1934 Martin D-28

Today we're heading back into Tyler's repair shop to talk about the history of the very first Martin D-28 ordered from the factory, a special instrument that we have had the pleasure of holding for a little bit before it moves on to its new home. To follow things up, Skyler is here to give you an idea of how it sounds.
For more, please check out:
emeraldcityguitars.com/

[@davestagner]

We are not the owners of fine guitars - only their caretakers. We are obligated to take care of them, to keep them in good repair and make sure they are played regularly. Don’t let great guitars rot away in a closet, or get stripped for parts!

[@alexmack956]

They’re just objects

[@DS-nw4eq]

Barf. The guitar is a dead instrument. You can play anything in a DAW and add a sick trap beat.

[@andrewhuarte5177]

@@DS-nw4eq lol

[@Tyler-nk1fo]

I work at Martin guitar and so appreciate your comment. The day you buy your guitar is the worse it is going to sound.

[@jimbryant2157]

My D28 just turned 30 this year and I hope it survives as long as the 1934 in your video. Luckily (at least up to now), the condition of mine is a bit less rough, but then again, the 1934 certainly has a few more stories to tell then mine does... Thanks for the video!

[@edmondlau511]

Awesome! When did you notice it really start to open up? My D28 is from 2004 and around year 5-6 is when it really started to growl.

[@guestguide2544]

@@edmondlau511 I bet this D-28 really growled the day they put steel strings on it!

[@joalco3]

Thats so cool the whereabouts of the very first one is known

[@clayjones8890]

It sure is and I know the man that owns it. Very cool axe!

[@jeremyversusjazz]

Great vid-the history beautifully and articulately presented and beautifully appropriate playing examples. Still sounds amazing even with all the changes and repairs.

[@paul_sebastian1154]

Fabulous, thanks for sharing this. Great sympathetic playing too.

[@gnm109]

A wonderful video about a great guitar with some excellent playing as well. Thanks.

[@leelossi1257]

Beautful sounding......nice playing too! I love to see an old well played Martin........this guitar has spread a lot of happiness for many many years

[@glenh2752]

Amazing guitar and great history lesson, very knowledgeable guy.

[@rob2999]

Thank you guys for making this video. The understated-ness was as right as right can be, as was Skyler's playing.

[@1950s_Guitar]

Thanks for thanking Grieg Hutton. His detailed research has cleared up a lot of Martin history and Martin aficionados are very grateful.

[@anthonyc1883]

Nah, there's that saying "Never buy version 1.0." Wait, what?!? I want that! lol Thanks, Tyler. I enjoy your appearances on the channel.

[@bobbysbackingtracks]

Super cool! LOVE old Martins. I own a 62 D-28 it spent time with Michael Bloomfield back in the day.

[@greggoss6593]

Great presentation and history

[@chickenlickin3820]

Amazing story lovely D-28 : )

[@timothysegal3445]

Damn that sounds amazing. Nothing can beat old wood... 😊

[@brianhitchmough6628]

I’m liking that demo. Just working it out on my old D41.😊

[@donaldcahill8255]

A museum guitar...and a museum video. Great job!

[@andrewbootsdekemper3410]

CLARITY WOW Thanks for the video

[@seangalbraith5286]

Great lesson on Martin Guitars. I was fortunate to meet Chris Martin in Birmingham UK Nice guy with great guitars !!

[@DaBinChe]

Sounds amazing!

[@billcolston1903]

Very rich sound . Probably the best tone i have ever heard.

[@russellrapport5435]

I played the finest guitar in the world, and probably the earliest D28 ever made. I was at GTR guitar shop in Nashville around 1973, where old D45s hung on the walls. This guitar looked like a D28 without the volute or Martin name. It was built in 1916 and was owned by the foreman of the Martin factory. GTR bought the guitar and had sold it to Greg Lake of EL&P, but George Gruhn allowed me to play it as long as I removed my belt and belt buckle. This video mentions the handful of Rosewood dreadnaughjts dating back to 1916, and this may have been the first. Greg Lake didn't seem to mention it when discussing his guitars, and I am wondering if anyone ever made a video on its history, or recorded its perfect sound.

[@tbeau6663]

Outstanding tone

[@craigusselman546]

Martin was already 101 years old at that time. I own a littl Martin guitar and its the best acoustic guitar Ive ever owned really fun to play

[@jcburger733]

Great video!!!

[@haeunglee8212]

Absolute BEAUTY!

[@SvenGoldberg]

It sounds amazing. :)

[@markstrain8989]

Outstanding ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@johnnykR9]

That sounds so fookin’ good❤️

[@muzikjay]

Great playing

[@el34glo59]

Amazing

[@DDE_ADDICT]

That is the most vibe guitar I have ever seen.

[@jaymze44]

Vibe?

[@joelrose8514]

I wish I had a fraction of this guy's knowledge. Wow!

[@dual510]

My dream guitar

[@Randorita]

So THAT is what a D-28 is supposed to sound like! Amazing!

[@peterjames2580]

Man! That "THING" sounds sweet!!!!

[@davet.3587]

Pretty awesome

[@JubileeValence]

Out--STANDING!!!! Cheers!

[@gam1471]

Thank you for giving us all a look at this guitar, and your fascinating and detailed description of its known history and the repair work done over the years. I have a question. Is the herringbone trim original? The pre-war 'bone trim was narrower than the modern reissue version. If original, then kudos to Martin's repairshop for somehow preserving it along with (as you point out) the pickguard when the top was replaced in the 1950s. It's interesting how some of these old dreadnoughts have survived with their original tops while others haven't. I suspect that some tops were simply stronger than others, with the weaker ones 'bellying' excessively and needing replacement - which seems to have (possibly) been the case with this guitar.

[@KenneyCmusic]

Beautiful. I would love to see some of those gut string guitars you mentioned.

[@collectiques1]

This appears to be in the same shape as many of the first batch 14th frets D28 with factory replaced parts like fingerboards and tops. The reason for this is the majority of these "new" D guitars were ordered by professional musicians that were often rough with their guitars. You know, heavy on the downstrokes and quick mileage. Since they were under warranty to original owners these were sent back to factory for repairs and left to the mercy of what they would repair or replace parts and always seemed to get the dreaded "refinish". You just don't see many from this first batch completely original.

[@jayzhou104]

oh wow this ole guitar must feel so happy to be played again and whoever built it must be happy to see it last to this modern day in heaven

[@christopherhumphrey]

This is the Jason Momoa guitar. Really nice!

[@uvp5000]

Predictably, the aged soundboard sounds quite nice. Having collected some antique items, I can understand why this sold quickly. Concerning acoustic guitars, if I make a purchase, it is my intent to enjoy playing the instrument and not be so concerned that its value gets in the way of enjoying my experience with the guitar. For me, the question around antiques was do I own them, or do they own me?

[@SillyMoustache]

Steel strings were available from 1900. I don't think Gibson ever oput gut strinhgs on their early mandolins, banjos or guitars. “The first 000 appeared in 1902, as did the first steel-string that Martin built - a special order 00-21,” although Martin didn't get into producing guitars with steel strings on a regular basis until the 1910s.

[@steveb9325]

Hi Andy Was just about to send this to you (via email) but wanted to check comments first....sure nuff! Take care! Steve from ATX

[@redlinemando]

Even though it was retopped & has a rear shifted brace pattern, that Brazilian rosewood is original & who knows when that wood was actually cut. That set of BRW is extremely old & looks mostly straight grained. I'm not a wood expert & I don't know how big those trees usually get, but I would assume that the straighter grain typically comes the mid section of the tree, just before the branches start. Many of the early D-28's I've seen, have really wavy & inconsistent grain. I always assumed that stuff was mostly stump wood & Martin could buy it cheaper than the straighter grain BRW. I mean.......with the ongoing depression of the time, that would make good sense to me. I would have probably done the same thing. Given the wear to the newer 50's top, it's pretty amazing that the rest of the guitar has survived to tell a fraction of it's story. Through the demo, it has an excellent dynamic range, amazingly rich tone & clarity over my studio headphones!!!!!!! Thank you & the owner for sharing this guitar & for letting it's voice be heard!!!!!!!

[@robertjackson9628]

Very fine commentary, accurate, and a beautiful instrument artistically "beat to hell" on the road I suppose. That and a Towns Van Zandt like out fit ought to get you at least a couple of free beers at your local joint,!

[@hapwichryk]

There are no rosewood D models b4 1931 when two D-2 models were built on a short run at the North Street Factory. (Through 1934 the Martin's production records show 7 D-2s & 2 D-1s built) The D-1 designation was the same as released with the Ditson branded model 111. All Ditson models were mahogany bodies. In 1931 Martin quickly renamed the newly offered model Dreadnoughts as D-18 & D-28 putting them in line with their own long standing specifications. From 1931 through 1936 Martin produced approximately thirty 12-fret D-18s and approximately 40 12-fret herringbone D-28s in addition to the D-1s and D-2s mentioned above. Martin would not built 12-fret Dreadnoughts again for nearly twenty years when limited production of the 12-fret Dreadnought began with 1 or 2 D-28S's until the mid 1960s and the "Folk Scare Era" when the D-18S was reintroduced. In 1966 the D-35S was added to the catalog, in 1969 the D-45S was added and in 1970 the D-41S. Through 1975 or so production of the four S model Dreadnoughts total between 100 to 800 units each year. To this very day 12-fret Dreads rule the acoustic guitar world. You mileage may vary of course. 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@robertforbes6502]

Nice music and very special guitar

[@gam1471]

I take it you meant to say that 14-fret Dreads rule the acoustic guitar world? 🙂

[@hapwichryk]

@@gam1471 No sir the ruling class is always much smaller that the populace. It is the richness of quality that rules. 12 Fret Dreadnoughts rule the acoustic guitar world (period)

[@gam1471]

@@hapwichryk Thanks for the clarification - I did in fact wonder if that's what you had in mind. I've owned a D28S and a D18VS, and enjoyed both.

[@kingcormack8004]

The changeover from banjo to guitar and the whole 14-fret thing is the result of recording technology going from acoustical to electrical and the resulting bandwidth gain that made the cutting brashness of the banjo less essential and the guitar a better choice for rhythm work.

[@claudioa.dmedina2020]

Hey, thanks for the video. Curious about the first song. what is it? Regards from Sweden.

[@kansasblues]

way cool!

[@guyincognito1423]

Even though I just got my first Martin a few months ago, I dont know much about "Martin culture" or people, so I have to ask... Is this guitar: A) Going to a loving home where it will be played, recorded and cherised. B) Be detuned, thrown in a display case of a Hamptons summer home. C) it is no longer a guitar, its a financial asset. If it had its original top, and fretboard, of course it would only be an asset. But something with this many repairs??

[@edyue1]

Where are the other three and are they in better condition?

[@bolillo5013]

Cool

[@jamesabke5851]

What are the names of those two gorgeous songs played during demo?

[@treatb09]

That belongs in the martin museum...

[@dantheman348]

It looks like even that second top has had at least two other pickguards on it before the original or period correct one was put back on

[@hampshirepiano6383]

The tuners are misaligned A&D strings rub on the E an the way to the nut! Or is that the way all are made?

[@Mason_N.]

The sound is surprisingly different it seems but nice and mellow.

[@jimmythefish]

I don’t hear mellow at all - it’s very crisp and more in line with what you’d expect from a 50s straight braced D28.

[@Mason_N.]

@jimmythefish I couldn't put it to words tbh lol but it's definitely sounds different

[@jimmythefish]

@@Mason_N. that it does! Everyone hears different things for sure.

[@pmscalisi]

@@jimmythefish he did say it was retopped probably in the 50's because of the tapered bracing.

[@jimmythefish]

@@pmscalisi yes that was why I said it.

[@chriskrueger1865]

Thank you for sharing such a historical piece so close-up. Man, that first fret slot is cut soooo deep, oops! 😂 😂

[@AchillesWrath1]

How much did it sell for? I'm surprised it was even out there floating around for sale and it wasn't in a museum.

[@guitartec]

Look at all that compensation at the saddle. Hooo wee! Bettcha the low E actually intonates well.

[@hobilica]

Posedujem akustičnu gitaru proizvedenu 1963 godine u potpuno originalnom stanju,dakle sve na njoj je originalno,autentično i zvuči bolje od bilo koje gitare novije generacije. Na gitari piše samo Melody i godina proizvodnje 1963 ,ali ko je proizvodjač i iz koje države potiče nigde nije napisano...volim stare gitare 🎸

[@mojomusica.0169]

Italy. Melody was a division of the Eko guitar company. They made some very cool guitars.

[@guyb7005]

Sooo.... this is a sub-neck + back + sides of a 1934 guitar? still looks cool on this rarity!

[@jimmythefish]

Amazing. Sounds awesome. I hope it goes to someone who will play it and not have it sit in some display case.

[@pmscalisi]

you know its going into a display case.

[@auntjenifer7774]

​@pmscalisi 😂 Jason Momoma bought it and knowing him its getting played .

[@likeakite]

Love these videos..more please?

[@pmscalisi]

I wonder how much someone paid for a 1937 back and sides? its still beautiful.

[@davesinger6526]

Does anyone know what the nut width is on this guitar?

[@thepokerpilotapp]

I was not aware these 30’s versions came with an Ebony truss rod. I thought that came into play during the 40’s and war effort. Who knew?

[@joshuahymer15]

Only certain years had that 34 ///43-45

[@collectiques1]

41 of the first batch in 1934 14th fret D28 had ebony truss rod according to the new Hutton book on Martin. There were no ebony truss rods in 1935.@@joshuahymer15

[@joshuahymer15]

@@collectiques1 thanks Tom. I edited my post. I didn’t know if some of the early 35s where T bar or ebony. You have a couple early don’t you?

[@collectiques1]

@@joshuahymer15 after that first batch of 41 they switched to T rods and kept that until war time. Bar frets were stopped about the same time. I only have one 34 with original bar frets still in it.

[@blonk333]

Ill take two, thanks

[@RyanTipps]

what did it sell for?

[@whitec59]

Anyone know what those demo songs were?

[@Johan82513]

Whar is name of the first demo song? Melody is familiar.

[@stringlocker]

Wow wee

[@ned1621]

How much did it sell for?

[@diegom.1510]

surprised this guitar atill exists 😮

[@DjNikGnashers]

Interesting video and piece of guitar history. Not really impressed with how it sounds, but I guess guitars have come a long way since then, and a custom made luthier guitar from today is always going to sound much better.

[@pmscalisi]

many modern luthiers' guitars tend to be bright sounding this one definitely isn't. its also not tuned to standard pitch.

[@the_undersea_astronauts]

@@pmscalisiwhat’s it tuned to?

[@connorm1817]

Jason Mamoa bought it

[@nikolayberestok9076]

What was the price tag?

[@theshapeexists]

That guitar has MOJO

[@treatb09]

So its not the original spruce top? Imagine someone replacing a strad top...

[@kbraker510]

I’d like to know where that Prototype is….

[@Jonstinn]

Your intro clip makes me drool

[@jeanlawson9133]

I just want to play her....

[@chadkelley]

How much did it sell for??? 😲

[@bewusstsein3527]

200k i guess?

[@robertwilson6144]

“If you have to ask, you can’t afford it…” - Cornelius Vanderbilt

[@chadkelley]

@@robertwilson6144 of course lol I just wanna know. Was it close to $1 million??

[@tylerhurd9569]

@@chadkelleysaw one at 125k a few years back.

[@jayzhou104]

@@chadkelley 40-50

[@JN-North.Guitars]

So its a bit like Triggers broom.

[@sorbine]

빈티지 외관 죽이네요ㅎ 내가 원하던.. 굿

[@markrayner6615]

Hey, thanks for that, an interesting vid. She sure looks like she's been through a few bar-fights.. every kinda ding. crack, split, dent and scratch imaginable! That's one beat-up old geetar, still sounds great though! Can't beat an old Martin i guess, even one that's been through the wars like this one. No mention of who used to own this old gal? Great vid, thanks :))x

[@nycshelbygt500]

#AquamansGuitar #NewVeryOldGuitarDay

[@imannonymous7707]

Great story aww but new board , new top. Kinda sad , but I guess if Nazareth did the repairs. It's still bonafide, it's a survivor

[@dukeviking]

Aqua-man bought it!

[@jaked3459]

You can’t call that a 1934 D-28 when it’s top has been completely replaced.

[@gam1471]

An interesting comment. Thinking about it, I'm willing to bet that most guitars of this age have had some repair work done if they've been played and well-used over the years - for example, choose from a new bridge, fingerboard, or top; maybe all of these! Then possibly new tuners, perhaps a neck reset, cleats to repair cracks, finish touch-ups - maybe even replacement of a badly damaged side; the list goes on. The sale price would usually depend on just how much of the guitar is original. Certainly a replaced top will devalue it, as will refinishing. At its core, it's still a 1934 Martin. Consider the world of classic automobiles. To keep these on the road, maintenance and repair are needed - some major work with extensive use of new bodywork panels, some minor. Whatever, a Ferrari 250 GTO for example will always be a 250 GTO provided that it can be proven that it started life as such and isn't a replica - there's an old joke about there being more AC Cobras on the road than ever left the factory!

[@tylerhurd9569]

I would say it’s as close to original as it will get. These guitars had pretty light braces in them when they first came out, probably the reason for replacing the top.

[@cripmeister9104]

So this guitar was, what today is referred to as, a lemon??

[@Hd28cw]

How much $$$$

[@mikesmith7107]

So it was sold to Aquaman for 100k?!?? 'guitar (55676) was the first PRODUCTION 14-fret D-28, which came after the apparent success of the prototype..' Anybody else smell a mole?

[@mikesmith7107]

initially bought for 30k and sold to Aquaman for 100k! Talk about ripping someone a new one! Geesh! GREED is well and alive in America! God help us all!

[@iwokeupthismorning2]

Strings are not old enough though

[@MartinSmith]

SOLD to Jason Momoa 🤟‼

[@crazycat1345]

Typical Martin. You buy it new and then have to send it back many times for repairs. Mine broke in two after 6 months. The top side split in half, it was a D28 modern deluxe.

[@dalgguitars]

Looks like it needs a neck reset.

[@treatb09]

Someone scratched the logo cause its not real anymore. 😂

[@sgt.gruhnn]

Im not saying it doesn’t sound decent, put if you played this alongside 4 other 1800.00 dollar guitars built this year, ifo 10 blind folded listeners, I don’t think most could pick it out

[@TempoDrift1480]

Sure, most people couldn't tell the difference between a guitar and a bass. This isn't the kind of guitar you take to a bar where Brittney and Tiff ooh and aaah about how much better it sounds than Branson's guitar last night. That's not the point of this guitar. The point of this guitar is that it's old and it's survived and it's a piece of history. This guitar is for the private shows that people attend specifically to hear it. Not to hear a 10 year old Martin. I now feel kind of dumb explaining this as it seems like it would be common sense.

[@gcvincent3989]

Most people have a tendency to be tone deaf.

[@christianlacheze3323]

The difference is obvious. Even re-topped, this thing sounds wonderful.