N(old)GD 1975 Martin D-35

[vchizzle]

So I had been shopping for a new acoustic about a year ago and a salesperson put an early 70’s D-35 in my hands that sounded great. I didn’t end up doing the deal as it was going to need a good amount of work/$ put into it. I went on a mission during that time looking for another one but none of the others I tried had the sound of that first one I tried. I tried various others, mostly D-28’s, 35’s new and used. None really grabbed me the same way. I ended up going in a totally different direction and buying something else.

Fast forward to roughly a year later. I wasn’t shopping for an acoustic anymore but was in Dave’s Guitar in LaCrosse WI and strolled through the acoustic room. There was a 1975 D-35 sitting there and figured, what the heck, why not? Sat down and after a couple strums, I thought, oh crap. I vibed with this guitar a lot. I wasn’t really in the position to buy that day and walked out saying, “I’m really happy with my guitars right now”. It stuck in the back of my head though for about a month. Finally I emailed the store with some trade offers a couple weeks back. They came back with more than fair offers so I decided to make the trip back and play it again, compare to what I had, etc.

I had to bring it home. It sounds INCREDIBLE. Gives me the vibe of the one I played a year ago but without the issues I would’ve had to spend money on.

[BlueBowman]

As it happens, I got to spend some time with a stock D-35 (74', not 75') just today. I thought it was in amazing shape for a 50 year old guitar...until I now see yours, which I think is doing even better Sounded big, too. Enjoy!

[vchizzle]

Originally Posted by BlueBowman

As it happens, I got to spend some time with a stock D-35 (74', not 75') just today. I thought it was in amazing shape for a 50 year old guitar...until I now see yours, which I think is doing even better Sounded big, too. Enjoy!

Nice. I really like finish checking and kind of wish this one had more. A little around the pickguard is all this one has. It’s got some play wear but someone really liked this one and took care of it I think. It was bought here in WI and I think made it to Indiana for awhile and somehow returned here. There’s original paperwork and a few receipts of work done that came with it which is cool.

[soups]

Awesome Guitar and wonderful photography

One day, I will find a 1978 D35. I have never found a birth year Martin that I wanted to buy.

Enjoy!

[b1j]

That is one gorgeous guitar. A ’75 with no buckle rash!

[Justbrandon]

Lovely guitar. Also cool that it came with some original paperwork. Congrats!

[vchizzle]

Originally Posted by soups

Awesome Guitar and wonderful photography

One day, I will find a 1978 D35. I have never found a birth year Martin that I wanted to buy.

Enjoy!

Totally get that. I’ve wanted a ‘77 of anything that moved me and haven’t found one. It’s not exactly a desirable decade of guitars. Most places were trying to save money, cut costs, etc. Hope you find yours one day!

Also, thanks, I just used my iPhone on the pics. Always been interested in photography but not the patience to learn. Had a DSLR camera that I used for a month or so. I don’t have the dedication to carry it around.

[vchizzle]

Originally Posted by b1j

That is one gorgeous guitar. A ’75 with no buckle rash!

Usually I wonder if an old guitar in good condition is that way because it sounded bad. Luckily not the reason here!

Originally Posted by Justbrandon

Lovely guitar. Also cool that it came with some original paperwork. Congrats!

Thanks! I was surprised when he pulled out the paperwork. I just asked if it had the original case and then he pulled out the Martin manual and a receipts from work done. Nice to see a little history!

[Glennwillow]

Congratulations! The D-35 is such a great guitar for so many players. I have a 1967 D-35. Have fun with this! I really like the shade-top finish on yours.

- Glenn

[Teherie]

Nice find and beautiful photos. Play it in good health.

I have the same shaded top D35 model that was built in 1976 and I purchased new in early 1977. It would be the last one to leave the fold.

[Wade Hampton]

Martin didn’t make many shade top guitars back in the 70’s, so yours is a rare bird. It appears to be in exceptional condition, too, so I’d say you scored. Play it and enjoy it.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Inyo]

Loads of congrats, indeed. What a fine looking '75 Martin D-35.

[vchizzle]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Congratulations! The D-35 is such a great guitar for so many players. I have a 1967 D-35. Have fun with this! I really like the shade-top finish on yours.

- Glenn

Thanks, the shade top was a nice added bonus.

Originally Posted by Teherie

Nice find and beautiful photos. Play it in good health.

I have the same shaded top D35 model that was built in 1976 and I purchased new in early 1977. It would be the last one to leave the fold.

I know it’s the honeymoon, but I already feel that connection. Recently I’ve been thinking more about lifetime guitars.

Originally Posted by Wade Hampton

Martin didn’t make many shade top guitars back in the 70’s, so yours is a rare bird. It appears to be in exceptional condition, too, so I’d say you scored. Play it and enjoy it.


Wade Hampton Miller

This was the first shade top D-35 I’d seen in person. Definitely grabbed my attention!

[vchizzle]

Originally Posted by Inyo

Loads of congrats, indeed. What a fine looking '75 Martin D-35.

Thanks, I had definitely pursued your D-35 acoustic covers in my GAS and research phase. They sound great!

[Draft Guitar]

Beautiful D 35!

I've got a '78 D-35 at a luthier's shop right now getting the typical bugs of that era worked out. Fortunately he thinks he can get the intonation corrected without having to pull the bridge off. I'm very much looking forward to getting it back as the wood and build are so promising!

Enjoy!