1983 Martin D-28 Vintage Series Brazilian CEO signed HD-28 Natural

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This special Martin just arrived, purchased from the family of the original owner.  

It seems that the early 80s was a time of reflection for the big guitar makers.  The late 60s and 1970s saw corporate ownership degradation of Fender and Gibson quality.  Martin took their own lumps during the period as well - one defined by the struggle to adopt techniques that allowed for higher production volume and the threat brought on by imported instruments that were improving in quality.

Gibson began the 80s with a return to their roots, launching the Heritage series of reissues - the Flying V, Moderne, and the Dot Neck ES-335.  Fender took a bit longer as they changed hands in this period, launching the American Vintage Reissue instruments in the mid/late 80s.

Martin answered the call to produce traditional quality with a couple of small production runs in 1983, including this D-28, built to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Martin guitars.  They also put out a run of Custom Shop guitars in this period, most of which do not have the Brazilian rosewood back and sides as seen on this limited run.  There is also a 75th anniversary Brazilian run that got Waverly tuners instead of the waffle-back tuners on this version.   It is said that there are just 25 of this particular release.  I can't confirm that, but that's what I'm reading online.

The guitar emulates important features of 1930s "Herringbone" D-28s, with forward shifted - scalloped bracing, Brazilian back and sides, herringbone trim, a vintage-style, non adjustable truss rod, and snowflake inlays.  The label sports the signatures of both CF Martin the Third and Fourth.  

From p. 142 of Martin Guitars: A History: “ In 1982, the company made its first purchase of Brazilian rosewood in almost 15 years, and the following year made a series of guitars with the rare wood, many of them with a whole host of features found on Martins from the 1930’s and early 1940’s. These guitars marked the first appearance of models called the “Vintage Series”, and many were given a small paper label signed by both C. F. Martin III and Chris Martin IV.” However, the neck block stamp reads just “D-28”, and only the paper label designates ‘vintage’. The vintage features include Brazilian, forward shifted scalloped braces, small maple bridge plate, ivoroid binding and slotted diamond fretboard inlay and who knows what else. I’ve read and heard that Mike Longworth was intimately involved in its design and production. Folkways once noted that only twenty five D-28V’s were made when one was on sale on their site. 

From another seller's previous listing of this same model: Martin's first Vintage Series instruments were built in 1983, shortly after the company acquired a shipment of high-quality Brazilian rosewood -- something that just hadn't happened much since the late 1960's. Brazilian Rosewood wasn't CITES listed until 1992, some 10 years after this guitar was built. With Mike Longworth's involvement in the project, these first Vintage Series instruments were the closest Martin had yet come to recreating their instruments of the mid 1930's. They are extraordinarily fine sounding instruments, and shockingly different than what the company was building on their 'standard' line.

The Martin D-28V offered here features a breath taking, exquisite set of Brazilian rosewood. It's quarter-sawn and straight, with deep hues of reds and browns, and shows an enticing hint of spider-web figure along both sides. It really is just stunning wood; and unfortunately, the kind of stuff that's just not available any longer.

Sitka spruce top with forward-positioned scalloped braces and a small maple bridge plate; herringbone trim, ivoroid binding and heel cap, zigzag back strip, and finished-over tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard. The modified V-shaped neck features an ebony fingerboard fitted with slotted diamond inlays, a slightly more squared-off headstock shape than was the norm in 1983, and non-adjustable neck reinforcement. Vintage Series paper label visible through the soundhole with both C.F. Martin III and C.F. Martin IV signatures.

The D-28V was a special guitar, and made in very limited numbers. Martin records show a production of only 25 instruments.

I just finally ordered a book that'll show me production numbers.  I'll update the listing later in the week if the guitar is still here when the book arrives.

As for this particular guitar...  It is in excellent, near mint condition throughout with light finish checking, very light fret wear, a high saddle and good action.  There is no need for a neck reset here, which would be typical for any Martin from the period.  The original owner wisely loosened the strings and cased the guitar between uses, so the neck hasn't wandered.  

There is one area of binding along the waist on the back that has shrunk and lifted a bit.  This is an easy fix for a qualified repair person.  

The only other "issue" I see is that a stamp seen on these guitars on the inside strip that covers the back seam was mostly disappeared.  The Martin logo there remains, but the stamp that said "1833-1983 150th Year" stamp is mostly invisible.  I am not sure why anyone would do that.  The label remains in place. 

There is no added strap button or any other annoying, unnecessary change to the guitar.  There are no finish changes.  The top is free of cracks.  There is one small grain line crack on the side that feels stable.  The back is crack free. 

There are only light signs of use.  The guitar was coveted by the original owner.  He played the guitar some, but mostly leaned on other guitars as he knew that this one was a quality guitar that he viewed as an investment.  
Included is a really nice, tweed case from the period.  I've never seen another one quite like it.  It isn't "vintage", and it likely isn't original to the guitar, but it is a fitting accessory.

Color: Natural
Weight: 4lbs 9.7ozs
Top: Spruce
Body: Brazilian Rosewood
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: See picture
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlays: Abalone
Frets: Original
Fret count: 20
Nut: Original
Nut width: 1 11/16"
Scale: 25.4"
Radius: 15"
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: 0.885"
Neck thickness at 10th Fret: 1.03"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
Total length: 40 5/16"
Body length: 20"
Lower bout: 15 5/8"
Waist: 10 3/4"
Upper bout: 11 7/16"
Body depth/thickness: 4 7/8"
String gauge: .012-.053"
Electronics?: No
Pickguard: Original
Bridge: Original
Tuners: Original
Case: OHSC
Notes: 

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