The Martin D-28 has long stood as one of the most recorded and recognised dreadnought acoustics ever built. Favoured by players such as Neil Young and Clarence White, the D-28 became a benchmark for powerful yet balanced acoustic tone across folk, country, and rock. Jimmy Page notably used a late 1950s D-28 for early Led Zeppelin recordings including “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You,” “Black Mountain Side,” and “Ramble On,” helping cement the model’s place in classic rock history. By the late 1970s it remained a cornerstone of Martin’s lineup, valued for its strong low end, clear top, and projection that suited both flatpicking and singer songwriter work.
This 1978 example presents very well and has been carefully kept, showing only minor player wear consistent with its age. It retains the open, authoritative voice the model is known for, with a strong fundamental and articulate high end that sits comfortably in both solo and ensemble settings. As is common with Martins of this era, it shows the typical pickguard lifting issue, noted here for transparency.
Overall, it stands as a tidy and honest vintage D-28 that reflects the durability and consistency of Martin’s Nazareth production during the period.
Specs:
Action at 1st Fret: 0.75 mm
Action at 12th Fret: 2.25 mm
Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 22.9 mm
Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 27.3 mm
Nut Width: 44mm
Width at 12th Fret: 54mm
Weight: 2.2kg
Year: 1978
Body Style: Dreadnought acoustic
Top: Solid spruce
Back & Sides: East Indian rosewood
Finish: Natural gloss
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: Low profile
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Bracing: Non scalloped X braced
Scale Length: 25.4"
Tuners: Grover
Case: Hard shell case
Crafted in: Nazareth, Pennsylvania, USA
