1975 Martin D28

sjm1580 · #1 06-09-2019, 05:29 PM

Planning on traveling to look at a 1975 D28. Seller says it has a couple of dings and scratches, some buckle rash, but says no cracks and neck angle is good, frets are also good. Comes with original case in acceptable condition.

If all is true, what would be a reasonable offer to buy?

Thanks!

Tico · #2 06-09-2019, 06:34 PM

IMO its value depends on whether it is one of the 1970s Martins with a bridge that was glued in the wrong position.

I'd research how to determine whether it has that issue (not all do), the cost of repair, and chances the repair might result in improvement or degradation of tone.

sjm1580 · #3 06-09-2019, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tico

IMO its value depends on whether it is one of the 1970s Martins with a bridge that was glued at the wrong position.

I'd research that, how to determine whether it has that issue (not all do), and the cost of repair.

From what I understand that happened very early in the 1970's and was corrected fairly quickly, of course I might be wrong.

vindibona1 · #4 06-09-2019, 06:48 PM

I'm guessing in the $2000 range, give or take a couple hundred.

Osage · #5 06-09-2019, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjm1580

From what I understand that happened very early in the 1970's and was corrected fairly quickly, of course I might be wrong.

Unfortunately, you're wrong. About 1/3 of Martins produced for most of the 70's had the improperly placed bridges. I've seen ones as late as 1978 with the bridges completely in the wrong place.

tj_mangum · #6 06-09-2019, 10:17 PM

I inherited a 75 D-18 with the bridge location problem. I believe most of the 1970's ran the risk of this happening.

_zedagive · #7 06-09-2019, 10:21 PM

Sold my 1975 D28 about 8 years ago for $1500. Excellent condition. Never really impressed with it and the fact it had no truss rod was a negative. Bought my first Breedlove and never looked back.

Tico · #8 06-09-2019, 10:48 PM

BTW what does it cost to move the bridge?
Will Martin do it?

Wouldn't a scar remain from the old position?
If so, would refinishing the entire top (before re-glueing bridge) be required to eliminate this scar?
What would that cost, and is any spruce be removed?

TJNies · #9 06-10-2019, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tico

BTW what does it cost to move the bridge?
Will Martin do it?

Wouldn't a scar remain from the old position?
If so, would refinishing the entire top (before re-glueing bridge) be required to eliminate this scar?
What would that cost, and is any spruce be removed?

I had a 1974 D-28 with the misplaced bridge. I had a luthier move it; I believe he charged around $150-200. Hard to say with certainty since I had other things done and I didn't ask for a detailed charge list.

Yes, you would see a scar but hopefully it would be minimal. Check out Bryan Kimsey's website to get some ideas.

If you need to move the bridge, another change to consider is replacing the bridge plate for a smaller one of maple or locust.

http://www.bryankimsey.com

Tico · #10 06-10-2019, 11:11 AM

Thank you.

sjm1580 · #11 06-10-2019, 11:17 AM

Instead of worrying about potential problems with the 1975, I could cough up a few more coins and get a 2017 with Waverly tuners?

Timotao · #12 06-10-2019, 12:10 PM

You won't notice the bridge is out of place unless you are pretty advanced, play way up the neck, barchord a lot. I had a 76 D28 that had the problem but it never was a problem for me because I never barchord or play beyond the 7th fret. The rosewood on those 1970's Martins is the most beautiful, mine looked like Brazilian, it had the reddish tint, just beautiful wood. And the guitar sounded fantastic. I got it cheap ($750) because the PO had broken the neck. I glued it and never had a problem with it until I tried to sell it. Eventually I traded up and got a 2016 J45 True Vintage. If you can get it for around $1500 -$1800 I would try it, play it and see if it gives your style a problem.