Martin D28 1967 advice on necks and resets

Discussion in 'Guitars in General' started by bgwicks, Jan 12, 2008.

  1. Jan 12, 2008 #1
    bgwicks

    bgwicks Member

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    Hi,

    A guy wants to sell me a 1967 Martin D28. I haven't seen it yet, however he says it is mint, with hang tags etc.

    When he told me this I thought it probably needs a neck reset if no one has ever played it much.

    I also understand that this era had some neck reset issues.

    I asked him if it needed a neck reset and he said he felt it was close to needing it.

    I was wondering if anyone can give me an opinion on what to expect for a guitar of this era. Is the neck reset a big issue, and what should I expect in respect to the impact on value.

    The seller said he felt they were going for $6k to $7k on ebay but he didn't expect to get that much.

    lastly when did barzillian fretboards finish. Would a 67 be breazillian?

    Thanks
     
    bgwicks, Jan 12, 2008
    bgwicks, Jan 12, 2008
    #1
  2. Jan 12, 2008 #2
    bgwicks

    bgwicks Member

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    I mean brazillian! I seem to be finding every way to spell it wrong.
     
    bgwicks, Jan 12, 2008
    bgwicks, Jan 12, 2008
    #2
  3. Jan 13, 2008 #3
    paddywhack

    paddywhack Silver Supporting Member

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    a 67 D-28 should have Brazilian all around (back sides, fretboard peghead veneer and bridge)... a reset is not a big deal and will not affect the value if done well....if you go with a top notch luthier the D-28 will play better than new....6 to 7 K may be high but not if its in truly exceptional condition....
     
    paddywhack, Jan 13, 2008
    paddywhack, Jan 13, 2008
    #3
  4. Jan 13, 2008 #4
    shadco

    shadco Member

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    shadco, Jan 13, 2008
    shadco, Jan 13, 2008
    #4
  5. Jan 13, 2008 #5
    hank

    hank Member

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    I will offer my personal experience. It is worth exactly what you pay for it, as they say. :)

    From 1980 through 1996, I owned a near-mint 1967 D-28. Perfectly quartersawn Brazilian ... just a gorgeous guitar. What began to bother me was that it didn't have the presence, power and "forward-X" tone that I was really liking in other older Martins and custom maker guitars like Dudenbostel. The guitar really needed a neck set and I didn't want to invest in that. Ultimately, I sold it to a friend that really wanted it, knowing a neck set was needed.

    Now, all of my acoustics have the old Martin-style forward-x bracing and red spruce tops. Big difference .... for me.
     
    hank, Jan 13, 2008
    hank, Jan 13, 2008
    #5
  6. Jan 13, 2008 #6
    Ben Jam'n

    Ben Jam'n Member

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    Many older Martins need a neck reset eventually....not a big deal if done by a pro. It's a better solution then shaving the bridge down.

    They definitely have a 'sound'...I have a '53 that I'll never let go.
     
    Ben Jam'n, Jan 13, 2008
    Ben Jam'n, Jan 13, 2008
    #6
  7. Jan 13, 2008 #7
    Griz

    Griz Member

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    Yes, I had to have my '71 D28 done a few years back. What a difference!

    Take it to the best Martin-approved shop you can find, and have it done by their best luthier. Don't do it on the cheap.

    Congrats on a fine axe.

    :AOK
     
    Griz, Jan 13, 2008
    Griz, Jan 13, 2008
    #7

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