For Sale: 1956 Martin D28

[joemcg]

SOLD! 1956 Martin D28 Acoustic Guitar. Sitka Spruce top, Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides. Full description of this instrument is below on the information provided to Gruhn's for the appraisal.

Comes with a 1960's case with Small Dog case cover.

Price is $7500 CASH picked up in San Diego, California. No shipping on this instrument!

Here is the Gruhn's appraisal:

Gruhn Guitars
December 12, 2018

I have examined the attached photos of the instrument described below, but have not seen the instrument itself. Below is my estimate, based on these photos, of the instrument's value; however, it is not possible to judge from photos alone the exact state of originality and need of repair, so my appraisal is only accurate insofar as the photos are representative of the actual condition of the instrument.

We certify the instrument described below is, in our opinion, a Martin style D-28 acoustic flattop guitar, made in the year 1956.

Description: We have been provided the following information: "Two repaired cracks on back, pick wear around sound hole and wear on bout from set lists. Has a late 60's hard case (non-Martin) and Small Dog case cover." Serial number: 151877. The owner has identified a number of modifications and condition issues, as described above. Upon examination, we also note the following: the original ebony bridge (with long saddle) has been replaced with an after-market oversize bridge (with short saddle), the nut has been replaced (exhibits finish chipping on peghead face as the result of a non-professional repair) and a metal strap button has been added to the heel. The finish exhibits typical deterioration with small dings, surface scratches, edge-chipping (peghead) and compression marks. In other respects, this instrument conforms to the typical specifications of the model for the period in which it was made with dreadnought-size body, Sitka spruce top with non-scalloped X-bracing, Brazilian rosewood peghead overlay, back and sides, "checkerboard" wood marquetry center back strip, tortoiseshell grain pickguard, multi-ply white & black classic "5-9-5" soundhole rosette, white bridge pins with black center dots, mahogany neck with white heel cap, gold-color "C.F. Martin & Co." logo peghead decal, individual Kluson K-500 "waffle-back" tuners with metal buttons, 20-fret ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl graduated-size dot inlays, multi-ply white and black binding on body top and back edges, and other typical style 28 appointments. We were unable to make an in-hand assessment of the bridge plate, internal bracing and kerfing, but for the purposes of this appraisal we assume them to be correct (no photos of interior components were provided to Gruhn Guitars).


Current market value: $7,500 to 8,000 (seven thousand five hundred to eight thousand dollars)