Question 74/75 Martin D28

[Faron_atx]

I am confused on the pricing for a 74/75 Martin D-28. The one in question here is in almost mint condition. The pickguard was replaced and a possible fret dress. I see the prices all over the place starting aroung 1750 up to 2400. So chime in and give me your thoughts.
Thanks
Faron

[1956tele]

Martin's guitars in the early 70's are not looked on as their best work, they made SO MANY, the quality was not as good as even the 80's & 90's. Mint Condition is another thing ..... A Near Mint Condition 74/75 D-28 with the Original Case that needs NO extra work should bring in the $2K range, that is only if YOU like the sound of it !!!!

[RustyAxe]

I've never found ANY '69 or later D-28 I'd pay $2400 for. They don't have the Brazilian rosewood of the pre-69 models, and may or may not have any mojo due to age. Here's what you're looking at:

*No truss rod adjustment - need for neck reset very possible
*Intonation - a worn jig at the plant caused some to have a misplaced bridge/saddle

A new D-28 can be had for ~$1900 from an authorized dealer (one who discounts, like Maury's, Elderly, and others). Used D-28's needing no work usually fetch around $1200-1500 here. It would have to be a truly exceptional mid-70's D-28 to make me pay any more for.

[Faron_atx]

Thanks for all the info. It really has been helpful.

[zombywoof]

The issue with 1970s Martins had to do with improper bridge placement. It was not human error but caused by some worn machinery or equipment which resulted in the bridges not be placed properly which effected intonation. Not all 1970s Martins are plagued by it but you do have to be a bit careful.

I would also say a major difference between a 1970s and earlier Martin has less to do with what kind of rosewood was used as the bridge plate. Sometime in 1968 Martin switched from a maple plate to a larger and heavier rosewood one which was not the best thing in terms of sound as it damped the top.

[Stubee]

*No truss rod adjustment - need for neck reset very possible

Well, they didn't have adjustable truss rods for many years but that didn't have much to do with need for neck reset but with inability to adjust 'relief'. There are thousands of vintage Martins out there that did fine as far as 'relief' without an adjustable truss rod. If you do have one that gets out of whack it'll be a bit of work to get it 'straight' again but I'd not worry about that on a '74 guitar that shows good neck bow etc.

Guitars w. and w/o adjustable truss rods will most likely need a neck reset at some time in the distant future. That's how guitars age.

I've come across great and not-so-good early '70s Martins. Some did have the bridge placement ZW references but that's a pretty easy check as intonation will be off if it hasn't been fixed. It wasn't a huge number of Martins and I believe there's even information on which SN range was impacted over at the UMGF.

[Jim Moulton]

Those 70 Martin's had the rail,not adjustable truss rod. I had a friend who had a 70s D-35, it was sweet. You have to look at each guitar, but as said before,not a great time in their history.

[RustyAxe]

Originally Posted by Stubee

Well, they didn't have adjustable truss rods for many years but that didn't have much to do with need for neck reset but with inability to adjust 'relief'.

The two should have been separated in my post ... no truss rod, and the possibility of needing a neck reset (in a 40 year old guitar). Sorry for the confusion.

[old goat]

You should be able to tell if it needs a neck reset--high action on the upper frets. Around here the going price was about 300--factor that in, plus any fret and finger board work it is likely to need at the same time. Martin will warranty the neck reset (but not the fret and fingerboard work) to the original owner--if they can prove they are the original owner. I certainly wouldn't pay new guitar prices for a used guitar.