySheppard I've seen it personally on 2 D28's in four years that I shouldn't have bought and Martin and the seller don't want to know anything. I will "never" purchase another Martin guitar
If you're an intermediate player then I wouldn't spend big bucks on a guitar name brand. Get a good $300 guitar and learn to upgrade it yourself. Set the string action, slotting the bridge, using solid bone pins, saddle and nut. You gain these skills and its fun! If you get inspired to put in the time to improve your playing skills, then reward yourself with a good guitar purchase. By then, you will have developed the tech skills to tell a good guitar from one that's just a name.
Still a great guitar. Money isn’t the issue.
Never played a Martin I liked. Not sure why.
Careful with the copyrighted tunes.
I like volutes too, but I suspect they don't really do anything. Grovers are ugly.
frugal says the guy with 10 guitars behind him
🤣 😂
Jeremy, that is a keeper, sell other guitars to keep this.
You will have no problem selling that D28. Just sayin...
Not "bad", but keep it real. It's a heavy, straight-braced, sitka-topped D-size guitar with ugly, heavy Grover tuners. Can't compare it with a Nate Wright or a Josh Young D guitar.the first day it's strung up. Late 60's Brazilian D's are trade bait.
1960s Martins are weak
Please keep believing that. It helps the rest of us own excellent and under valued guitars.
I never write or say things that I don’t believe.
Certainly not the "glory years". Guaranteed there's a thick EIR bridge plate under the hood.