This 1953 Martin D-28 falls into a group of D-28s that are often referred to as the "mystery top" guitars, meaning that Martin used a top wood other than Sitka Spruce. For years Martin had been using Sitka after the transition away from Adirondack in the 40s, and now thanks to research by Martin historians, like Greig Hutton, we know that these mystery top models were most likely constructed using another source of northeastern Red, or Adirondack, spruce. It's something vintage Martin aficionados have known for years, but now we have documentation and inventory numbers to confirm it. We have had several of these models over the years and consistently find them to be excellent sounding guitars and this is clearly one of them.
This guitar has been played, and has the wear and vintage mojo to prove it. There is a repaired pickguard crack, and a pair of repaired top cracks that run from the bridge to the tailblock, all of which are stable. There is a small, maple, bridge plate ball-end doubler installed. There has been additional finish applied to the playwear around the pickguard and soundhole, that as also now worn through from playing. There is also a small amount of finish touch-up along the back binding, and minor touch-up on the heel (see photo of heel). Small binding splices by the heel cap as well. Moderate fretwear with a good neck angle and saddle height. Includes modern TKL hardshell case.
