Martin D-12-28 12-String Dreadnought Natural 1976
Martin D-28 12-String, natural gloss, made in USA 1976. We've had some nice twelve-strings through the shop, but oh boy: this is definitely the best one I've ever played. The D-28 is the quintessential dreadnought: it wasn't the first one Martin ever produced, but since the model's inception in 1931, it's been the gold standard example in the now-ubiquitous shape should sound and feel. The 12-string version changed a couple of times over the years, so this mid-70s example has a couple of interesting specs: a super cute set of Grover in-line tuners on each side of the neck, and a slightly shorter 24.75" scale length. That's paired with the classic Martin recipe: all solid high grade sitka spruce and Indian rosewood, X-bracing, ebony fretboard, and the classic square shoulder shape. The sound is rich and shimmering, with an amazing balance of weighty low end presence, detailed and open midrange and sugary clarity up high... glorious stuff. I'd love to record this guitar, it would sound just perfect with just about any decent microphone. The condition is remarkable for a guitar of fifty too: the top is flat, the bridge still firmly attached, the neck is straight, the frets are in good order... honestly, you couldn't really ask for more. If you've long hankered for a perfect twelve string but struggled to find one worthy, struggle no more.
Model: Martin D-12-28
Made: USA; 1976, Nazareth PA
Serial: 386052
Finish: natural, gloss natural
Body: solid sitka spruce top, solid Indian rosewood back and sides, square shoulder dreadnought shape, X-braced
Neck: mahogany, ebony fretboard, 24.75" scale, 47mm nut, soft-V shape
Weight: 2.355kg
Mods: none
Pickup: none
Accessories: original Martin hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and edges and scuffs on the front and back. The neck has dimples and rub wear on the back only, it's clean and smooth in the hands. The back has widespread minor scuffs around the whole body but no major marks. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body but no major marks. The front has dimples in the elbow area, back edge, bottom edge and behind the bridge as well as some play wear on the guard and shoulders.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is reasonably low, neck is straight, intonation is good. Wearing fresh 10/47 phosphor bronze strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only